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

The same is true for dry scalp, though aging causes the body to produce less sebum, which can result in dryness. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 13 Feb. 2025

Age Your age affects how much sebum your scalp produces. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025

That’s because water, not sebum, is what gives skin its elasticity and plumpness, according to Dr. Castilla. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025

Excess sebum isn’t always the only reason for clogged pores, though. —Twiggy Jalloh, Vogue, 6 Feb. 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