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

Sebaceous glands, which means no sebum and no Vitamin E or other protective antioxidants that are found in sebum. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 17 Apr. 2026

Combined with lactic acid, this treatment buffs out wrinkles, increases collagen, and regulates sebum. —Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 13 Apr. 2026

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

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