Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid naturally found in various animal and vegetable fats. It plays a role in the body's chemical defenses by contributing to the antimicrobial properties of sebum.
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Oleic acid is a key component of human sebum, which provides a protective barrier on the skin.
It has antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of certain pathogens on the skin surface.
The presence of oleic acid contributes to maintaining the slightly acidic pH of the skin, which is unfavorable for many microbes.
Oleic acid can disrupt microbial cell membranes, leading to cell lysis and death.
It works synergistically with other fatty acids and lipids in sebum to enhance its protective functions.