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

Going without a hair wash can cause sebum to accumulate, leading to scalp itchiness.2 3. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 19 June 2025

Understanding that our skin is exposed to environmental conditions that can alter its composition but seeing the value in using sebum to detect Parkinson's, researchers led by scientists from a range of universities and research institutes in China turned to a different source of sebum: ear wax. —New Atlas, 19 June 2025

Previously unbeknownst to me, our skin generates one to three teaspoons of sebum a day, enough to fry an egg. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 22 May 2025

Isotretinoin lowers sebum production in the skin; sebum is a waxy, oily substance that’s meant to protect the skin from moisture loss. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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