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

Furthermore, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by sebum are impacted by processes involved in the progression of Parkinson's, including neurodegeneration, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

While current methods of Parkinson's screening — such as clinical rating scales and neural imaging — can be costly, tests with sebum could offer an inexpensive alternative. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 19 June 2025

One of the more promising ways to spot Parkinson's early has to do with the way in which the disease impacts the oily layer of our skin known as sebum. —New Atlas, 19 June 2025

Oribe’s Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo uses a blend of starches (corn, tapioca, and rice) along with kaolin clay to get that job done, plus rosebay extracts to regulate your scalp’s sebum production. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 June 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