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

There was also an important decrease in sebum, the oily stuff that protects your skin but also triggers acne. —Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025

Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025

The best explanation as to why comes down to the microbiome and its reliance upon sebum in order to maintain its balance; bereft of adequate sebum following the laser’s damage to the sebaceous glands, the skin was put at-risk of dysbiosis—including dermatitis. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 5 Sep. 2025

This blemish-banishing formula includes witch hazel, algae extract, and grape seed extract, plus vitamin E to keep pores looking tight, rein in excess sebum, and shield skin from free radicals. —Esme Benjamin, PEOPLE, 4 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