The growing popularity of facial tools has transformed the beauty industry, with few products contributing more visibly to this change than the gua sha. Once exclusively associated with traditional wellness practices, it has become a global skincare essential and, as its popularity has grown, greater scrutiny has been placed on the manufacturing process of each tool. The manufacturing process behind every polished surface and ergonomic curve determines the tool's safety, durability and performance on the skin.
If you're a beauty brand, selecting the right gua sha manufacturer is a strategic step that defines the quality of the materials used, the user experience and the product's perceived value.
Read on to find out what defines a reliable gua sha manufacturer, what materials and processes are involved and what standards ensure that each tool meets the expectations of today’s consumers and professionals.
A gua sha tool is a smooth, flat handheld instrument traditionally carved from stone and used to massage the skin through gentle, gliding movements.
Its origins lie in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where similar tools were used to stimulate circulation and relieve tension. In recent years, this practice has evolved into a popular modern skincare ritual. Today, gua sha tools are used to sculpt facial contours, reduce puffiness, relieve tension and enhance the skin's natural radiance.
Selecting the appropriate material is one of the most critical decisions in gua sha manufacturing. The material affects how the tool feels on the skin, how smoothly it glides, its durability over time and its consistency across multiple batches. Materials also influence weight, temperature retention, resistance to breakage and the overall user experience, all of which are key factors in defining product quality in the competitive skincare market.
Professional gua sha manufacturers therefore work with materials that are safe for skin contact and structurally reliable, selecting options that can be shaped, polished and finished without compromising comfort or performance.
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Most traditional gua sha tools are made from natural stones, such as jade, rose quartz and amethyst. In professional manufacturing, the quality of these tools depends heavily on the stone's grade, the absence of visible cracks or impurities and the precision of the cutting process.
Higher-grade stones that are correctly cut and polished offer a smoother glide on the skin and a more consistent appearance from one batch to another.
Thanks to its natural warmth, lightweight feel and ability to be shaped with remarkable precision, wood is increasingly being used for gua sha tools. Manufacturers favour high-density hardwoods such as beech, ash and maple because they enable the creation of smooth, ergonomic edges that glide comfortably over the skin. To ensure optimal performance and safety, wooden gua shas require meticulous sanding, polishing and sealing to keep the surface stable, non-porous and pleasant to use over time.
When crafted with the right finishing techniques, wood provides an alternative that is both tactile and distinctive, combining aesthetics, comfort and responsible sourcing, making it a compelling option for brands seeking a natural, design-driven beauty tool.
Stainless steel gua sha tools have become increasingly common, particularly in professional and clinical skincare settings. They are valued for their durability, ease of cleaning and resistance to breakage. When finished correctly, stainless steel tools can have a very smooth surface with precise edges, making them suitable for both home and professional use.
In response to growing sustainability expectations, some manufacturers are exploring alternatives such as recycled glass or biobased polymers. These materials are chosen to reduce environmental impact while still offering a smooth, stable surface that is suitable for facial massage. Their performance depends on careful formulation and finishing to ensure they remain safe and comfortable in contact with the skin.
Regardless of the material used, professional gua sha tool manufacturers should be able to provide documentation demonstrating traceability and compliance with relevant safety standards, particularly for products intended for repeated skin contact. This information usually includes details of the composition, any potential impurities, the coatings or dyes used and adherence to the applicable chemical and product safety regulations in the markets where the tools will be sold.
The production of a high-quality gua sha tool begins with the selection of the appropriate material, such as natural stone, wood, stainless steel, recycled glass or a bio-based composite and the verification of its suitability for skin contact, durability and shaping.
Once approved, the material is cut into rough forms before the outline is refined through detailed shaping. This stage is crucial as it determines the tool's ergonomics, grip comfort and smoothness of each edge.
Skilled polishing then follows, often in multiple cycles, to achieve a perfectly even, non-abrasive surface that glides gently over the skin without creating friction or irritation. Throughout the process, visual and mechanical inspections are carried out to check for cracks, uneven edging, surface imperfections and colour inconsistencies, ensuring that each piece meets the expected standards of performance and appearance. Only the tools that pass these checks move forward to the packaging stage, enabling brands to deliver gua sha tools that feel refined, safe and reliable from the first use through to long-term application.
Customisation is essential for beauty brands looking to create a gua sha that reflects their identity and stands out in the market. Professional manufacturers offer customisable features that improve the tool's functionality, appearance and brand recognition, making each one feel premium and unique. Some of the options are:
Ultimately, choosing a gua sha manufacturer is about selecting the kind of product experience you want your brand to deliver. The best partners combine material expertise and reliable production standards with the ability to translate design ideas into tools that feel intentional on the skin. When assessing a supplier, it’s worth looking beyond catalogues. How do they source and certify their materials? Can they ensure consistent shaping and finishing across batches? Are they organised in a way that supports both testing phases and long-term scalability?
This is where Minelli Group has a clear advantage. With decades of experience working with wood and precision manufacturing, the company knows how to transform raw materials into tactile, refined products. Through its beauty division, mPackting, Minelli Group can support brands in developing custom gua sha tools that balance performance and responsible production, from the initial design to the finished, packaged product.
If you require a beauty tool that demands craftsmanship and consistency and a partner capable of elevating the entire process, mPackting is ready to work with you.
Ready to develop a custom gua sha tool that reflects your brand’s standards? Let’s design it together.
Explore what’s possible with mPackting.