Laser-markable cable layers for a cable are provided. The laser-markable cable layers include an inner layer formed of a first polymer material and an outer layer formed of a second polymer material and a laser-marking compound. The outer layer is about 0.5% to about 50% of the thickness of the inner layer. The laser-markable cable layers surround a wire or cable core. Methods of marking a cable having laser-markable cable layers are also provided.