Final answer:
Melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin, are found in the epidermis, specifically the stratum basale, the innermost layer. Melanin absorbs UV light, providing protection against potential skin damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary layer of the skin that contains melanocytes is the epidermis, specifically the stratum basale, which is the innermost or deepest layer of the epidermis. Melanocytes are special cells that produce melanin, a pigment that determines skin color and provides protection against UV radiation from the sun. This pigment is critical as it absorbs UV light, reducing the potential for DNA damage which can lead to skin cancer. The presence of melanocytes within the epidermis is essential for producing enough melanin to protect the skin, and their activity increases with exposure to UV light, often resulting in a darker skin tone or tan.