Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder? Scientific studies reveal universal traits – like symmetry, proportion, and skin quality – that influence how we perceive attractiveness.
What makes a face attractive? Is beauty truly in the eye of the beholder, or is there a scientific formula that determines facial appeal?
While personal preferences vary, research suggests that certain universal traits influence our perception of attractiveness. From symmetry to facial proportions, scientific studies have uncovered patterns that shape our understanding of beauty.
Symmetry – A Sign of Health and Genetic Fitness
One of the most well-documented factors in facial attractiveness is symmetry. Research shows that people generally find symmetrical faces more appealing. In medical fields like craniomaxillofacial surgery, achieving facial balance is key in reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
A study examining the Malay population found that none of the 30 photographed subjects had a perfectly symmetrical face, but 91.2% of assessors preferred manipulated images where facial symmetry was enhanced. The asymmetry index (AI) in the study showed that small degrees of facial imbalance are natural, yet more symmetrical faces were overwhelmingly rated as more attractive.
This suggests that while perfect symmetry is rare, the perception of balance plays a big role in attractiveness.
This preference is thought to be an evolutionary signal of good health and genetic stability. Symmetry reflects a well-developed facial structure, free from abnormalities that might indicate genetic mutations or environmental stressors.
The Golden Ratio Proportions
The concept of the Golden Ratio (approximately 1.618:1) has long been associated with aesthetic appeal. A study published in Scientific Reports explored the relationship between facial proportions and attractiveness, highlighting how specific measurements, such as the ratio of facial width to height, can influence perceived beauty. Faces that align with this mathematical ratio tend to be regarded as more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.
Research suggests that the Golden Ratio is more than just an arbitrary number – it is a proportion found in many naturally occurring and aesthetically pleasing forms, from nature to classical art.
The study found that various facial proportions, such as the trichion (hairline) to menton (chin) and nasion (bridge of the nose) to menton, often approximate the Golden Ratio in individuals perceived as attractive.
While no face is perfectly proportioned, small deviations still maintain an appealing balance.
Fun fact: Using modern digital face-mapping technology created by Dr. Julian De Silva, a cosmetic surgeon from Harley Street, it was found that actress Jodie Comer’s face is 94.52% close to the Golden Ratio.
That said, traditional beauty standards like the Golden Ratio were developed based on Caucasian features – typically favoring narrow faces and prominent cheekbones.
These ideals do not always align with Asian beauty preferences. Many Asians have softer, rounder facial structures, and in places like Korea, youthful and subtly contoured faces are often preferred.
This highlights the importance of considering cultural and regional differences when assessing facial aesthetics.
Averageness: Beauty in Familiarity
It may sound surprising, but average-looking faces are often considered the most attractive. Research found that composite faces, created by blending multiple individual faces together, are often rated as more attractive than any single face within the set.
This suggests that the more a face represents the average features of a population, the more appealing it becomes.
Why? Scientists think average faces represent a mix of genetic traits, which could be an evolutionary sign of diversity and health.
Skin Quality and Facial Youthfulness
Smooth, clear skin is a major factor in how attractive a face looks.
Studies found that skin quality and textures significantly impacts how faces are judged, with even complexion and youthful appearance enhancing appeal.
A study published in Cognitive Neurodynamics by China researchers proposed an evaluation system that integrates facial shape, structural features, and skin texture to assess attractiveness. They found that incorporating skin texture – which reflects aspects like age, wrinkles, and health – enhanced the accuracy of attractiveness assessments.
This preference likely stems from evolutionary cues, with smooth, clear skin indicating health, fertility, and vitality.
In today’s world, social media and photo editing apps have heightened the obsession with flawless skin. The constant exposure to airbrushed and filtered faces sets unrealistic beauty standards, pushing many people toward skincare treatments and cosmetic procedures in pursuit of a “perfect” look.
Sexual Dimorphism: Masculine and Feminine Traits
Sexual dimorphism refers to the physical differences between male and female faces, and research shows this plays a big role in attraction.
- Feminine features like large eyes, high cheekbones, and a smaller chin are often seen as attractive in women, likely due to links to oestrogen levels and fertility.
- Masculine features like a strong jawline, pronounced brow ridge, and defined cheekbones are associated with higher testosterone levels and strength, making them attractive in men.
Research also suggests that men with higher testosterone levels are more drawn to feminine female faces, particularly when they are in competitive situations or perceive themselves as attractive.
That said, preferences for masculinity and femininity vary across cultures and individuals. Some people prefer softer, less extreme features. Beyond biology, attraction is also shaped by social and personal factors.
So What Makes A Face Attractive?
While biology lays the foundation for what we find attractive, cultural influences and personal experiences also play a role in shaping our preferences.
Trends in beauty standards fluctuate over time, reflecting societal values, media influence, and personal experiences.
Although beauty standards may evolve, scientific research continues to identify consistent traits that define facial attractiveness. Symmetry, proportion, skin quality, and averageness all consistently shape our perception of beauty. In spite of cultural and personal influences, the underlying principles of attractiveness are deeply rooted in evolutionary psychology and human biology.
At the end of the day, beauty may be part science, part culture, and part personal preference – but our brains are wired to recognize patterns that signal health, vitality, and genetic fitness.
And that’s what makes a face attractive.
External References
- Harun NA, Adam KBC, Abdullah NA, Rusli N. Is a symmetrical face really attractive?. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023;52(6):703-709. doi:10.1016/j.ijom.2022.09.031
- Jones AL. The influence of shape and colour cue classes on facial health perception. Evolution and Human Behavior. 2018;39(1):19-29. doi:10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2017.09.005
- Prokopakis EP, Vlastos IM, Picavet VA, et al. The golden ratio in facial symmetry. Rhinology journal. 2013;51(1):18-21. doi:10.4193/rhino12.111
- Corduff N, Chao YY, Lam SC, et al. A New Simplified Visual Assessment Tool Describing Facial Morphotypes Observed and Desired in Asian Populations. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2020;13(4):23-34.
- Little AC, Jones BC, DeBruine LM. Facial attractiveness: evolutionary based research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2011;366(1571):1638-1659. doi:10.1098/rstb.2010.0404
- Thornhill R, Gangestad SW. Human facial beauty : Averageness, symmetry, and parasite resistance. Hum Nat. 1993;4(3):237-269. doi:10.1007/BF02692201
- Humphrey S, Manson Brown S, Cross SJ, Mehta R. Defining Skin Quality: Clinical Relevance, Terminology, and Assessment. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(7):974-981. doi:10.1097/DSS.0000000000003079
- Fink B, Grammer K, Thornhill R. Human (Homo sapiens) facial attractiveness in relation to skin texture and color. J Comp Psychol. 2001;115(1):92-99. doi:10.1037/0735-7036.115.1.92
- Yang T, Chen H, Hu Y, Zheng Y, Wang W. Preferences for sexual dimorphism on attractiveness levels: An eye-tracking study. Personality and Individual Differences. 2015;77:179-185. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2014.12.005
