Melanin

Melanin (CAS 8049-97-6, EC 232-473-6) is a naturally occurring biopolymeric pigment produced by the oxidative polymerisation of tyrosine-derived precursors. Also referred to as melanins, melanine, or melanoids, it encompasses several structural classes including eumelanin and pheomelanin. No E-code designation applies to this substance.

In personal care formulations, melanin functions as a broadband UV absorber, dissipating photon energy across UVA and UVB ranges to reduce photodamage to skin and hair. In pharmaceutical research and drug delivery, its redox-active quinone groups enable free radical scavenging and allow surface functionalisation for nanoparticle-based carrier systems.

Melanin is available in solid powder grades of varying purity, sourced from biological origins including cephalopod ink or synthetic enzymatic routes. Suppliers operating within the EU must comply with REACH registration requirements. Procurement teams should confirm grade specification, origin traceability, and applicable cosmetic ingredient dossier requirements before sourcing.