The invention relates to a color image enhancement method based on color constancy, which comprises the following steps: firstly, the brightness gain of each pixel is calculated in a self-adapting manner by utilizing a quadratic function according to the brightness mean value of the color images; secondly, the color gain and proportion parameter are calculated, the brightness gain effect is reinforced, and the color brightness is improved at the same time; and finally, margin specific information is extracted, the translational parameter is calculated, the enhanced image is subject to margin restoration, and the final color enhancement image is obtained through utilizing the proportion parameter and the translational parameter. According to the invention, under the condition of ensuring the color constancy, the contrast degree and brightness are effectively improved, the favorable specific integrity is maintained, better enhancement effect of images under various lighting conditions can be obtained, and preferable universality is realized.