Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. It is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, located in the epidermis. The amount and type of melanin determine the color of an individual’s skin. There are two primary types of melanin: eumelanin (brown/black) and pheomelanin (yellow/red). The greater the production of melanin, the darker the skin tone. In contrast, keratin is a protein that makes up the skin's outer layer but does not affect skin color. Albumin and chitin are not involved in skin pigmentation.