The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SEBUM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
E
B
U
M
More clues leading to the result SEBUM
- Problem about beryllium put back in natural lubricant
- Espy sponge, we hear, for oily substance
- Special oriental sponge produces natural lubricant
- Oil on skin, use sponge, wiping face
- Fatty stuff: whole amount has sink almost stuffed
- Scrubbing away a sea sponge secretion
- Secretion emanating from some hollowed out cheeks
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "secretion" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case secretion = sebum.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SEBUM mean?
SEBUM noun- A thick oily substance, secreted by the sebaceous glands of the skin, that consists of fat, keratin and cellular debris.