10 Most Beautiful Women in the World, Ranked, According to Science

Determining the most beautiful woman in the world is obviously up for debate. As the adage goes: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. However, science does lend some quantifiable beauty quotients that point to a ranking system.

Meegan Gruber, MD, PhD, a Florida-based, board-certified plastic surgeon at Gruber Plastic Surgery, readily admits that the idea of beauty has changed over time, reflecting cultural and societal shifts. Moreover, there’s a subjective element to our whole notion of beauty as well. That said, science has long played its hand in quantifying looks.

“Throughout history, humans have often used mathematical principles like the Golden Ratio [explained below] to evaluate beauty,” says Gruber.

In addition to the Golden Ratio (also known as “Phi”), other beauty measuring methods such as Marquardt's Facial Golden Decagon Mask and facial symmetry are also used in an attempt to calculate one’s appearance. “From the symmetry in nature to the way faces are structured, certain proportions are considered universally attractive,” notes Gruber. “But beauty, of course, is more than just numbers,” she adds. “It’s also about the emotions it evokes and the confidence it brings."

Keep reading to discover science’s take on who is the most beautiful woman in the world and why.

What Is the Golden Ratio?

The Golden Ratio, or Phi (1.618), is a mathematical ratio that frequently appears in nature, as well as art and architecture—and is believed to contribute to aesthetic beauty. “It’s used to measure the symmetry and proportion of facial features, with the closer a face's proportions are to this ratio, the more balanced and attractive it's perceived to be,” Joel Kopelman, MD, a facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York, NY, and host of “Beauty Doc” podcast, explains.

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 evaluations of facial symmetry and beauty. For faces in particular, it looks at the proportions between features like the eyes, nose, and mouth.

“If these features fit within this ratio, a person’s face is said to be more beautiful,” says Gruber. “Humans naturally respond to this type of symmetry and balance.”

Scientifically Most Beautiful Women in the World

Below, Gruber and Kopelman break down the 10 scientifically most beautiful women in the world, based on their Golden Ratio scores.

10. Simone Biles

Golden Ratio Score: 90.60%

Simone Biles isn't just a GOAT in the realm of gymnastics, she's also among the most beautiful women. “Her youthful features, wide eyes, and symmetrical face fit well within the Golden Ratio,” says Gruber.

9. Janelle Monáe

Golden Ratio Score: 90.66%

It’s hard not to be drawn in by Janelle Monáe’s striking appearance. “Her strong jawline and balanced facial features make her a striking beauty,” says Kopelman.

8. Gal Gadot

Golden Ratio Score: 90.74%

With a striking jawline and well-proportioned facial features, Kopelman says this Israeli actor and model embodies classical beauty.

7. Margot Robbie

Golden Ratio Score: 91.02%

Robbie’s balanced forehead and chin, along with well-spaced eyes, make her face close to the Golden Ratio, says Gruber.

6. Lupita Nyong'o

Golden Ratio Score: 91.28%

Nyong'o’s face has a beautiful balance of symmetry and harmony, with radiant eyes, Kopelman says.

5. Taylor Swift

Golden Ratio Score: 91.64%

The eighth track of Taylor Swift’s 2006 self-titled debut studio album is called “Stay Beautiful,” and she sure lives up to that title. “Her symmetrical eyes, nose, and lips contribute to her beauty,” says Gruber.

4. Ariana Grande

Golden Ratio Score: 91.81%

Clearly, this pop singer is a stunner. According to Gruber, Ariana Grande’s large eyes and petite features give her a high Golden Ratio score.

3. Jenna Ortega

Golden Ratio Score: 91.85%

Couldn’t you get lost in those eyes? “Her large eyes, balanced nose, and defined chin align closely with the Golden Ratio,” says Gruber.

2. Beyoncé

Golden Ratio Score: 92.44%

Gruber draws attention to Beyonce’s “balanced facial structure, with strong cheekbones and symmetrical features.” Kopelman, meanwhile, gives Beyoncé the top spot on his top 10 list, and shares that “her facial symmetry and high cheekbones give her a nearly perfect facial structure.”

The Most Beautiful Woman in the World

1. Bella Hadid

Golden Ratio Score: 94.35%

Who is the most beautiful woman in the world ever? There's a great case for model Bella Hadid. Gruber and Kopelman crown Bella Hadid as the prettiest woman in the world, based on her remarkable facial symmetry, with near-perfect eye spacing and jawline proportions.

“Her face scored an impressive 94.35%, according to the Golden Ratio,” says Gruber, making her the scientifically most beautiful woman in the world right now among public figures.

Hher 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 features are examples of how the Golden Ratio can appear in human beauty,” Gruber further comments.