Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a waxy substance that is produced in the outer ear canal by special glands. Earwax is made up of a mixture of secretions from oil (sebaceous) glands and less-viscous ones from modified sweat (apocrine) glands. The primary components of earwax are:

• Shed layers of skin (keratin)
• Cholesterol
• Long-chain fatty acids (saturated and unsaturated)
• Squalene
• Wax esters
• Alcohol esters

The exact composition of earwax can vary from person to person, and it can be many different colors, including brown, orange, red, yellowish, and gray. Earwax plays an important role in ear health by protecting and moisturizing the skin of the ear canal, preventing dry and itchy ears, and acting as a shield between the outside world and the eardrum. It also contains special chemicals that fight off infections that could hurt the skin inside the ear canal. It is important to note that while earwax is a necessary substance, it is not recommended to use cotton swabs or other devices to remove it, as this can push the wax further into the ear canal and cause damage to the delicate ear structures.