sebum

noun

se·​bum ˈsē-bəm 

: fatty lubricant matter secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin

Examples of sebum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The green mud helps absorb impurities like excess sebum and buildup. —Brittany Loggins, Glamour, 8 Dec. 2025

The former helps to destroy acne-causing bacteria and reduce sebum production, while the latter rejuvenates and soothes, making for a comprehensive three-minute treatment to calm and clarify skin. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2025

By dissolving debris and excess sebum first, this step enables conditioning and sealing products to actually reach the core, rather than sitting on top. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 25 Nov. 2025

Pet allergies in humans are actually caused by the proteins found in the saliva, dander, urine, or sebum secretions of the animal, which cause symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, coughing, and even asthma. —Molly Higgins, Wired News, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, tallow, grease

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sebum

noun

se·​bum ˈsēb-əm 

: lubricant matter that is secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin and is composed of various lipids (such as triglycerides, fatty acids, and squalene)

Androgens, such as testosterone, play a role in the development and exacerbation of acne by stimulating the production of sebum.

—Isabella Tan, Dermatology Times

… the resulting production of sebum from sebaceous glands aids in lubrication, heat insulation, … antimicrobial activity, and delivery of fat-soluble antioxidants to the skin surface.

—Dustin H. Marks, American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

see sebocyte