Helping oily skin! Sebo-regulating substances in beauty products 
Sebo-regulating substances – what are they and how do they work?

A sebo-regulating substance, also called a sebo-static substance, is a type of ingredient found in various products’ compositions, which regulates the work of the sebaceous glands. They normalize sebum secretion, restore skin balance, and inhibit seborrhea. Products with the addition of substances regulate excessively oily skin, soothe irritation, and have mattifying effects and antibacterial qualities. What’s more, they tighten enlarged sebaceous glands and improve the general skin colour.

Oily skin – characteristics

A thick stratum corneum (outer skin layer) and increased sebaceous glands work, responsible for maintaining a proper hydrolipidic barrier, the skin’s ‘shield’ against drying and damage, are typical for oily skin. It can be characterized by ashy, sallow skin colour, enlarged pores with a tendency to get clogged and frequent blackhead formation. It gets oily and shiny quickly, especially in the T zone (forehead, nose and chin). Those with oily skin often struggle with acne. It’s worth mentioning that because oily skin is naturally thicker, signs of ageing appear later on the skin than in the case of, i.e. dry skin.

Sebum – what is it and what’s its purpose?

Sebum is a natural substance produced by an organism. It’s one of the components that form on the skin’s surface the hydrolipidic barrier. It prevents water escape and reduces the drying of the skin. It ensures its elasticity, firmness and youthful look. Moreover, it makes penetration of vitamins and minerals to deep layers of the skin easier. Because of that, the skin is able to maintain its pH levels at a good level. It’s a natural shield that protects the skin against harmful UV radiation.

Why does the skin get oily?

Many factors affect skin oiliness, for example:

  • hormonal changes and imbalances,
  • genetics,
  • unhealthy diet,
  • improper skin care,
  • excessively drying of the skin,
  • chronic stress,
  • excessive exposure to the sun and the lack of photoprotection,
  • some medicine,
  • air pollution.

What to look for in cosmetics’ ingredient lists?

If you’re struggling with oily skin, go for products that contain sebo-regulating substances such as:

  • clays (Kaolin)
  • activated charcoal (Carbon)
  • niacinamide (Niacinamide)
  • lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)
  • tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
  • zinc (Zinc)
  • algae (Algae)
  • green tea (Camellia sinensis)
  • clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
  • lavender (Lavandula officinalis)
  • AHA and BHA acids
  • tricolor violet (Viola tricolor L.)
  • chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)
  • propolis (Propolis cera)
  • burdock (Arctium L.)
  • witch hazel (Hamamelis virginina)
  • calendula (Calendula officinalis L.).
  • raspberry (Rubus L.)