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

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

The star ingredients here are oil-absorbing clays (including kaolin and bentonite) and the brand’s signature grapeseed polyphenols, which provide free radical protection as well as combat sebum oxidation—the reason blackheads appear dark. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 21 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

It’s made with sake water, which contains probiotics to balance the scalp's microbiome and prevent flaking and sebum buildup, and hyaluronic acid, grape extract, and platinum fiber to hydrate and strengthen hair. —Audrey Noble, Glamour, 29 Sep. 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