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Sebum Metabolomics: Beyond Oil, Towards Insight
Sebum metabolomics is the study of the small molecules and lipids present in sebum, the oily substance produced by the skin. While often associated only with oiliness or acne, sebum is a biologically active mixture that reflects what is happening within the skin.
By analysing sebum, it is possible to capture a chemical snapshot of skin function. This offers a non-invasive way to understand processes such as inflammation, barrier changes and microbiome activity, as well as how skin responds to environmental factors and skincare products.
What we know
Sebum is composed of triglycerides, free fatty acids, wax esters, squalene and cholesterol, playing a key role in barrier function, antimicrobial defence and protection against environmental stressors 1.
Metabolomic analysis can map hundreds of molecules within sebum, providing a detailed profile of skin biology using simple, non-invasive sampling methods 2.
Sebum reflects both internal processes and external exposures, linking it to inflammation, microbiome activity, hormonal changes and environmental impact 3.
Distinct sebum profiles have been linked to conditions such as acne, sensitivity and barrier dysfunction, supporting its role as a biomarker of skin health 1, 3.
Industry impact and potential
Sebum metabolomics is enabling a shift towards more precise, data-driven skincare:
Skin profiling and diagnostics: Using sebum as a non-invasive readout to better classify skin states and risks.
Product evaluation: Measuring how formulations change skin at a molecular level, beyond visible effects.
Targeted formulation design: Developing products that address underlying drivers such as lipid imbalance, inflammation and microbiome shifts.
Our position
At Sequential, our multi-omic approach captures metabolomic changes at the skin surface, providing insight into sebum composition and how it responds to products in real-world conditions. By capturing how formulations influence sebum composition, we help brands develop targeted, evidence-led skincare grounded in measurable change.
Using our global database of 50,000+ samples, we support the development of formulations that respond to individual skin needs, moving beyond surface-level effects towards more precise, long-term skin health outcomes.
References
Géhin, C., Tokarska, J., Fowler, S., Barran, P., & Trivedi, D. (2023). No skin off your back: the sampling and extraction of sebum for metabolomics. Metabolomics, 19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-023-01982-3.
Zhang, J., Wu, F., Wang, J., Qin, Y., & Pan, Y. (2024). Unveiling the Metabolomic Profile of Oily Sensitive Skin: A Non-Invasive Approach. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252011033.
Isom, M., & Desaire, H. (2024). Skin Surface Sebum Analysis by ESI-MS. Biomolecules, 14. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14070790.
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