Melanin

Alternative Names

Skin pigment

Information

Melanin is a natural substance that gives color (pigment) to:

  • Hair
  • Skin
  • The iris of the eye

It is produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes.

Melanin also helps protect the skin from the sun.

References

Bolognia JL, Orlow SJ. Melanocyte biology. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 65.

Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary. Melanin. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/melanin. Accessed July 26, 2024.

Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG. Development of eyes and ears. In: Moore KL, Persaud TVN, Torchia MG, eds. Developing Human, The. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 18.

Review Date: 7/23/2024
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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