Is the concept of beauty truly subjective, or are there scientific criteria that define what makes a person attractive?

This question sparks intense debates across social media platforms and lies at the core of a discipline called facial aesthetics.

Facial aesthetics is widely discussed online.

On TikTok, users share apps and filters claiming to assess one’s attractiveness, while Reddit is flooded with requests for users to rate others on a scale from one to ten. One YouTube channel, QOVES Studio, has gained more than 800,000 subscribers by analyzing the science of facial beauty. Some even pay hundreds of dollars for a “facial analysis” report that outlines both strong and weak features of their appearance.

These online discussions delve into terms like canthal tilt, brow ridge, nose slope, eye shape, and the so-called “golden ratio” of facial features—attributes that are largely fixed unless one opts for surgery, yet undeniably contribute to our perceptions of attractiveness.

But is it that straightforward?

Experts note that facial aesthetics is multifaceted. While certain beauty standards can be deemed objective, overall attractiveness is influenced by a blend of these criteria, cultural influences, individual preferences, and unique traits that make a person stand out.

Moreover, though it can be fascinating to explore the science of beauty, it’s important not to tie your self-worth to these standards, as that can negatively affect mental health.

“Much of facial aesthetics involves balance and harmony. Throughout history, certain traits have consistently been deemed aesthetically pleasing,” remarks Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist and surgeon. “We apply scientific rigor to this area, but it isn’t an absolute science as much of it is psychological.”

Is beauty really objective? The answer is both yes and no.

While there are fundamental principles that generally contribute to a face being seen as attractive, they don’t encompass the entire picture.

For example, many proponents of facial aesthetics argue that symmetrical faces are the most attractive. Yet, some faces regarded as highly beautiful exhibit noticeable asymmetries.

“Typically, people are drawn to averages and common traits, but some of the most celebrated beauties are outliers,” says Rossi. “Supermodels, for instance, often possess unique features that deviate from the norm.” QOVES Studio even highlights figures like Bradley Cooper and Priyanka Chopra as examples of attractive individuals with facial asymmetries.

It’s also crucial to recognize that many standards of beauty stem from culture and history rather than biology. In the West, many ideals are influenced by classical antiquity, as noted by Rossi.

“A lot of these standards derive from Greek and Roman art, reflecting Western European ideals of beauty that may not resonate across all ethnicities and cultures,” he explains.

Rossi also points out that features deemed “objectively attractive” may not suit everyone. The attractiveness of features often hinges more on how they relate harmoniously to one another than how they appear individually. For instance, an individual may desire to modify their nose to meet a particular beauty benchmark, but that nose may not complement their chin.

“We should strive for diversity rather than a homogenized standard of beauty,” Rossi emphasizes.

The dangers of an obsession with facial aesthetics

Psychotherapist Stephanie Sarkis notes that the surge in discussions about facial aesthetics online isn’t unexpected. She suggests it’s a natural extension of our society’s fixation on appearances.

However, diving too deeply into the discourse about objective beauty can lead to harmful outcomes, such as body dysmorphic disorder, which may hinder individuals from fully engaging in life.

“It can be risky to judge something that someone cannot easily change,” she points out. “If a person is already feeling bad about themselves, this can be extremely damaging.”

If you are contemplating a facial aesthetics evaluation or considering an AI service to assess your attractiveness, Sarkis advises taking a pause to think it over. You should reflect on the question: Why am I pursuing this − and does this urge indicate a more significant personal issue?

“We need to examine what the benefits of this action are,” she states. “What is the overall positive outcome?  For many individuals, it likely leads to increased self-criticism and may even trigger body dysmorphic disorders and other related concerns.”