What type of gland produces oil in the skin?

The sebaceous gland is responsible for producing oil in the skin, specifically sebum. This oil plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health by providing moisture and creating a barrier that helps protect the skin from environmental factors. Sebum also has antibacterial properties, which help in preventing infections.

In contrast, sweat glands are primarily designed for thermoregulation and excretion of sweat, while endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream and are not involved in oil production. Exocrine glands, on the other hand, can include sweat and sebaceous glands, but the specific type of gland that produces oil is the sebaceous gland. Therefore, the correct answer is unequivocally the sebaceous gland, as it is specifically dedicated to the secretion of lipids that keep the skin hydrated and protected.