Which layer of the skin is primarily responsible for skin color?

The Stratum Germinativum, also known as the basal layer of the epidermis, is primarily responsible for skin color because it contains melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin. Melanin is the substance that gives skin its color and protects against UV radiation. The quantity and type of melanin produced by these cells determine the variation in skin tones among individuals. The more active the melanocytes are, or the more melanin they produce, the darker the skin will be.

This layer also plays a critical role in the regeneration of the skin, as the cells here constantly divide and push older cells upward through the epidermal layers. While other layers of the skin contribute to its overall structure and function, the pigmentation that gives skin its distinct color originates from the activity within the Stratum Germinativum.