sebum

noun

se·​bum ˈsē-bəm How to pronounce sebum (audio)
: fatty lubricant matter secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin

Examples of sebum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Makeup removers are for removing all forms of makeup, but cleansers, which come in many forms, will help remove sweat, sebum, dirt, and impurities from your skin, says Dr. Saedi. Iman Balagam, Vogue, 25 Jan. 2024 Niacinamide can be a game changer for acne-prone skin, working to curb the production of sebum, reduce inflammation, and reduce the appearance of post-acne marks. Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 15 Feb. 2024 Those with an oily skin type tend to have excess sebum, which can lead to buildup under the skin, and thus, acne. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 Finding the right face wash can be a game-changer for those dealing with excess sebum oil and shine. Sarah Bradley, Health, 8 Aug. 2023 The former, with an E, is naturally produced by the body’s sebaceous glands and, to get more specific, is part of sebum, Mary Stevenson, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center, tells SELF. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 9 Feb. 2024 Some of these include evening hyperpigmentation, brightening, and my personal favorite: balancing sebum production. Talia Gutierrez, Allure, 24 Jan. 2024 Zinc supplements are believed to regulate sebum production, control hormonal imbalances, and improve the skin's natural barrier function. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 29 July 2023 The secret here is its exfoliating prowess — it's formulated with a combination of tropical fruit enzymes, allantoin, and glycolic acid to help gently wash away excess sebum and remove dead skin and buildup from pores, thereby reducing breakouts and prevent future ones from popping up. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sebum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, tallow, grease

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sebum was circa 1860

Dictionary Entries Near sebum

Cite this Entry

“Sebum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sebum. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

sebum

noun
se·​bum ˈsēb-əm How to pronounce sebum (audio)
: fatty lubricant matter secreted by sebaceous glands of the skin

More from Merriam-Webster on sebum

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