Reference
Emoji skin tones, explained
Skin tone variants are separate sequences built from a base emoji and a modifier. They are not a color setting applied by the font.
The base emoji comes first
A person emoji usually has a default version and up to five skin tone variants. The variant adds a modifier code point after the base character. The underlying meaning stays the same.
Not every emoji supports tones
Objects, symbols and many animals have no skin tone variants. If a tone is not offered on the emoji page, the platform does not define one for that character.
Rendering depends on the platform
Most current systems render the five modifiers, but older fonts and some desktop apps may show the base emoji or a fallback. Test the exact sequence in the environment where it will appear.
Choose deliberately
Use a tone when it adds context or representation. Do not use a variant as decoration. For interface labels, keep the default neutral form unless the content calls for a specific tone.