Duchenne SmileTraits, photo tips, and Smile Score impact
The gold standard of genuine expression — Duchenne smiles activate both the mouth (zygomatic major) and eyes (orbicularis oculi). They score highest on Smile Tracker and read as authentically warm in human perception research.
Test your smile with our Smile Analyzer, check Smile Score bands, or read the Duchenne glossary entry.
Key Traits
- ✦Eye crinkle with mouth elevation
- ✦Involuntary during true joy
- ✦Symmetric corner lift in most people
- ✦Highest warmth ratings
- ✦Strong Smile Score (typically 75+)
Photo Tips
- 📸Think of a real pleasant memory before shooting
- 📸Allow natural eye squint — don't fight it
- 📸Relax jaw and forehead tension
- 📸Front-facing even light for symmetry detection
Related Smile Types
Social Smile
The polite, performed smile used in greetings and formal settings — mouth activates without full eye engagement. Social smiles are functional and friendly but score lower than Duchenne expressions on warmth metrics.
Open-Mouth Smile
Teeth visible with separated lips — high-energy, approachable expression that broadcasts warmth. Open Duchenne smiles typically achieve the highest Smile Scores.
Smize (Smile With Eyes)
Tyra Banks' technique — engaging eyes and cheeks while keeping mouth controlled. A deliberate partial Duchenne useful for model photography where mouth position must stay precise.
FAQ — Duchenne Smile
How do I produce a Duchenne smile?
Think of something genuinely amusing or heartwarming. Forced mechanical smiling won't activate the eyes — authentic emotion is key.
Can Duchenne smiles be faked?
Partially. Skilled actors can mimic eye crinkle, but timing and symmetry patterns often reveal performed smiles to AI analysis.
What score does a Duchenne smile get?
Typically 75–95 depending on symmetry, photo quality, and smile width.