Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sebum is an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands located in the dermis of the skin. It helps to lubricate and protect the skin and hair, keeping them soft and preventing them from drying out.
Related terms
Sebaceous glands: These are microscopic exocrine glands in the skin that produce and secrete sebum into the hair follicles to lubricate the skin and hair.
The dermis is the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis that contains blood capillaries, nerve endings, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other structures.
Hair follicles: A dynamic organ found in mammalian skin; it resides in the dermal layer of the skin and is made up of 20 different cell types, each with distinct functions