Melanin vs. Keratin — What's the Difference?

Helps in protecting the skin from UV radiation.

A fibrous protein that forms the structural component of hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.

A natural pigment found in most organisms, responsible for color in skin, hair, and eyes.

Essential for the protective quality of skin and hair.

Varies widely among different ethnic groups.

Produced in skin cells called keratinocytes.

Influences the aesthetic and functional characteristics of an organism.

Provides strength and rigidity to cells it composes.

Produced in cells known as melanocytes.

Varies in composition to suit different functions in the body.

Melanin ( (listen); from Greek: μέλας melas, "black, dark") is a broad term for a group of natural pigments found in most organisms. Melanin is produced through a multistage chemical process known as melanogenesis, where the oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine is followed by polymerization.

Keratin () is one of a family of fibrous structural proteins known as scleroproteins. α-Keratin is a type of keratin found in vertebrates.

A dark brown to black pigment occurring in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye in people and animals. It is responsible for tanning of skin exposed to sunlight.

A fibrous protein forming the main structural constituent of hair, feathers, hoofs, claws, horns, etc.

Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.

Any of a class of filamentous proteins that are abundant in the cytoskeleton of vertebrate epithelial cells and are the main constituents of the outer layer of skin and tough epidermal structures such as hair, nails, hooves, feathers, and claws.

(biochemistry) Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.

Material composed principally of keratin proteins.

A black pigment found in the pigment-bearing cells of the skin (particularly in the skin of the negro), in the epithelial cells of the external layer of the retina (then called fuscin), in the outer layer of the choroid, and elsewhere. It is supposed to be derived from the decomposition of hemoglobin.

(protein) The protein of which hair and nails are composed.

Insoluble pigments that account for the color of e.g. skin and scales and feathers

A sulfur-containing fibrous protein constituting the main structural protein of hard epidermal tissues, such as horn, hair, feathers, nails, claws, hoofs, and the like. It is an insoluble substance, and, unlike elastin, is not dissolved even by gastric or pancreatic juice. By decomposition with sulphuric acid it yields leucine and tyrosine plus various other acid-stable amino acids. The amino acid composition varies, but it usually has a high percentage of cystine, which stabilizes and insolubilizes the protein by forming intrachain linkages. A softer form of keratin is present in the epidermis and whalebone. Called also epidermose.

A fibrous scleroprotein that occurs in the outer layer of the skin and in horny tissues such as hair feathers nails and hooves

Melanin is a pigment that provides color and UV protection, whereas keratin is a protein that provides structural strength to hair, skin, and nails.

Genetic factors primarily determine melanin levels, influencing skin, hair, and eye color based on ancestral geographic locations.

Melanin protects the skin from UV damage, while keratin strengthens the skin and makes it resistant to physical damage.

UV exposure increases melanin production to protect against UV damage but can break down keratin, damaging hair and skin.

Too much keratin can lead to conditions like keratosis pilaris (rough, bumpy skin), while too little can make hair, skin, and nails weak and brittle.

A diet rich in antioxidants can support melanin production, while proteins and biotin are important for keratin.

Melanin production can be increased by sun exposure, though it's risky; keratin production can be supported with a diet rich in protein and vitamins.

Aging can reduce the production of both melanin and keratin, leading to graying hair, less effective UV protection, and weaker skin and nails.

Yes, keratin treatments are used to smooth and strengthen hair by temporarily replenishing the hair's natural keratin content.

Yes, conditions like albinism result from defects in melanin production, while disorders like keratosis pilaris involve excess keratin buildup.

Researchers study melanin and keratin to understand their roles in diseases, genetics, and body functions.

Yes, keratin is a key component in feathers, hooves, and horns of various animals.

Melanin concentration in the iris determines whether eyes are light or dark colored.

Melanin provides a protective advantage against sun damage, which can lead to skin cancer, benefiting long-term survival.

Synthetic melanin is used in materials science, while synthetic keratin is used in cosmetics and hair care products.