What Is The Most Attractive Eye Color?

What Is The Most Attractive Eye Color?

Throughout our lifetime, we encounter individuals whose most attractive trait may be their eyes, more specifically, the color of their eyes. We may be drawn to individuals whose eye color is a deep blue hue or a warm amber tone, while others are drawn to the softness of hazel eyes. 

Nonetheless, research has shown that there is one common eye color that the general population is typically drawn to despite our personal preferences. It all comes down to genetics, psychology, culture, and media. These factors influence our preferences and attraction towards others, especially when it comes to their eye color. Based on studies that have explored this question, let’s find out what the most attractive eye color is.

First, Let’s Talk About Genetics…

Regarding eye color, two factors determine the color of our iris. We are taught that genetics are the main factor. However, it is actually melanin and the different types of melanin that we have within our irises that determine the hue of our eyes.

Melanin, more specifically, the amount of melanin in our irises, affects the color of our eyes. Melanin is a pigment that our body produces, affecting our hair, eye, and skin pigmentation. The amount of melanin in our bodies is based on genetics and sun exposure our ancestors may have been exposed to.

There are two specific types of melanin that affect the color of the iris: eumelanin and pheomelanin. High amounts of eumelanin result in darker-colored eyes, such as brown or amber, whereas high amounts of pheomelanin result in lighter-colored eyes, such as hazel or green.

Genetics come into play, but not in the way we think. We are taught the belief that our eye color is inherited by our parents' genes. However, studies have shown that around 16 different genes are involved in determining our eye color. Two significant ones out of the 16 genes are OCA2 and HERC2, which can be found on the 15th pair of chromosomes we have.

The Most Attractive Eye Color, According To Research

Interestingly, the findings of an individual's most attractive eye color differ between men and women. 

Research has shown that women with hazel eyes have the most attractive eye color. This captivating blend of brown and green, alongside their ability to change shades under different lighting, emits a sense of uniqueness.

According to a study conducted on popular dating apps, the most attractive eye color in order is:

Eye Color	Percentage of Matches (Female)
Hazel	20.19%
Purple	19.88%
Black	17.70%
Blue	17.39%
Brown	13.35%
Green	11.49%

On the other hand, blue eyes are considered the most attractive eye color for men. With its charming and youthful glimmer, this hue makes them appealing, especially since it’s such a rare eye color to come across.

Eye Color	Percentage of Matches (Male)
Blue	27.17%
Brown	21.97%
Green	16.76%
Hazel	15.03%
Black	10.98%
Purple	8.09%

However, the results of a larger study with 66,000 participants concluded that green is the most universally attractive eye color regardless of gender.

• Green: 20.3%
• Light blue: 16.9%
• Hazel: 16.0%
• Dark blue: 15.2%
• Gray: 10.9%
• Honey: 7.9%
• Amethyst: 6.9%
• Brown: 5.9%

Coincidentally, green is one of the rarest eye colors with only 2% of the global population being carriers of this trait. 

The Psychology Behind Eye Color and Attraction

Despite what research states, there are many reasons why you may find a pair of brown or green eyes attractive instead of blue or hazel. Cultural or regional influences may determine whether or not we are attracted to certain physical traits or qualities within a person.

Cultural and Regional

Our culture and regional location influence our preferences more significantly than we think. They inadvertently shape our values, beliefs, and social norms, which impact our choices and determine our perception of the world around us.

For example, brown eyes are considered the most attractive eye color in regions such as Southeast Asia or the Middle East. Blue eyes are the most desirable color in other areas, such as North America. This sentiment is shared in the Western European region within countries like France, however, in the Southern European region and within countries such as Italy, green eyes are considered the most pleasing eye color.

The attraction an individual may have towards certain physical features such as eye color could be tied to how prevalent a specific trait may be within a population, which some scientists may call the mere exposure effect. This describes the phenomenon of an individual developing a preference or likeness towards something when they’re constantly being exposed to it. This can explain why our preferences are sometimes determined by our environment or what we are surrounded by starting from a young age.

Eye Color and Health

Interestingly, besides adding to our individual beauty, our eye color can also have different health advantages. Whether it’s a darker or lighter hue, it’s important to remember to properly protect your eyes from UV rays to ensure the best eye health and vision.

Darker colored eyes such as brown or amber hues may offer better protection against UV rays and cataracts considering their higher levels of melanin. On the other hand, blue colored eyes may be more susceptible to light sensitivity, but offer better nighttime vision. Conversely, green eyes offer a great balance between UV protection and nighttime vision.

It’s All About Perception

What most people don’t realize nowadays is that beauty is subjective and in the eye of the beholder. Each eye color has a unique feature that can enhance an individual’s attractiveness in their own special way. Whether it’s the warmth brown eyes emit, to the deepness of blue hue irises, or the piercing gaze green eyes emanate, each eye color offers a beautiful distinctive quality.

If you’re curious and have a desire to explore how it would feel to have a different eye color, head over to our colored contacts page to browse all of our available options. We offer high quality products to address any of your optical needs, and care about providing the best items for your eye concerns.

FAQ: What Is the Most Attractive Eye Color?

Why are people drawn to specific eye colors?

People are often captivated by particular eye colors due to a mix of genetics, psychology, cultural influences, and media exposure. These factors shape our perception of beauty and influence what we find attractive in others.

What determines eye color?

Eye color is determined by genetics and the amount of melanin in the iris. There are two types of melanin:

• Eumelanin: Leads to darker colors like brown or amber.
• Pheomelanin: Associated with lighter hues like green or hazel.

Although genetics play a significant role, around 16 different genes are involved in determining eye color, with OCA2 and HERC2 being the most significant.

Which eye color is the most attractive according to research?

Studies indicate that the "most attractive" eye color varies by gender:

• For women, hazel eyes top the list, admired for their unique blend of green and brown and their ability to change shades in different lighting.
• For men, blue eyes are considered the most attractive due to their rarity and youthful appearance.

Research findings on dating apps (female preferences):

• Hazel: 20.19%
• Purple: 19.88%
• Black: 17.70%
• Blue: 17.39%
• Brown: 13.35%
• Green: 11.49%

Research findings on dating apps (male preferences):

• Blue: 27.17%
• Brown: 21.97%
• Green: 16.76%
• Hazel: 15.03%
• Black: 10.98%
• Purple: 8.09%

Universally attractive eye colors from a larger study:

• Green: 20.3%
• Light blue: 16.9%
• Hazel: 16.0%
• Dark blue: 15.2%
• Gray: 10.9%
• Brown: 5.9%

Green eyes, being one of the rarest, are often viewed as exceptionally unique and attractive.

Does cultural influence play a role in eye color preference?

Yes, cultural and regional factors significantly shape eye color preferences. For instance:

• Southeast Asia and the Middle East: Brown eyes are often considered the most attractive due to their prevalence.
• North America and Western Europe: Blue eyes are frequently favored.
• Southern Europe: Green eyes are highly admired.

Are there health benefits associated with certain eye colors?

Yes, eye color can impact certain health factors:

• Darker eyes (brown/amber): Offer better protection against UV rays and a lower risk of cataracts due to higher melanin levels.
• Lighter eyes (blue/green): Provide better nighttime vision but are more sensitive to bright light.

What does all this mean for attractiveness?

Ultimately, beauty is subjective, and every eye color has its own unique appeal. Whether it’s the depth of brown, the warmth of hazel, the brightness of blue, or the piercing rarity of green, each hue brings its own charm.

Can I change my eye color?

Yes! If you’re curious about experimenting with different eye colors, you can explore high-quality colored contact lenses to enhance or alter your natural eye color safely.