Regular use of emollients over time can allow the product to soak into clothing, bedding and dressings. Once dried, this residue can make fabrics more flammable. If exposed to heat or a flame, these materials can ignite easily and burn intensely.
Higher risk situations include:
Smoking or dropped cigarettes.
Sitting close to heaters or open fires.
Cooking near hobs or open flames.
Emollients are important for skin care and should continue to be used. However, taking simple precautions can help reduce fire risk:
Keep away from smoking, naked flames and heat sources.
Wash clothing, bedding and dressings regularly, using the highest temperature recommended.
Be aware that washing reduces the risk but does not remove it completely.
Smoking
Do not smoke in bed.
Avoid smoking while wearing clothing contaminated with emollients.
Seek support if you want to stop smoking via the NHS or your GP.
Supervised smoking may help reduce risk, where appropriate.
Cooking
Avoid cooking while wearing clothing contaminated with emollients.
Take extra care around hobs and open flames.
Where possible, use safer alternatives such as microwaves, air fryers or induction hobs.
Candles and open flames
Keep candles and other naked flames away from contaminated fabrics.
Take care when lighting candles to avoid dropping matches or lighters.
Consider using battery-operated alternatives.
Staying warm
Keep at least one metre away from heaters and open fires.
Avoid sitting too close to gas, electric or halogen heaters.
Use washable covers or throws on furniture to reduce contamination.
Washing and drying fabrics
Wash fabrics regularly to reduce residue build-up.
Do not dry fabrics on or near heaters.
When using a tumble dryer, use a lower heat setting and allow items to cool fully.
If you care for or support someone using emollient creams, it is important to understand and manage the increased fire risk. People who smoke, use oxygen or have reduced mobility may be at particular risk.
Risk assessment and awareness
Carry out individual risk assessments for those who may be at higher risk, such as smokers or oxygen users.
Make sure staff, carers and the person receiving care understand the fire risks associated with emollient use.
Take extra care where individuals may have memory loss, confusion or reduced awareness of risk.
Reducing fire risk
Keep people, clothing and bedding away from ignition sources such as cigarettes, flames and heaters.
Ensure clothing, bedding and dressings are changed and washed regularly, ideally daily and at the highest suitable temperature.
Consider using emollients with lower paraffin content or non‑paraffin alternatives where appropriate (this reduces risk but does not remove it).
Supporting safe behaviour
Provide clear advice on the risks of smoking or being near naked flames while using emollients.
Ensure people who self-apply creams understand and follow safety advice.
Put additional measures in place if safety advice is not being followed.
Inform relatives or other carers if there are concerns about unsafe behaviour.
Working with professionals
Seek advice from healthcare professionals where appropriate, including exploring alternative treatments if risk is high.
Fire safety responsibilities
If you own, manage or work in a care setting or business premises, you must comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Include emollient use as part of your fire risk assessment.
Identify who may be at risk and how risk can be reduced.
Implement and maintain appropriate control measures.
Ensure staff are aware of the risks and follow agreed safety procedures.
Last updated: Wednesday, 20 May 2026