This article proposes a useful evaluation method based on preferred complexion as one of color-rendering methods of light sources. A relational equation between subjective evaluation values of preferred Japanese complexion under various illuminations and the D65 corresponding colors by adopting CIE94 chromatic adaptation transform on the CIE 1976 uv chromaticity diagram was derived by using multiple regression. Then, preference index of skin color or PS was developed in order to evaluate quantitatively the degrees of preferred complexion from the equation. Furthermore, a new index PS(ac,bc) was derived by using CAM02 color appearance model instead of the CIE94. Each relationship of R-a, R-15, CQS, MCRI, FCI, CCRI, and HCR to PS was examined. Then, the PS was found as an independent index which was quite different from the other indices when the PS was more than or equal to 80. Therefore, it is useful to develop and evaluate light sources to realize more comfortable lighting environments by applying the concept of the PS. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 143-153, 2016