Purpose of ReviewThis review imparts the information on melanin as a multifunctional biomolecule, emphasizing the diversity of sources like microbial, plant, and human, and accentuating its potential as a sustainable material. It deliberately focuses on current advances in utilizing melanin for inventive applications in important areas such as food, cosmetics, environmental improvement, and agriculture, as well as its increasing significance in promoting eco-friendly and industrial solutions.Recent FindingsMelanin derived from microbial, plant, and human sources has a broad spectrum of bioactivities, which includes protection from UV radiation, strong antioxidant capabilities, and the strong ability to affiliate and neutralize environmental contaminants. Recently its natural origin and biocompatibility have caught the eye in its usage as a food coloring and preservation. Not only this, it is also known to create a spark in the cosmetic industry by providing skin protection, pigmentation balance, and anti-aging effects, with both plant- and human-derived melanin playing their important roles.Environmentally, microbial and plant-based melanin built a strong resilience in the elimination of heavy and toxic metals and compounds. In agriculture, microbial melanin is well known for improving soil health in addition to increasing plant tolerance to stress and shielding biocontrol chemicals from UV destruction and showing their high capacity and significant role in different industries, making it one of the most promising byproducts of the cellular process.Recent FindingsMelanin derived from microbial, plant, and human sources has a broad spectrum of bioactivities, which includes protection from UV radiation, strong antioxidant capabilities, and the strong ability to affiliate and neutralize environmental contaminants. Recently its natural origin and biocompatibility have caught the eye in its usage as a food coloring and preservation. Not only this, it is also known to create a spark in the cosmetic industry by providing skin protection, pigmentation balance, and anti-aging effects, with both plant- and human-derived melanin playing their important roles.Environmentally, microbial and plant-based melanin built a strong resilience in the elimination of heavy and toxic metals and compounds. In agriculture, microbial melanin is well known for improving soil health in addition to increasing plant tolerance to stress and shielding biocontrol chemicals from UV destruction and showing their high capacity and significant role in different industries, making it one of the most promising byproducts of the cellular process.SummaryMelanin, derived from different sources-microorganisms, plants, and humans-represents a flexible and sustainable biomaterial that is becoming increasingly important in the various fields. Its multifunctional qualities make it extraordinary application for use in food preservation, cosmetics, environmental improvement, and sustainable agriculture. This review summarizes melanin's potential for long-term innovation and industrial progress by amalgamating the ideas from several biological sources.

The use of cosmetic products is expanding globally, and with it, so is the range of chemical substances employed in their production. As a result, there is also a higher risk of intoxication, allergic reactions, prolonged chemical exposure, adverse effects, and indiscriminate use. Cosmetic products can contain more than 10,000 ingredients. Most users of synthetic cosmetics are unaware of the harmful effects if they even are. However, it is linked to many diseases like cancer, congenital disabilities, reproductive impairments, developmental systems, contact dermatitis, hair loss, lung damage, old age, skin diseases and reactions, allergies, and harm to human nails. Many beauty products also create a high demand for natural oils, leading to extensive and intensive cultivation, harming natural habitats through deforestation, and contaminating soil and water through pesticides and fertilizers. The adverse effects of hazardous substances in synthetic cosmetics extend beyond human health and influence ecosystems, air quality, and oceans. Thus, this review aims to assess the environmental and health impacts of cosmetics using published scientific articles. The study used a systematic review based on Scopus, Science Direct, Web databases, Scholar Google, and PubMed. The results of this review showed that the formulation of cosmetics until the disposal of their containers could adversely affect environmental and human health.