Studies of sebum. 2. Some constituents of the unsaponifiable matter of human sebum

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Abstract
Chromatographic analysis yielded hydrocarbons (30-45% of the unsaponifiable matter), cholesterol (14-19%), normal-chain aliphatic alcohols (about 20%) and some unidentified substances including oxidation products of squalene. The hydrocarbon fraction contains 30-40% squalene, and a normal-chain paraffin (possibly pentacosane). The principal sterol present is cholesterol, but another sterol-like substance is also present. No vit. A, beta-carotene, vit. K, or provits. D2 and D3 could be detected by chemical tests on sebum or the separated fractions. Sebum contains appreciable amts. of FeCl3-reducing substances. Part of this material is probably vit. E, but not more than the equivalent of 0.2 mg. of tocopherol/ g. of sebum. The principal reducing substance is an acidic (or phenolic) compound which may function as an antioxidant in sebum.