Gua Sha has been utilized for centuries as a powerful practice for promoting circulation, lymphatic drainage, easing muscle tension, and enhancing overall well-being. But the secret to truly unlocking its benefits lies in the often-overlooked element: the oil. When it comes to finding the perfect medium for this facial technique, Ora's Amazing Herbal Magic Face Potion and Calendula Oil stand out as the superior choice.

How would I know this?  I’m Dorothy, a massage therapist, acupuncturist, herbalist and former customer service rep with Ora’s Amazing Herbal. I have used MANY skincare products over the span of my 16+ years of experience and I can say that Ora’s products are my favorite to use for myself and my clients.

What to Avoid in a Gua Sha Oil

Gua Sha (using a smooth-edged tool to stroke the skin) requires a lubricant to ensure a smooth, comfortable glide. An effective herbal face oil minimizes friction, preventing irritation, while allowing the tool to move deep into the tissue layers.

Avoid using water-based products, such as creams and lotions, for your gua sha routine. These products contain chemical additives like parabens and emulsifiers.

Parabens act as preservatives to extend a product's shelf life, but are known to disrupt hormones and have been linked in studies to breast cancer. Scientists have discovered the cellular mechanism by which parabens promote the abnormal growth of cells. 

Emulsifiers are chemicals used to combine water and oil. When applied to the skin, they can cause irritation, dryness, and disrupt the skin's natural barrier. This study highlights the often-underreported issue of contact dermatitis stemming from emulsifiers, suggesting it's a more widespread problem than commonly acknowledged. I stopped using the leading lotions and creams in my massage therapy practice because the emulsifiers often caused my fingertips to become dry and peel. My skin's condition improved once I made the switch to using oil-based products.

I also advise against using beef tallow products as a gua sha oil. As a massage therapist, I've observed clients whose skin reacted negatively to beef tallow, resulting in a sunburn-like appearance. It can also lead to clogged pores, skin irritation, and other reactions, especially if you have sensitivities to beef protein. If you have been diagnosed with Alpha-gal syndrome, you must avoid using any beef tallow in your skincare regimen.

What Makes Ora's Amazing Herbal Products the Best Face Oil For Gua Sha?

Ora's Amazing Herbal Calendula Oil and Magic Face Potion are meticulously crafted with ingredients that are both pure and potent, making it ideal for the deep work of Gua Sha facial massage.

1. The Perfect Viscosity for Slip and Grip

The consistency of the face oil for gua sha is critical. If it's too thin, you lose the necessary "grip" for the gua sha tool; if it's too thick, the process becomes messy and too sticky. The wrong oil may also cause breakouts and inflammation. 

For example: Some people ask me whether they should use castor oil on their face.  Castor oil is VERY thick and sticky and is not recommended for gua sha. I love castor oil for so many other things, just not my face.

My top choice for gua sha massage is grapeseed oil. It's quickly absorbed, non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), and provides excellent glide. I recommend Ora’s Amazing Herbal Calendula Oil for this, as it features cold-pressed, solvent-free, non-GMO, premium Italian grapeseed oil that has been infused with calendula flowers and licorice root—ingredients known to help reduce inflammation and support healthy skin. Ora's Calendula Oil hits the sweet spot texturally—providing an effortless, long-lasting slip for comfortable gliding, while maintaining enough grip so the gua sha tool doesn’t slide out of your hand.

My other recommendation is Ora’s Magic Face Potion serum, which also contains herbal infused grapeseed oil. This face serum provides extra botanicals to help soothe inflammation, promote healthy cell turnover, reduce aging, and strengthen and repair the skin barrier, while being a perfect viscosity for using with gua sha tools.

2. Clean, Safe, and Nourishing Ingredients

Many commercial oils contain synthetic fragrances, fillers, or mineral oils that can clog pores or irritate the skin—especially during the deep circulation stimulation of Gua Sha facial massage. Ora's commitment to using only clean ingredients is what sets it apart.

Ora’s herbal face oils are infused with nourishing botanicals that moisturize the skin while you work, turning your gua sha routine into an intense moisturizing treatment.

3. A Focus on Skin Integrity

The ingredients are specifically chosen to support the skin's barrier function. Post gua sha, the skin can sometimes be sensitive (leading to temporary redness, known as petechiae or sha). The gentle, soothing formulation of Ora’s herbal face oils helps maintain the skin's comfort, making the healing process more pleasant and rapid.

The Magic Face Potion Face Serum helps promote healthy skin cells thanks to its botanical blend of clean, natural ingredients. This herbal face oil blend also provides both anti-aging and texture-improving power of natural retinoids plus the strong, hydrated barrier from ceramides for a truly healthy and hydrated complexion.

The Calendula Oil has solvent-free, cold pressed, non-GMO premium Italian grapeseed oil that is infused with calendula and licorice root. Both of these herbs help reduce inflammation, keep the skin moisturized, and promote healing post gua sha. 

How to Integrate Ora's Herbal Face Oils into Your Routine

To experience the full benefit of your gua sha facial session, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare the Area: Use a washcloth to wipe down your face. Make sure your skin is free of makeup or any residue. You want the skin to be slightly moist. Apply one pump of Ora's Amazing Herbal Calendula Oil mixed with 4 drops of the Magic Face Potion Serum to the target areas (e.g., around the face and neck areas). Ensure the skin is saturated but not to the point that oil is dripping or there is too much glide with the gua sha roller or tool.

2. Perform Gua Sha: Use your tools with confidence, knowing the oil will provide the perfect friction-free movement. For clear, easy-to-follow instructions, click here to watch one of my favorite YouTube tutorials!

3. Post-Treatment Care: There is no need to wash the oil off immediately! Allow the nourishing ingredients time to fully absorb. The calming and non-greasy formula leaves your skin soft and supple, extending the benefits of the treatment.

Embrace a holistic approach to your wellness routine. By choosing Ora's Amazing Herbal Calendula Oil and Magic Face Potion you are not just selecting a lubricant, but upgrading your entire gua sha routine. Discover the difference that a pure, high-quality, herbal face oil can make in achieving profound relaxation and therapeutic results.

About the Author: Dorothy Miguel is a licensed massage therapist, certified Chinese herbalist, and Chinese medicine specialist. She graduated from Myotherapy College of Utah in 2010, then got her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Academy for Five Element Medicine. As a mom of two kids with special needs, she is passionate about helping busy moms recharge their internal batteries and become more resilient to stress.