What is the term for the pigment that gives skin its color?

The pigment that gives skin its color is melanin. This natural pigment is produced by specialized cells known as melanocytes, which are located in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Melanin plays a crucial role in determining the color of an individual's skin, hair, and eyes. It provides protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun by absorbing and dissipating the energy, thus reducing the risk of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

Carotene, while present in skin, primarily contributes to a yellow or orange hue, particularly in areas like the palms and soles, but it is not the main pigment responsible for overall skin color. Hemoglobin, found in red blood cells, gives blood its red color, which can influence skin tone but is not a pigment of the skin itself. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is important for cell membrane structure and function, but it does not contribute to skin color. Thus, melanin is the definitive pigment associated with the diversity of skin color among individuals.