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

Your Hair Gets Oily The accumulation of sebum, along with dirt, dead skin, and other particles, can lead to an oily appearance in the hair. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026

The lightweight formula blends grapeseed, olive, sunflower, and camellia oils to melt away sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum while keeping skin soft and hydrated. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Mar. 2026

Magnesium helps regulate the nervous system and the body’s stress response, which can support balanced hormones, healthier sebum production, and overall skin barrier function. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 7 Mar. 2026

For curly or dyed hair, Aguh recommends washing less frequently to avoid removing too much sebum. —ABC News, 25 Feb. 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