Study Identifies Facial Features Commonly Perceived as Attractive Worldwide
A recent scientific study analyzed the facial features of 601 young adults using 3D scans with 716 digital points to determine which traits are widely considered attractive. Six independent judges, three men and three women, rated each face on a scale from 0 to 100 for attractiveness. The detailed mapping allowed researchers to examine relationships between facial parts such as cheeks, lips, nose, and chin rather than relying on simple measurements like face width or nose length.
The study found that women rated as most attractive typically had narrower, slimmer faces with less fullness in the cheeks, sharp and defined contours, relatively narrow noses with slightly protruding tips, and fuller lips. These faces were generally more angular and less full except for the upper lip, which tended to be prominent. Actress Margot Robbie and Swedish model Elsa Hosk were cited as well-known examples exhibiting these features, though their faces were not directly analyzed in the study.
For men, the connection between facial structure and attractiveness was less clear-cut but still showed patterns. Attractive male faces tended to be angular and defined with strong, prominent chins and sharp jawlines. Narrower, longer faces with less cheek fullness were also common among higher-rated men. Actor Henry Cavill and British model David Gandy were mentioned as examples of men with these traits, though they were not part of the research sample.
Georgios Kanavakis from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, a study co-author, explained that external attractiveness influences many aspects of daily life, from first impressions to professional and romantic opportunities. While beauty is often seen as subjective, decades of research reveal surprising agreement on what facial features are attractive. However, no single facial feature determines attractiveness; rather, it is the combination of subtle traits that creates an appealing look. Humans form impressions of faces within a tenth of a second, attributing qualities like trustworthiness and intelligence almost instantly.
The researchers believe their findings could help aesthetic doctors and surgeons better understand which facial feature combinations are generally perceived as attractive. Despite extensive measurements and ratings, the study concludes that science has yet to define a definitive formula for beauty.
