← Ingredient index

The ingredient, explained

Melanin

Melanins

Skin protecting
Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Skin protecting
A technical role associated with protecting skin from external factors.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Melanin is an incompletely defined pigment polymer family. Local candidates measure endogenous melanin as an outcome or target its production; they do not apply a defined ingredient melanin preparation.

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Read exact local candidate abstracts first; select identity-relevant papers; targeted primary PubMed/publisher searches. This is not an exhaustive systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Follow the formula

Products containing this ingredient

All 2 products ↗

From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

INCI name on ingredient lists
MELANIN
CAS registry number
8049-97-6
EC number
232-473-6

Sources for this ingredient record