More White in Eyes Makes Faces More Attractive, Trustworthy, Canadian Study Finds

Faces that show more of the white of the eyes are perceived as more attractive and trustworthy, according to a recent study. Researchers found that a larger visible sclera area on a face leads to higher ratings for attractiveness, trustworthiness, and sociability.

The study, published in the scientific journal PLOS One, was conducted by a joint research team from the University of Quebec and the University of Montreal in Canada. They digitally manipulated 50 male and female facial photographs, subtly adjusting only the visible scleral area. A group of 162 participants was then asked to evaluate these altered images based on attractiveness, trustworthiness, and sociability.

When comparing faces with approximately 31.5% visible sclera to those with about 43.8%, the faces with more white showing consistently received higher attractiveness scores. This effect was also observed in ratings for trustworthiness and perceived sociability, suggesting a broad impact on social perception.

"Faces with larger scleral exposure were rated more favorably on all measured social judgments than the identical faces with smaller exposure," the researchers stated in their paper. This finding challenges conventional beauty standards by highlighting a specific facial feature that influences how individuals are perceived in social interactions.

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Faces with larger scleral exposure were rated more favorably on all measured social judgments than the identical faces with smaller exposure.