melanin
1 synonym for melanin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The dark pigment that gives colour to skin, hair and the iris of the eye, and that absorbs ultraviolet light and helps protect skin from sun damage.
How to use melanin
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
melanin production
rich in melanin
melanin levels
Neutral and scientific; also widely used in cosmetics and health writing.
Etymology
From Greek melas, melan- 'black', with the chemical suffix -in.
Full origin of melanin →Frequently asked questions
What does melanin do?
It colours skin, hair and eyes, and it absorbs ultraviolet radiation, which shields the DNA in skin cells from sun damage. People with more melanin burn less easily but still need sun protection.
What is the difference between melanin and melatonin?
Melanin is a pigment made in the skin; melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland that regulates sleep. The names look alike but they are unrelated.
Can you increase your melanin?
Sun exposure raises melanin production temporarily, which is what tanning is, but that comes with UV damage. There is no reliable evidence that supplements or foods meaningfully raise baseline melanin, which is largely genetic.
