The Science of Color Analysis: How Melanin, Hemoglobin & Carotene Shape Your Best Colors

Amanda Mark
Feb 16
4 min read

Updated: Jun 2

Have you ever wondered why some colors make you look radiant while others leave you appearing washed out or tired? The secret lies not just in personal preference—it’s rooted in science.

Your best colors arise from the unique combination of melanin, hemoglobin, and carotene in your skin. These three pigments work harmoniously to create your undertone and influence which hues will complement your natural complexion.

Understanding this deeper level of color analysis can help you curate a wardrobe that enhances your natural beauty. It allows you to look healthier and more youthful. Plus, you will feel effortlessly put together. Let’s dive into the science behind how these pigments shape your perfect color palette.

The Three Pigments That Determine Your Undertone

Your skin tone isn’t just about being fair, medium, or deep—it’s also about the undertones created by three key pigments:

1. Melanin: The Depth of Your Skin Tone

Melanin is the pigment responsible for the depth of your skin tone and how much sun protection it naturally provides. It determines whether you have fair, medium, or deep skin.

Those with higher melanin levels usually have deeper skin tones. They may lean warm or cool based on their undertones.
Conversely, individuals with lower melanin levels often have fairer skin, which can also be warm or cool.

How Melanin Affects Your Best Colors:

Individuals with higher melanin (deeper skin tones) often look stunning in rich, bold colors. Think jewel tones or deep earth tones.
Those with lower melanin (fairer skin tones) tend to be flattered by softer pastels, light neutrals, or high-contrast colors.

2. Hemoglobin: The Rosy or Blue-Red Tints in Your Skin

Hemoglobin is the protein in your blood responsible for giving your skin its underlying red, pink, or blue tints. This factor significantly influences whether your skin showcases a cool or warm undertone.

Individuals with higher hemoglobin levels often exhibit pink, red, or blue undertones. This means they are more likely to be cool-toned.
Those with lower hemoglobin levels may appear to have more golden, peachy, or warm hues.

How Hemoglobin Affects Your Best Colors:

If your skin naturally flushes pink, rosy, or blue—especially in cold weather—you likely glow in cool colors like blues, purples, and pink-based reds.
If your complexion leans towards warmth, warm colors such as corals, oranges, and warm browns complement you best.

3. Carotene: The Golden Glow Factor

Carotene is a yellow-orange pigment stored in your skin that influences whether you have a golden or warm glow. It's the same pigment found in carrots and sweet potatoes!

Higher carotene levels impart a golden, warm appearance to the skin.
Lower carotene levels lead to a cooler, more neutral complexion.

How Carotene Affects Your Best Colors:

If you possess a warm, golden glow, you’ll shine in earthy hues like mustard, olive, terracotta, and warm reds.
Conversely, if your skin lacks carotene’s golden influence, you likely look best in cooler shades like icy blues, soft pinks, and jewel tones.

How These Three Pigments Work Together

Your individual mixture of melanin, hemoglobin, and carotene determines your:

Undertone (Warm, Cool, or Neutral)
Depth (Fair, Medium, or Deep)
Contrast Level (High or Low)

For example:

A cool-toned individual with high hemoglobin and low carotene will thrive in cool blues, pinks, and purples.
A warm-toned individual with high carotene and moderate melanin will radiate in golden yellows, rust, and warm earth tones.
A neutral-toned person who balances hemoglobin and carotene can wear a blend of both cool and warm hues.

Why This Matters for Color Analysis

Color analysis goes beyond simply matching colors—it’s about harmonizing with your natural pigments. This harmony helps your skin look clear, glowing, and full of life. Wearing colors that clash with your natural pigmentation can have unwanted effects:

Choosing cool colors with a warm undertone can leave you looking ashy or dull.
Wearing warm colors when you have a cool undertone may result in a sallow or orange complexion.
Opting for colors that are too harsh or muted based on your melanin level can wash you out or make you appear tired.

By understanding how your skin’s natural pigments dictate your best colors, you can confidently select clothing, makeup, and hair colors that make you look your absolute best!

Unlocking Your Personal Color Palette

Understanding your best colors is a journey. By exploring how melanin, hemoglobin, and carotene interact, you can discover a color palette that enhances your features and showcases your beauty.

Are you curious about your perfect colors? It's essential to find shades that resonate with your unique traits.

Ready to Discover Your Perfect Colors?

At Rooted Rituals, we offer personalized color analysis sessions designed to help you find the ideal hues based on your unique melanin, hemoglobin, and carotene balance.

✨ No more second-guessing in front of the mirror.

✨ No more wasting money on the wrong shades.

✨ Simply pure confidence in your best colors!

Book a color analysis appointment today and unlock the power of color science to elevate your personal style!