Image for Duchenne smile

Duchenne smile

A Duchenne smile is a genuine smile that involves not only the upward movement of the mouth's corners but also the activation of muscles around the eyes. Specifically, it engages the orbicularis oculi muscles, causing crow's feet and a warm expression. This type of smiling reflects true happiness or enjoyment, as it involves both conscious and subconscious muscle activity, making it more sincere and authentic. In contrast, a non-Duchenne smile might only involve the mouth muscles, which can be faked. The Duchenne smile is often seen as a reliable indicator of genuine positive emotion.