phaeomelanin

biology

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July 20, 2026

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Phaeomelanin is a reddish-yellow pigment that, along with eumelanin, is responsible for the diverse colors seen in mammals, including hair and skin. It is a type of melanin, which are pigments synthesized from the amino acid tyrosine. These pigments are produced by specialized cells called melanocytes.1234

Melanins play a crucial role in providing coloration and offer several advantages, such as protection from ultraviolet radiation and absorption of heat. The concentration of melanin can influence hair and skin color, and variations in its production contribute to the wide range of appearances observed in the animal kingdom.324

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melanocyte
… and pale red or yellowish phaeomelanin. Both are formed within the melanocytes by the initial oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine with the aid of the enzyme tyrosinase; subsequently their synthetic pathways diverge.
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… and pale red or yellowish phaeomelanin. Both are formed within the melanocytes by the initial oxidation of the amino acid tyrosine with the aid of the enzyme tyrosinase; subsequently their synthetic pathways diverge.
Read More