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

Prequel’s Gleanser is up for the challenge with a meticulous blend of one percent salicylic acid to clear away surface oils and dead skin, along with zinc PCA to keep sebum in check. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, tea tree extract keeps excess sebum at bay, fighting against an oil slick T-zone, leaving skin clean and balanced but not overly dry. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026

It’s packed with antioxidants to fend off environmental stressors such as pollutants that otherwise cause signs of aging, reduce puffiness (thank you, natural caffeine), and curb excess sebum. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026

The formula includes microporous silica to mattify the skin and absorb excess sebum and bakuchiol to regulate sebum over time. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 24 Sep. 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