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

Frequent washing can strip hair of its natural oils, triggering even more sebum production or causing hair thinning. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 29 Apr. 2026

The benefits of beef tallow for skin most often cited by supporters come down to its fatty acid profile, which closely mirrors human sebum. — Ryan Brennan may 4, Kansas City Star, 4 May 2026

The super-lightweight formula not only seals your makeup but also protects and absorbs excess sebum with its superfood detox blend. — Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 31 May 2026

With the addition of niacinamide and tea tree leaf water, the formula also helps soothe irritation and fight oil-slick sebum production. — Rosa Jisoo Pyo, Vogue, 8 May 2026

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