Baby oil is a common product with a lot of uses. You can use it as a moisturizer or a makeup remover, and a lot of people use it to treat wooden furniture. But if you are going to use it on wood, you need to know how to do it safely. Many people are unsure whether baby oil is flammable like some other wood treatments, and if they need to take extra precautions when using it.
This article will look at what it means for a substance to be flammable and whether baby oil meets the criteria. We will also explore a few simple ways to stay safe when using baby oil.
Is Baby Oil Flammable?
Technically, baby oil is not classed as a flammable liquid. For a liquid to be officially classed as flammable, it needs to have a flash point below 93 degrees Celsius (199.4 degrees Fahrenheit). The flash point is the temperature at which the substance will ignite when exposed to a heat source like a spark or flame. As baby oil has a much higher flash point, it is not technically considered to be flammable and the warning doesn’t appear on the bottle. But does that mean it is completely safe?
No, baby oil will still catch fire quite easily if it is exposed to a heat source for long enough. So, even though it doesn’t say on the bottle that it’s a flammable liquid, it will still burn easily and can be dangerous. Therefore, you still need to take precautions and avoid using it near flames.
What Inside a Baby Oil Can Make it a Fire Hazard? 
Most baby oil is simply mineral oil with a small amount of fragrance in it. Mineral oil is made from petroleum jelly, a refined by-product that is generated when crude oil is turned into other substances. It is put through a thorough refinement process until it is clear and safe for use on the skin. Because it is derived from petroleum-based products, mineral oil can catch fire quite easily.
Some baby oils are also plant-based, and these still contain some ingredients that can catch fire. Many contain vegetable oils which, although not classified as flammable, will set on fire when exposed to a flame.
Will Baby Oil Catch on Fire when Exposed to a Flame?
Yes, absolutely. People often assume that just because a substance doesn’t say it’s flammable that it can’t catch fire but that isn’t the case. Baby oil will definitely set on fire when exposed to a naked flame.
Can Baby Oil Catch on Fire from a Spark?
No, it is unlikely that baby oil will catch on fire from a spark. It is not deemed a flammable liquid because it has quite a high flash point. In order for baby oil to set on fire, it needs to be exposed to a hot flame. A small spark will not generate enough heat to ignite it.
Can Baby Oil Catch Fire from High Temperatures?
Technically, baby oil can catch on fire from high temperatures. However, the temperature would have to exceed around 170 degrees Celsius before the baby oil could catch fire without a direct source of ignition.
If I Leave Baby Oil in the Sun Can it Catch on Fire?
Again, it is very unlikely that baby oil would catch fire after being exposed to the sun. The excess heat does mean that it would light a bit faster and burn easier once ignited, but the sun alone will not be enough to make it catch fire.
What is the Flash Point of Baby Oil?
The flash point of baby oil is roughly 170 degrees Celsius (335 degrees Fahrenheit). This is a high flash point, so it’s unlikely that baby oil will catch fire from a small spark, but it will still burn in contact with a large fire.
Is Baby Oil Flammable When Dry?
When mineral oil dries, it will evaporate and disappear. Since most baby oil is just mineral oil with some fragrance added, it does not pose a fire risk when it is dry.
What’s the Safest Way to Dispose of Baby Oil?
Baby oil is not a flammable liquid and it is incredibly unlikely to spontaneously combust unless it reaches extreme temperatures. So, you can dispose of it in the regular trash without any concerns.
Are Rags with Baby Oil on them Flammable?
No, rags with baby oil on them are not particularly dangerous. They are only likely to cause a fire if they come into contact with an ignition source. Again, they can safely be disposed of in the trash. However, if you are concerned, you can leave them out in a cool area out of direct sunlight to dry properly before you throw them away.
How Should You Store Baby Oil?
Storing baby oil is relatively easy as it is unlikely to catch fire in direct sunlight. However, bear in mind that it is still a fire hazard, so you need to keep it away from sources of ignition. Avoid storing it with other flammable liquids, especially those that are more likely to spontaneously combust, like solvents because the baby oil will act as fuel.
How Do You Safely Put Out a Baby Oil Fire?
If baby oil catches fire, avoid spraying water on it because you risk spreading the flames. Instead use a foam or CO2 fire extinguisher if you have one on hand. Baby oil also needs quite a lot of oxygen to burn, so if you can cover the fire with a non-flammable material, you can starve it of oxygen and put it out.
However, if the fire gets out of control, make sure that you call the local authorities and avoid putting yourself in danger.
Related Questions
Is Johnson’s Baby Oil Flammable?
Johnson’s baby oil is mostly mineral oil, so it is not technically flammable but it does burn quite easily.
Is Amazon Brand Solimo Baby Oil Flammable?
Amazon brand Solimo Baby Oil is another mineral oil product, so not technically flammable but still a potential fire hazard.
Is Zarbee’s Baby Massage Oil Flammable?
This natural baby massage oil is not mineral oil based. It is made with a base of sunflower oil which, although not flammable, burns very well (think of frying oil fires). It also contains Jojoba oil, which has quite a low flash point. So, although not technically flammable, this oil is probably more of a fire hazard than a standard mineral oil based product.
Is Pipette Baby Oil Flammable?
The main oil in this product is coconut oil, which is a serious fire hazard. Coconut oil contains a substance called Lauric acid, which is a type of saturated fat that ignites very easily. So, you need to be especially careful when using Pipette Baby Oil or any other product with coconut oil.
Final Thoughts
People tend to assume that baby oil is not a fire hazard because it doesn’t have a big flammable label on the bottle. But even though it is not considered flammable according to the official definition, it certainly burns well and if it comes into contact with fire, it will spread rapidly. So, take the same precautions that you would when using other substances that do have a flammable warning on the label.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.