Is Paler Considered Prettier for Asian Americans?

"Colorism is pervasive in the U.S. and has negative effects on the income, education, quality of life, and relationships of many darker-skinned individuals ( for an overview, see Wu & Chen, 2025). However, many people are unaware of their own prejudice when it comes to skin tone. In addition, most studies on colorism have been conducted on Black or Latinx Americans."

"Because light skin has been traditionally valued in Asia, many Asian Americans experience pressure from other people, such as their older relatives, to be paler. In contrast to modern beauty standards for White Americans, in East Asia, pale skin was associated with status, symbolizing the ability to stay indoors rather than perform manual labor. Even today, women in Asia will sometimes go to extreme lengths to remain pale, such as wearing "facekinis" and using toxic skin lightening products."

"Less is known about whether Asian Americans value light skin. The little research on colorism among Asian Americans suggests possible biases in the education system in addition to differences in wealth, however, these studies do not account for national origin, which may explain both skin tone and socioeconomic status. In addition, studies on Chinese women indicate that while first-generation immigrants prefer to have lighter skin, these preferences may fade by generation."

Colorism is pervasive in the U.S. and harms income, education, quality of life, and relationships for darker-skinned people. Most studies focus on Black or Latinx Americans, leaving gaps about Asian American experiences, especially in dating. Light skin has historically signaled status in East Asia and continues to drive pressure and skin-lightening practices among Asian Americans. Limited research links skin tone to educational and wealth differences, but national origin may confound those findings. Studies of Chinese women show lighter-skin preferences among first-generation immigrants that may weaken across generations. A speed-dating study was conducted to examine these patterns.

Read at Psychology Today