What is the primary pigment responsible for determining skin color?

Melanin is the primary pigment responsible for determining skin color in humans. This pigment is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in the epidermis. The amount and type of melanin produced can vary significantly between individuals, leading to a range of skin tones. Melanin's primary role is to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, protecting deeper layers of the skin from damage that can lead to skin cancer and other harmful effects. The darker the skin, the more melanin it typically contains, which provides greater protection against UV radiation.

Carotene, although it can influence skin color by imparting a yellow-orange hue, is not the primary determinant of skin color. Hemoglobin is responsible for the red coloration of blood and can influence skin tone based on blood flow and oxygenation, but it is not a pigment that broadly defines skin color. Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to the skin but does not contribute to its color.