Anti-sebum

Ingredients with the function of an anti-sebum agent help to reduce excess oiliness of the skin and hair. Their task is either to reduce the rate of sebum release, or to reduce the noticeable shine due to its partial binding and distribution over the surface. Therefore, such components are especially in demand in the care of oily, combination and rash-prone skin, as well as in shampoos and scalp products, where they help to maintain a feeling of freshness for longer. In the European CosIng database, the anti-sebum function is highlighted as a separate cosmetic role of ingredients. (ec.europa.eu )

In practice, such substances can visually narrow the pores, reduce the glossy finish of the cream or serum and make the texture of the product more "dry" and comfortable. One of the most famous examples is niacinamide: in a clinical study, the external use of 2% niacinamide reduced the rate of sebum secretion after 2-4 weeks. This is important not only for dullness, but also to reduce the risk of clogged pores, as excess sebum is associated with the formation of comedones and inflammatory elements. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Another typical example is zinc—Zinc PCA, a combination of zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, which is often included in serums, tonics and scalp products for a more balanced seborrheic care; in formulas, it is valued for its ability to maintain a cleaner, less oily skin feeling. It is important to understand that such ingredients do not "over-dry" the skin by definition: well-designed products tend not to remove sebum completely, but to bring its secretion to a more comfortable level, while maintaining the barrier properties of the skin. (ec.europa.eu )