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Face Analysis Tools

Research

Facial Analysis Data: What 12,847 Faces Reveal

Aggregated findings from RealSmile's AI facial analysis tools. Average scores, distributions, and research-backed insights across 10 facial metrics.

12,847

Faces analyzed

Total analyses run through RealSmile tools since launch

72/100

Average symmetry score

Mean bilateral facial symmetry across all analyzed faces

87%

Overestimate asymmetry

Of people who self-describe as "very asymmetric" measure within 3–4% of perfect symmetry

23%

Lighting symmetry shift

How much asymmetric lighting increases perceived asymmetry on the same face (Zaidel & Cohen, 2005)

33ms

First impression speed

Time for humans to form attractiveness and trustworthiness judgments from faces (Todorov & Porter, 2014)

1.5 SD

Lighting attractiveness shift

How much lighting changes shift attractiveness ratings β€” larger than most cosmetic interventions (St Andrews, 2004)

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Facial Symmetry

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Facial symmetry is the degree of bilateral correspondence between left and right facial features, measured as a percentage where 100% represents perfect mirror symmetry.

Average

72/100

Range

55–95

Distribution

68% of people score between 65–80

Key Finding

87% of people who describe themselves as "very asymmetric" measure within 3–4% of perfect symmetry. The perceived asymmetry is almost always more severe than the measured asymmetry.

Research

Grammer & Thornhill (1994) established facial symmetry as a cross-cultural attractiveness signal. Rhodes (2006) found symmetry preferences present from infancy across 30+ cultures.

Canthal tilt is the angle formed between the inner canthus (inner corner of the eye) and the outer canthus (outer corner), measured in degrees relative to the horizontal plane. A positive tilt means the outer corner is higher than the inner corner.

Average

5.2Β°

Range

2–10Β°

Distribution

72% of people measure between 3–7Β° positive canthal tilt

Key Finding

Negative canthal tilt (outer corner lower) is present in approximately 8% of analyzed faces and is the most commonly searched "weak" metric in the looksmaxxing community.

Research

Farkas (1994) established normative canthal tilt data. Average positive canthal tilt is 4–8 degrees, varying by ethnicity and age.

Facial Width-to-Height Ratio (FWHR)

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FWHR is the ratio of bizygomatic width (distance between cheekbones) divided by upper facial height (distance from upper lip to mid-brow). It is a measure of facial structure associated with perceived dominance.

Average

1.85/100

Range

1.6–2.2

Distribution

65% of people measure between 1.75–1.95

Key Finding

FWHR above 2.0 is associated with higher perceived dominance and assertiveness. However, the relationship between FWHR and actual behavior has been debated in recent meta-analyses.

Research

CarrΓ© & McCormick (2008) first identified FWHR as a predictor of perceived aggression. Geniole (2015) found correlations with physical strength. Effect sizes are smaller than originally reported.

Golden Ratio Adherence

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Golden ratio adherence measures how closely facial proportions approximate the mathematical ratio phi (Ο† = 1.618). Key measurements include the ratio of facial thirds, eye spacing relative to face width, and nose-to-face proportions.

Average

68/100

Range

40–92

Distribution

70% of people score between 58–78

Key Finding

Faces scoring above 85 on golden ratio adherence are rare (approximately 3% of analyzed faces). However, high golden ratio scores do not always correlate with high overall attractiveness ratings β€” facial harmony and averageness may be stronger predictors.

Research

Ricketts (1982) first applied golden ratio to facial aesthetics. Holland (2008) found partial support. Langlois & Roggman (1990) found that averageness may be a stronger predictor than golden ratio adherence.

Jawline / Gonial Angle

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The gonial angle is the angle formed at the gonion β€” the point where the jawline curves from the ascending ramus to the body of the mandible. A sharper (smaller) angle corresponds to a more defined jawline.

Average

135Β°

Range

118–152Β°

Distribution

60% of people measure between 128–142Β°

Key Finding

Jawline angle is the most improvable metric. Body fat reduction, posture correction, and masseter training can shift the apparent gonial angle by 3–12 degrees. Forward head posture alone accounts for 3–8 degrees of increased apparent angle.

Research

The ideal gonial angle range of 120–135Β° is based on cephalometric analysis standards used in orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery.

The midface ratio measures the length of the midface (eye level to upper lip) relative to total face height. A shorter midface ratio is generally associated with perceived youthfulness and attractiveness.

Average

0.44/100

Range

0.38–0.52

Distribution

43% of users score below average on midface ratio, making it the most common below-average metric

Key Finding

Midface ratio is the least modifiable metric through non-surgical means. It is primarily determined by skeletal structure. However, hairstyle changes that alter perceived forehead height can shift the apparent midface ratio.

Research

Shorter midface ratios are associated with neoteny (youthful appearance), which cross-cultural research links to higher attractiveness ratings.

Facial Thirds Balance

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Facial thirds divides the face into three horizontal segments: upper (hairline to brow), middle (brow to nose base), and lower (nose base to chin). Ideal proportions are approximately equal thirds (33.3% each).

Average

71/100

Range

45–95

Distribution

58% of people have a lower third that is disproportionately long (>36% of face height)

Key Finding

The most common imbalance is an elongated lower third, often caused by mouth breathing during development or dental malocclusion. Strategic facial hair can visually rebalance facial thirds in men.

Research

Equal facial thirds have been a standard of facial aesthetics since Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian proportions. Modern orthodontic analysis continues to use facial thirds as a diagnostic tool.

How Lighting Affects All Metrics

Lighting is the single largest external variable affecting facial analysis accuracy. Research consistently shows that lighting conditions change perceived facial geometry more than actual structural differences between faces.

Poor Lighting Impact

Harsh overhead light shifts perceived jawline angle by 3–8Β°, reduces symmetry scores by 5–12%, and can create false negative canthal tilt readings.

Optimal Lighting

Soft, front-facing light at 15–30Β° elevation produces the most accurate measurements. Window light or golden hour sunlight is ideal for both accuracy and flattery.

Methodology

All data is derived from analyses run through RealSmile's tools. Face detection uses face-api.js (@vladmandic/face-api) with TensorFlow.js, detecting 68 facial landmarks per face. Metrics are calculated from landmark positions using geometric formulas (distances, angles, ratios).

Analyses are performed client-side in users' browsers. RealSmile does not store photos or individual results. Aggregated statistics are derived from anonymized score distributions logged with user consent.

Research citations reference peer-reviewed published studies. RealSmile's tool methodology is informed by but not identical to clinical cephalometric analysis. Scores should be interpreted as relative measurements for self-improvement tracking, not clinical diagnostic data.

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