In an era when face rollers and gua sha tools abound (case in point: even Chanel just added a stunning red version of the latter to its camellia-centric No.1 skincare range), it takes some effort and ingenuity to put a fresh spin on the firmly entrenched category. 

Enter the LED-powered offerings of Mount Lai, an eight-year-old indie rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that was founded by holistic esthetician Stephanie Zheng. Within its premium Vitality Qi franchise, the brand launched an LED gua sha in 2023. The sequel, Vitality Qi Advanced Scalp Massager, is rolling out now. Both priced at $145, they up the ante on standard self-care.

“The Vitality Qi LED tools are the result of years of innovation and a natural evolution of our mission to merge ancient rituals with cutting-edge technology,” said Zheng. “From the start, we were committed to honoring Traditional Chinese Medicine while pushing the boundaries of what modern advancements could bring to these time-honored practices.” 

The big leap forward, per Zheng, is the incorporation of heat. “Heat has always been central to TCM, supporting balance and circulation,” she noted. “We worked closely with a TCM practitioner to refine iterations—getting tons of feedback from people testing the products—and created tools that don’t just incorporate new technology; they enhance the tradition in a meaningful way.” 

Mount Lai seeks to translate the gua sha and facial roller knowledge Zheng has gleaned from her grandmother, a lifelong practitioner of traditional Chinese beauty rituals who can be spotted in adorable videos on the brand’s social media.  

“One of the biggest challenges was introducing TCM to a modern skincare audience in a way that felt both authentic and approachable,” said Zheng. “TCM has been around for thousands of years, but in the American skincare market, where trends move fast and innovation is often tech-driven, it was important to educate without overwhelming.”

To achieve this, Zheng said the chief goal was to make gua sha easy to incorporate into one’s everyday routine.

“We focused on clear, accessible education, showing people that tools like gua sha and facial rollers aren’t just beautiful but also incredibly effective when used consistently,” noted Zheng. “By blending tradition with modern skincare needs, we made TCM-based rituals something that anyone, regardless of their background, could feel confident using.”

Another make-it-easy technique Mount Lai has deployed is bundling tools with its liquid skincare products, such as Calming Herbal Repair Serum Concentrate Balm or Brightening Berry Vitamin C Facial Oil, which provide the slip needed for effective facial lymphatic drainage massage.

“A lot of people are just getting into gua sha when they shop with us and it’s easier to buy a two-step routine since you need a lightweight oil or balm to properly use a gua sha tool,” said Zheng. “Our Stainless Steel Ritual Bundle is most popular, and we also offer sets with mini travel sizes of our hero skincare products.”

Crafted in small batches in the US, Mount Lai’s tightly edited range of gua sha-friendly balms, mists, and oils was developed in collaboration with a cosmetic chemist and features what Zheng considers “TCM ingredients.” Often indigenous to China or other parts of Asia, these include tremella mushroom, purple gromwell root, goji berry, and astragalus root. 

The extensive range of manual tools, which includes the De-Puffing Facial Roller, De-Puffing Eye Massage Tool, Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool, Acupressure Gua Sha Spoon, Tension Melting Massager for Face & Neck, and Eye Mask are the primary way into the brand, and Mount Lai offers them in a wide variety of stones as well as the aforementioned stainless steel. 

There’s even a “Shop by Stone” section on the website, featuring a list that includes green and white jade, rose quartz, amethyst, and black obsidian.

“In TCM, each stone carries unique benefits, not just for the skin, but for the whole self,” said Zheng. “We offer a variety so everyone can choose what resonates with them. Jade balances and heals, rose quartz promotes self-love, and amethyst calms and relieves tension. Skincare is personal, and our tools let you create a ritual that supports both your skin and well-being.” 

Asked what she considers the “sleeper” stone of the bunch, Zheng didn’t have to think twice. “Absolutely white jade,” she said. “It’s quiet luxury—elegant and packed with benefits. While most people know about traditional jade, white is great when it comes to calming energy, healing, and clarity. It’s amazing for stress relief, balance, and promoting glowing, refreshed skin through circulation and lymphatic drainage. If more people knew about its calming benefits, it would definitely be a go-to.”

Not surprisingly, white jade plays a starring role in the Vitality Qi LED gua sha and scalp massager. And once Mount Lai customers are comfortable with using some type of manual gua sha or other massage tool, Zheng expects they’ll want to add an LED device to their arsenal. 

“Think of our tools as a way of building your arsenal for at home self-care and beauty rituals,” said Zheng, “just as you would do in creating a routine with skincare or even makeup brushes.” 

After making its debut as a DTC brand, Mount Lai has been adding retail partners at a steady clip, both domestically and internationally.

In the US, the roster includes Credo Beauty, The Detox Market, Terrain, Thrive Market, and Bloomingdale's, and Zheng sees potential in boutique retailers, luxury spas, and wellness concept stores throughout the country.

“In 2025, we are also expanding our presence and business in the Asian and Australian markets, with Sephora Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as India where we have beautiful dedicated planograms,” said Zheng. “We’re also looking at expanding in the Middle East Region, which already has a strong consumer base.”

But as always for Mount Lai, it all circles back to a 21st century spin on TCM.

“As innovations like red LED continue to advance, our goal is to evolve with them,” said Zheng, “thoughtfully integrating modern science while staying true to the essence of gua sha.”