Final answer:
Carotene and melanin are the two pigments found in the epidermis. Carotene imparts a yellowish color to skin, while melanin, which is produced by melanocytes, provides varying degrees of brown and protects against UV light.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two pigments contained in the epidermis are carotene and melanin. Carotene gives skin a yellowish tint, particularly visible in skin with low levels of melanin. Melanin, on the other hand, is produced by cells called melanocytes found in the stratum basale of the epidermis.
This pigment is transferred to keratinocytes through a cellular vesicle called a melanosome, which plays a pivotal role in skin color as it absorbs UV light, preventing potential damage to the skin layers beneath. Individuals with darker skin produce more melanin, offering greater protection against UV radiation but also increasing the risk of vitamin D deficiency due to melanin's ability to block UV light.