What to Buy Skincare Products The 8 Best Face Rollers of 2023 With its high-quality stone and subtle massage spikes, the Free + True Sodalite Face Roller is our top pick By Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD Lauren Manaker is an award-winning registered dietitian, book author, speaker, and entrepreneur. She has been practicing dietetics since 2004, and has worked in a wide variety of settings. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida, a master's degree in clinical nutrition from Rush University, and she completed her dietetic internship through the Rush University Medical Center system in Chicago. Lauren has been featured in a wide variety of media outlets, including Verywell Fit, Health and SHAPE, and is a regular contributor to EatingWell, VeryWell Health, and many more outlets, while also being a member of the Medical Review Board for Eat This, Not That. Lauren lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband and young daughter. They take advantage of everything the Lowcountry has to offer, and they are always up for an oyster roast or a sunset cruise around the Charleston harbor. health's editorial guidelines Updated on April 3, 2023 Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Medically reviewed by Leah Ansell, MD Leah Ansell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Columbia University. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Know How It Works Why You Should Use One How to Use It Expect to Pay Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Reese Herrington Face rollers provide an inexpensive and spa-like experience, all in the comfort of your home. As the name implies, face rollers have a smooth, round stone that is used to gently massage your face. They’re usually made from stones like jade, amethyst, or quartz. We asked Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, how to use this simple tool most effectively. Camp says all you need to do is slide the facial roller upward and outward toward your temples and ears with gentle pressure. This mini-massage experience doesn’t just feel amazing—it also aids in the drainage of your lymphatic system. Claire O'Bryan, NP, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and co-founder of the Skin Clique, explains that manual pressure can relieve swelling in the groupings of nodes that surround your face. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder face rollers have become such a popular addition to self-care routines. Based on interviews with experts, we sorted through the many face rollers available to purchase, targeting those that are easy to clean and made with real stones. We also focused on rollers that have consistently high reviews, quality construction, and affordable prices in order to bring you our top picks for 2023. A board-certified dermatologist on our Medical Expert Board then reviewed this article for medical and scientific accuracy surrounding what to look for in face rollers, how to use them, and what they do. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Free + True Sodalite Blue Stone Spiked Roller at Freeandtrueskincare.com Jump to Review Best Jade Roller: Matykos Premium Certified Jade Roller at Amazon Jump to Review Best Amethyst Roller: Mount Lai Amethyst Facial Roller at Amazon Jump to Review Best Quartz Roller: Beauty by Earth Rose Quartz Face Roller at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cooling: The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller at Shopskinnyconfidential.com Jump to Review Best Stainless Steel: Velvette Ice Globes for Face at Amazon Jump to Review Best Vibrating: Angela Caglia Vibrating Rose Quartz at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Pacifica Crystal Wand Rose Quartz Facial Roller at Pacificabeauty.com Jump to Review Best Overall Free + True Sodalite Blue Stone Spiked Roller Free + True View On Freeandtrueskincare.com Why We Like It The spikes promote just the right amount of pressure needed to relax facial muscles and improve circulation. It’s Worth Noting The roller isn't widely available online. This roller from Free + True is durable, attractive, and effective. The spikes on the roller provide just the right amount of pressure needed to relax your facial muscles and boost circulation in your skin. The manufacturers guarantee that each roller is made with 100 percent genuine blue sodalite crystal. All Free + True products are made in California and tested by a team of estheticians. This particular roller isn’t available on larger websites like Amazon, so depending on where you live, it might not be as accessible as other widely available rollers. The roller also only comes in one size option, which may be a drawback if you prefer a double roller. Price at time of publication: $49 Product Details: Material: Blue sodalite Product Dimensions: Approximately 5.5 x 2.2 x 1.5 inches Best Jade Roller Matykos Premium Certified Jade Roller Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It The set includes a gua sha stone and two rollers. It’s Worth Noting The roller is made from a softer type of jade than rollers made with nephrite jade. Matykos Jade Roller Set comes with a dual-ended roller, gua sha stone, and a second facial roller with gentle spikes. The zinc alloy frame is rust-resistant, and each kit comes with a jade stone quality certificate to ensure that the stone is genuine. We like that the company that makes this roller prioritizes cruelty-free practices. If you are new to jade rollers, you may not be aware that there are different varieties of jade. One of the softer and less expensive types is serpentine, which is the type of jade used in these rollers. Serpentine is perfectly fine for a facial roller and also offers good quality for the price, but if you are seeking the metaphysical benefits of nephrite jade, this roller isn’t the best choice. Price at time of publication: $19 Product Details: Material: Serpentine jadeProduct Dimensions: 4.69 x 1.18 x 0.39 inches; 9.92 ounces Best Amethyst Roller Mount Lai Amethyst Facial Roller Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It The roller is beautifully handcrafted from pure amethyst. It’s Worth Noting The handle breaks easily, so handle it with care. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), amethyst crystals are thought to have healing powers, including immune system support. Studies have yet to substantiate these claims, but this roller from Mount Lai may have a significant effect on facial circulation and inflammation. Mount Lai’s products are formulated in collaboration with TCM practitioners, and the brand has committed to being carbon neutral. The amethysts are not artificially dyed or treated in any way that affects their color. The cost of this roller is slightly higher than other standard rollers. Also, keep in mind that since each roller is handcrafted out of natural stone, the color and pattern won’t look exactly like what you see in product photos. The handle is on the fragile side, so be careful not to drop it. Price at time of publication: $46 Product Details: Material: AmethystProduct Dimensions: 7.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches; 1.45 pounds Best Quartz Roller Beauty by Earth Rose Quartz Face Roller Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It This roller is very easy to clean. It’s Worth Noting The stone is can be replaced in the holder easily. This quartz face massager roller is made of stone mined in Brazil. It features an ergonomic, squeak-free handle and is made from true quartz, which makes it easy to clean. It’s available in either pink or green, with a large roller on one side intended for the face and neck and a smaller roller on the other end that is great for rolling around the eyes. This roller is a tad more expensive than other quartz rollers, but since it is made with true quartz, it may be worth the investment. The roller comes out of the holder easily if you apply too much pressure, but that feature makes it easy to clean, and you can simply pop the stone back in. Price at time of publication: $30 Product Details: Material: Rose quartzProduct Dimensions: 6.89 x 3.31 x 1.26 inches; 5.93 ounces Best Cooling The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller The Skinny Confidential View On Shopskinnyconfidential.com Why We Like It The aluminum gets cold very quickly. It’s Worth Noting This roller is larger than some other options. If you are a fan of cryotherapy, this is the roller for you. It’s made of aluminum, which gets cold quickly and stays that way for a significant amount of time. It rolls quietly and smoothly across your face, and the cooling roller is a solid defense against puffiness and swelling. If you like having pretty tools in your bathroom, the pink color and trendy design make this roller hard to pass up. The roller is larger than other options, allowing you to cover more surface area. If you’re looking for a slimmer option, the Mount Lai Amethyst roller might be a better pick. Some people may find the roller a bit too cold if it's cooled in the freezer, but storing it in the fridge instead created just the right level of coldness. Price at time of publication: $69 Product Details: Material: AluminumDimensions: N/A Best Stainless Steel Velvette Ice Globes for Face Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It The rollers are durable and stay cold for a long time. It’s Worth Noting The globes get very cold and even frosty, so you might want to let them thaw a bit before using them. Unlike some cryotherapy rollers that are made of glass, Velvette's ice globes are made of shatterproof stainless steel. They are durable, stay cold for a long time, and are easy to use. The oval-shaped ice ball design allows smooth gliding over your eyes and neck. Like the Hot Mess roller, the globes are larger than typical face rollers, making them ideal for people who want more surface area. These rollers have a lifetime guarantee, and the non-slip handles allow for comfortable handling that prevents your hands from freezing. Keep in mind the globes do get very cold and may even develop some frost. Price at time of publication: $40 Product Details: Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 7.48 x 4.72 x 2.17 inches Best Vibrating Angela Caglia Vibrating Rose Quartz Amazon View On Amazon Why We Like It The vibration provides amazing results against fine lines and wrinkles. It’s Worth Noting The roller is battery-operated and not as easy to clean as other rollers. This roller is designed by well-known skin expert Angela Caglia. It features 6,000 sonic vibrations per minute and is handcrafted from the highest-grade rose quartz, which is ethically sourced in Brazil. Although data is limited, some evidence suggests that applying vibrations to the face may increase the production of collagen, potentially reducing fine lines and wrinkles. More research is needed, but in the meantime, there doesn’t appear to be any risk when incorporating this practice. This roller has all the bells and whistles and is the biggest splurge on our list. The almost $200 price tag is certainly an investment, but if you’ve tried face rollers before and seen success, you won’t be disappointed. Take note that this roller cannot be submerged in water, so be sure to read the cleaning instructions thoroughly. Price at time of publication: $195 Product Details: Material: QuartzDimensions: 9.25 x 5.75 x 1.93 inches; 8.82 ounces Best Budget Pacifica Crystal Wand Rose Quartz Facial Roller Pacifica View On Pacificabeauty.com Why We Like It This two-sided roller provides all-over facial relaxation at an affordable price. It’s Worth Noting It may fall apart easily after regular use. A quality roller that costs less than $20 should be a winner in everyone’s book. This roller from Pacifica is made with rose quartz, with an attractive white and gold handle. It is a two-sided roller that allows for deep massage on both larger and smaller parts of the face. Although this roller provides immediate results, the plastic handle may fall apart with regular use and can be difficult to reassemble. This product is a good choice for those who are new to facial rollers and looking for a great entry-level product. Price at Time of Publication: $19 Product Details: Material: Rose quartzDimensions: 6.81 x 3.19 x 1.06 inches; 2.89 ounces How We Selected the Best Face Rollers To determine the best face rollers, we spoke with dermatologists and other skin health experts about the differences between various options. Based on their advice, we prioritized rollers that are durable, easy to clean, and use natural stones instead of synthetic options. We offered a range of face rollers so you can find one that best meets your needs—and your budget. The experts we interviewed include: Claire O'Bryan, NP, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and co-founder of the Skin Clique Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City Dr. Alpana Mohta, MBBS, MD, DNB, board-certified dermatologist at BetterGoods.org What to Know About Face Rollers To find the best face roller for you, you first need to identify what you are trying to accomplish by using one of these tools. For a cooling effect to combat puffiness, a sunburn, or a migraine, a face roller that can be chilled would be your best bet. If you want to apply serums, a smaller roller would be better and waste less product. How Face Rollers Work Face rollers work by allowing a stone, metal, or other material to roll onto the face and neck. While designs may vary, most rollers use an oval stone that is smoothed and has a hole drilled through the middle. The handle holds the stone in place and allows it to roll smoothly over the face and neck. Why You Should Use a Face Roller Using a face roller is a low-risk way to achieve a variety of health benefits, including migraine relief and lymphatic drainage. While using a face roller will not guarantee results for everyone, some people may experience improved absorption of skincare products, reduced puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, and increased facial circulation. Face rollers may also help support lymphatic drainage, says O’Bryan, noting they are especially beneficial if you suffer from facial swelling due to seasonal allergies. She also explained that sinus and migraine pain sufferers may find relief from the pressure of a facial roller. Alpana Mohta, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, explains face rollers can stimulate collagen production, improve absorption of skincare products, reduce puffiness and dark circles around your eyes, and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They may also reduce the appearance of redness and inflammation associated with rosacea and eczema. Additionally, she says using a chilled face roller could help relieve the pain of a mild sunburn. While more data is needed to determine whether face rollers offer a clinical benefit, the current evidence suggests they're worth trying. One small study showed that using a roller for five minutes every day for five weeks resulted in a short-term increase in blood flow for at least 10 minutes after use. In another study, using a facial roller resulted in better skin texture and less neck sagging compared to not using a face roller. How to Use a Face Roller When using a face roller, it is important to remember that the goal is to push fluid toward the outside of your face. Because of this, an upward, sweeping motion should be used. The first step is to apply a face oil, serum, moisturizer, or other product that allows the roller to easily glide along your face. Beginning with your neck, roll the roller upward, and once you get to the top of your neck, lift the roller and start the rolling process again. Once you finish your neck rolling, move to the jawline. Roll the roller from the jaw to the cheekbone and repeat while avoiding moving the roller back and forth. To roll your forehead, use the tool from your eyebrows to your hairline, avoiding rolling downward once you reach the top. Repeat the motion, only moving upward. Finally, roll horizontally over your eyebrows. Once you are finished rolling, clean the roller according to the manufacturer instructions and let it dry. How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a Face Roller Face rollers can range in price from as little as $5 to over $200. Many great options are available in a reasonable price range, as well as higher-end rollers with special features like precious stones, vibration, or cooling effects. Your Questions, Answered What do face rollers do? Face rollers may improve lymphatic drainage, stimulate blood flow to the face, increase the absorption of skincare products, reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, and relieve migraine pain. How do I know what type of face roller is best for me? To determine which face roller is right for you, you should first consider your desired results. Are you trying to experience a relaxing facial massage? Do you want to reduce puffiness in your face? From there, you can navigate which roller is best for you. For example, rollers that vibrate may be best for those who want to promote circulation, while stainless steel options may be best for people who want to reduce puffiness or are prone to dropping their tools and don’t want to run the risk of breakage. Some people choose their roller based on which stone is used on the tool, says Camp. For example, rose quartz is often thought to help relieve stress and reduce negative energy. Other stones like amethyst are linked to decreased inflammation and improved circulation. How do I keep my face roller clean? Washing a face roller regularly can prevent bacterial growth. To clean your roller, simply wash the roller with a gentle soap for 15-30 seconds and rinse with water. Once you are finished washing it, allow it to dry until it is ready to be used again. Keep in mind that some face rollers (such as the Angela Caglia vibrating roller listed above) should not be submerged in water, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before you clean your roller for the first time. Who We Are Lauren Manaker MS, RDN, LD, is an award-winning registered dietitian, freelance writer, and author. She earned her master’s degree from Rush University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. She enjoys helping people understand complex health-related information in an approachable way. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 4 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Caberlotto E, Ruiz L, Miller Z, Poletti M, Tadlock L. Effects of a skin-massaging device on the ex-vivo expression of human dermis proteins and in-vivo facial wrinkles. PLoS One. 2017;12(3):e0172624. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0172624 Mihara M, Hayashi Y, Hara H, Iida T. Early lymph-drainage massage using a cosmetic roller after lymphatico-venous anastomosis compared to manual lymph drainage: A case report. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2011;64(12):1709-1711. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2011.05.013 Ucler S, Coskun O, Inan LE, Kanatli Y. Cold therapy in migraine patients: open-label, non-controlled, pilot study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2006;3(4):489-493. doi:10.1093/ecam/nel035 Miyaji A, Sugimori K, Hayashi N. Short- and long-term effects of using a facial massage roller on facial skin blood flow and vascular reactivity. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:271-276. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2018.09.009