What is the name of the dark pigment found in the epidermis of the skin?

The dark pigment found in the epidermis of the skin is melanin. Melanin is the primary pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. It is produced by specialized cells called melanocytes, which are located in the lower layers of the epidermis. Melanin plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation by absorbing and dissipating it, thereby reducing the risk of skin damage and conditions such as skin cancer.

Carotene, on the other hand, is a pigment that gives a yellow to orange color but is not primarily responsible for the darker shades of skin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen and gives blood its red color, but it does not contribute to the pigment of the skin itself. Keratin is a fibrous protein that makes up the structure of hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin, but it is not a pigment. Thus, melanin is distinct in its role as the dark pigment in the epidermis.