All people have about the same number of ________, regardless of skin color. What varies from person to person is how active the cells are in producing melanin.

Melanocytes

Cells located in the skin and hair follicles that produce melanin, giving skin, hair, and eyes their color.

Melanin

A pigment produced by melanocytes in the skin, hair, and eyes, responsible for coloration and protection against ultraviolet light.