2026-05-28 11:00:54

Women really are considered the fairer sex, according to scientists who found female faces are rated more attractive than male ones – even by other women.

The major international study uncovered what researchers called a “gender attractiveness gap”, with female faces consistently scoring higher regardless of who was doing the judging.

Experts led by the Max Planck Institute in Germany analysed 52 previous studies involving more than 1.5 million face ratings from over 28,500 people.

Their findings, published in Proceedings B by the Royal Society, revealed women’s faces received significantly higher attractiveness scores than men’s across the board.

Researchers said the results pose an “evolutionary riddle”.

In the animal kingdom, it is often males who boast the flashiest looks, from peacocks’ extravagant tails to lions’ flowing manes.

But humans appear to buck that trend.

Study author Dr Eugen Wassiliwizky said: “It is particularly striking that women rate other women as significantly more attractive than men.

“Meanwhile male faces are rated similarly, and overall lower, by both sexes.

“The gap is a robust and widely observed phenomenon.

“It can be partly explained by differences in facial structure, but not entirely.”

The researchers found women’s average attractiveness rating was roughly a third higher than men’s.

Scientists believe both biology and social influences may be at work.

Typical masculine features, including broader bone structure and facial hair, are linked to testosterone, the male hormone associated with aggression.

Researchers suggested this may make male faces appear more threatening and therefore less attractive.

Dr Wassiliwizky said social behaviour may also play a role, with men tending to judge other men more harshly while women often rated fellow women more positively.

He suggested women may weigh personality and other qualities alongside appearance when judging attractiveness.

The study also pointed to smaller influences, including female grooming habits such as skincare and eyebrow shaping, as well as media and advertising portraying women as more visually appealing.

Dr Wassiliwizky said: “This study draws on the largest worldwide collection of facial attractiveness data to date.

“It demonstrates that judgements extend well beyond heterosexual mate choice.”

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