Fire Safety and Face Cream: Your Questions Answered

At Natural Elements, your safety is just as important to us as the quality of your skincare. With recent media reports raising concerns about the flammability of certain skincare products, we’ve created this page to address common questions about face creams, emollients, and fire safety — and to explain why our products are different.

Is skin cream flammable?

Some face creams can be flammable, particularly those containing paraffin-based emollients or petroleum derivatives. These substances can build up on clothing, bedding, or bandages, creating a fire risk if they come into contact with naked flames, cigarettes, or other ignition sources.

Skin cream Alert

In the presence of an ignition source, fabric with emollient dried on it can catch fire much more quickly and burn hotter than clean fabric.

The fire risk problem with emollients

For products containing petrochemicals this risk of fire is caused by clothing absorbing these paraffin and petrol based ingredients into the cloth as the cream dries.

Best fire safe creams that are not flammable

Natural Elements products do not contain paraffin or any flammable emollients. Our formulations are based on plant oils and natural ingredients that are not classed as fire hazards under cosmetic regulations. This means you can use our products with greater peace of mind.

For example, our Extra Rich Moisturising Cream 200ml | For skin prone to Eczema & Psoriasisis specifically designed for dry, irritated and delicate skin, and it contains no petroleum derivatives or paraffin — only gentle, non-flammable ingredients.

Extra Rich Moisturising Cream 200ml

For skin prone to Eczema & Psoriasis

What is the fire risk associated with emollient creams?

According to fire safety guidance, emollient products that contain paraffin or similar ingredients can soak into fabrics and increase their flammability. This issue has been linked to several tragic house fires in the UK.

A recent ITV News report highlighted a heartbreaking case in which a grandfather lost his life due to a fire that was intensified by paraffin-based skin cream residue on clothing.

These incidents have prompted the NHS and fire services to advise extra caution when using flammable emollients — especially for those who smoke, use oxygen therapy, or are bedridden.

Do Natural Elements products contain flammable ingredients like paraffin?

No. Natural Elements does not use paraffin, petroleum, or other flammable emollients in any of our products. We believe in safe, natural skincare made from non-toxic, plant-based ingredients. This not only reduces irritation and allergic reactions but also eliminates a known source of fire risk.

What fire safety advice is available for those using skin creams?

If you use any emollient cream that contains paraffin, experts recommend the following precautions:

- Avoid smoking, open flames, or using gas cookers while the cream is in use.

- Change clothing and bedding regularly to prevent product build-up.

- Wash fabrics at high temperatures to remove residue.

- Inform carers, nurses, or doctors if you are using paraffin-based creams.

These precautions are not necessary with Natural Elements products, as our skincare range does not include flammable substances. Nonetheless, we always recommend storing all skincare products away from heat sources and following best safety practices in the home.

Why choose Natural Elements for fire-safe skincare?

Natural Elements is proud to offer a safer alternative for those concerned about fire risk and skin sensitivity. Our formulations are:

- Paraffin-free and non-flammable

- 100% plant-based and toxin-free

- Clinically suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin

By using ingredients that nourish the skin naturally and safely, we ensure your daily skincare routine supports both your health and home safety.