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

This unique toner effectively controls sebum and provides hydration. —Priscilla Mak, Rolling Stone, 13 Aug. 2024

Your trio will include some combination of moisturizing and cleansing products based on your skin’s sebum levels and age—likely a cream, oil, and cleanser. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 9 Aug. 2024

The reason being: Toner is the first product to fill your pores post-cleansing, and K-beauty toners, in particular, ensure this step helps balance your skin’s pH, moisture, and sebum levels with ultra-gentle, fragrance-free formulas. —Devon Abelman, Allure, 5 Aug. 2024

This peel is formulated with salicylic, glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids that work together to regulate your skin’s sebum production, preventing pore-clogging oils from building up and leading to acne. —Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 6 Aug. 2024

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