Do Lips Have Oil Glands?
Yes, lips do have sebaceous (oil) glands, but their distribution is variable and they are not universally present across the entire lip structure. 1
Anatomical Distribution of Sebaceous Glands on Lips
The presence of sebaceous glands on the lips depends on the specific anatomical zone:
Vermilion Zone (Red Part of Lips)
- The vermilion zone is characterized as keratinizing glabrous (hairless) epithelium that often contains numerous sebaceous glands, particularly in the upper lip. 1
- These sebaceous glands on the vermilion border are common in adults and increase in incidence from childhood to adulthood, with slightly higher prevalence in men. 2
- When sebaceous glands become visible through the epithelium on the vermilion border, they are termed Fordyce's granules (or Fordyce spots). 2
General Facial Skin Context
- Sebaceous glands are predominantly located on the face and scalp, where they are connected to hair follicles and secrete sebum (oil) to keep skin supple and smooth. 3
- The majority of sebaceous glands throughout the body are associated with hair follicles, forming pilosebaceous units. 4
Important Clinical Distinctions
What Constitutes Pathologic Findings
- Only sebaceous glands that are pathologically visible through the epithelium should be regarded as Fordyce's granules—the normal presence of sebaceous glands in lip tissue does not constitute pathology. 2
- Fordyce's granules typically have the same histological features as cutaneous sebaceous glands and pathologic alterations are rare. 2
- There is no significant correlation between Fordyce's granules and systemic diseases. 2
Areas Without Sebaceous Glands
- Sebaceous glands are found throughout the human body except on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. 5, 6
- The inner labial mucosa (inside of the lip) contains mucoserous glands rather than sebaceous glands. 1
Clinical Relevance
The sebaceous glands on the lips serve the same functions as those elsewhere on the body: