Stratum germinativum or stratum basale is the layer of keratinocytes that lies at the base of the epidermis immediately above the dermis. It consists of a single layer of tall cells lying on a basement membrane. These cells undergo rapid cell division to replenish the regular loss of skin by shedding from the surface.

Basal cell carcinoma is a relatively benign form of skin cancer which arises from this layer of cells.