Can you use baby oil for brake fluid?
Mia Horton
Updated on January 16, 2026
Shimano use mineral oil in all their brakes. The proper stuff is pretty thin, and specially formulated (so Shimano claim anyway) to have a quite high boiling point. Baby oil could be used in an emergency, but its higher viscosity could affect performance, and may have a lower boiling point than the proper stuff.
What else can be used as brake fluid?
If you have a brake fluid emergency while you're out on the road and don't have access to soap, it is acceptable to use just radiator water. In either case, try to be light on the brakes, and stop by slowing the engine when possible: if the brakes get too hot, the water can boil.What oil can be used as brake fluid?
Most brake fluids used today are glycol-ether based, but mineral oil (Citroën/Rolls-Royce liquide hydraulique minéral (LHM)) and silicone-based (DOT 5) fluids are also available.Can I use baby oil instead of mineral oil MTB?
If you look at the labels, even generic motor oils will say mineral oil as the main ingredient. You can use any lower weight fork oil, with matched viscosity, as these are not complex oils. If the viscosity is higher, the calipers wont retract correctly and you will have more brake rub.Is Baby Oil mineral oil?
Baby oil is a petroleum-based mineral oil. It's considered a byproduct of the process to refine crude oil. Baby oil is refined further for use in skin care products and is safe when used externally on the skin. It has been shown to effectively protect babies from diaper rash.I filled my mountain bike brakes with baby oil for a year and here are the results!
What is a good substitute for mineral oil?
Mineral Oil AlternativesExamples include coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil. Hewett says to specifically look for oils with larger molecules that don't penetrate the skin easily to replicate the effect of mineral oil. They include castor oil, avocado oil and grapeseed oil.