Determining the most beautiful woman in the world is debatable. As the saying goes: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, science offers some measurable beauty quotients that point to a ranking system.
Dr. Meegan Gruber, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Gruber Plastic Surgery in Florida, readily admits that the idea of beauty has changed over time and reflects cultural and societal changes. What’s more, there’s a subjective element to our entire understanding of beauty. However, science has long played a role in measuring appearances.
“Throughout history, people have frequently used mathematical principles such as the Golden Ratio. [explained below] “To appreciate beauty,” Gruber says.
In addition to the Golden Ratio (also known as “Phi”), other beauty measurement methods, such as Marquardt’s Golden Decagon Mask of Face and facial symmetry, are also used to calculate a person’s appearance. “From symmetry in nature to the way faces are structured, certain proportions are universally considered attractive,” Gruber says. “But beauty, of course, is not just about numbers,” he adds. “It’s also about the emotions it evokes and the confidence it brings.”
Read on to find out what science has to say about who the most beautiful woman in the world is and why.
What is the Golden Ratio?
The Golden Ratio, or Phi (1.618), is a mathematical ratio that is commonly seen in nature, art, and architecture and is believed to contribute to aesthetic beauty. “It is used to measure the symmetry and proportion of facial features; the closer a face's proportions are to this ratio, the more balanced and attractive it is perceived to be,” explains Dr. Joel Kopelman, a facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Cosmetic Surgery in New York, NY and host of the “Beauty Doc” podcast.
Historically, the concept originated in Ancient Greece, where it was applied in art and architecture to create visually pleasing forms. Today, the Golden Ratio is often referenced in aesthetic assessments of facial symmetry and beauty. For faces in particular, it looks at the proportions between features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.
“If those features fit into that proportion, a person's face is said to be more beautiful,” Gruber says. “People naturally respond to that kind of symmetry and balance.”
The Most Beautiful Women in the World, Scientifically
Below, Gruber and Kopelman list the 10 most scientifically beautiful women in the world, based on their Golden Ratio points.
10.Simone Biles
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 90.60%
Simone Biles is not only the GOAT in gymnastics, she is also one of the most beautiful women. “Her youthful features, big eyes and symmetrical face fit the Golden Ratio very well,” says Gruber.
9. Janelle Monae
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 90.66%
It's hard not to be smitten by Janelle Monáe's striking appearance. “Her strong jawline and balanced facial features make her a striking beauty,” says Kopelman.
8. Gal Gadot
Axelle Bauer Griffin/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 90.74%
With her striking jawline and proportionate facial features, the Israeli actor and model embodies classic beauty, says Kopelman.
7. Margot Robbie
Axelle Bauer Griffin/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 91.02%
Gruber says Robbie's balanced forehead and jaw, and well-spaced eyes, help his face approximate the Golden Ratio.
6. Lupita Nyong'o
Vivien Killilea/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 91.28%
Nyong'o's face has a beautiful balance of symmetry and harmony, and her eyes sparkle, Kopelman says.
5.Taylor Swift
Axelle Bauer Griffin/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 91.64%
Taylor Swift's eighth track from her 2006 self-titled debut studio album is called “Stay Beautiful,” and she truly lives up to the name. “Her symmetrical eyes, nose, and lips add to her beauty,” Gruber says.
4.Ariana Grande
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 91.81%
Clearly, the pop singer is a stunner. According to Gruber, Ariana Grande's big eyes and petite features earn her a high Golden Ratio score.
3.Jenna Ortega
Lia Toby/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 91.85%
Couldn't you get lost in those eyes? “Her large eyes, balanced nose, and prominent jaw are closely aligned with the Golden Ratio,” Gruber says.
2. Beyoncé
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 92.44%
Gruber points to Beyoncé's “balanced face with strong cheekbones and symmetrical features.” Kopelman, on the other hand, puts Beyoncé first on his top 10 list, sharing that “her facial symmetry and high cheekbones give her a nearly flawless facial structure.”
The Most Beautiful Woman in the World
1. Bella Hadid
Loic Venance/Getty Images
Golden Ratio Score: 94.35%
Who is the most beautiful woman in the world? There's a great case for model Bella Hadid. Gruber and Kopelman crown Bella Hadid the most beautiful woman in the world based on her remarkable facial symmetry, with nearly perfect eye spacing and jawline proportions.
“Her face scored an impressive 94.35% according to the Golden Ratio,” says Gruber, making her the most scientifically beautiful woman in the world among public figures at the moment.
Her facial features, including the symmetry of her eyes, the balance between her forehead, nose, and chin, and her well-proportioned lips and eyes, contribute to this near-perfect score. “The balance and harmony of her facial features are examples of how the Golden Ratio can manifest in human beauty,” Gruber comments.