Slime has become a popular DIY craft, enjoyed by kids and adults alike for its fun, stretchy, and squishy texture. However, traditional slime recipes often use borax, which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and safety concerns, especially for young children. To make slime safely, many people look for alternative ingredients that are non-toxic and gentle on the skin. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to make slime without borax using household items like glue, cornstarch, baking soda, and contact lens solution. These alternatives allow for a fun and safe slime-making experience without the risks associated with borax.
Slime has become a viral sensation, captivating kids and adults with its unique texture and endless customization options. Whether used for stress relief, sensory play, or just as a fun DIY activity, slime is a favorite among craft enthusiasts. However, many traditional slime recipes call for borax, a chemical that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even pose health risks if ingested or used improperly. For those with sensitive skin or safety concerns, finding borax-free alternatives is essential. Luckily, there are plenty of safe and easy ways to make slime using everyday household ingredients like glue, baking soda, cornstarch, and contact lens solution. These alternatives provide a safer, non-toxic way to enjoy slime while maintaining the same stretchy, squishy fun.
How to Make Slime Without Borax
Making slime without borax is easy and safe, especially for kids. You can use alternative ingredients like glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution to create stretchy, fun slime. Other methods involve cornstarch, shampoo, or even dish soap. Simply mix your chosen ingredients, adjust the texture, and enjoy your homemade slime!
Basic Glue and Baking Soda Slime
This simple slime recipe only requires glue and baking soda for a smooth, stretchy texture.
Materials:
- ½ cup white glue
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
Steps:
- Pour the white glue into a bowl.
- Add the baking soda and mix well.
- Slowly add the contact lens solution while stirring.
- Knead the mixture until it becomes stretchy slime.
Shampoo and Cornstarch Slime
A great alternative if you don’t have glue!
Materials:
- ½ cup shampoo (thick consistency)
- ½ cup cornstarch
- Water (as needed)
Steps:
- Mix shampoo and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Add a little water to adjust the consistency.
- Knead until smooth and stretchy.
Dish Soap and Cornstarch Slime
This simple recipe makes soft and moldable slime.
Materials:
- 2 tablespoons dish soap
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
Steps:
- Combine dish soap and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Stir until the mixture thickens.
- Knead with your hands until it forms a soft slime.
Toothpaste and Glue Slime
Toothpaste adds an interesting texture to this slime.
Materials:
- ½ cup glue
- 1 teaspoon toothpaste
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
Steps:
- Mix glue and toothpaste together.
- Add contact lens solution gradually while stirring.
- Knead until stretchy and smooth.
Fluffy Slime with Shaving Cream
This recipe makes a light and fluffy slime.
Materials:
- ½ cup glue
- 1 cup shaving cream
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
Steps:
- Mix glue and shaving cream in a bowl.
- Stir in baking soda.
- Add contact lens solution and stir.
- Knead until fluffy and soft.
Condensed Milk Slime
A fun edible slime that’s sweet and stretchy!
Materials:
- 1 can condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Food coloring (optional)
Steps:
- Heat condensed milk in a pan over low heat.
- Stir in cornstarch and continue stirring.
- Add food coloring if desired.
- Once thickened, let it cool before playing.
Yogurt and Cornstarch Slime
This is an easy edible slime for kids.
Materials:
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Steps:
- Mix yogurt and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Stir until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Knead until smooth and stretchable.
Sugar Slime
A sweet, sticky slime that’s safe to taste!
Materials:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup water
Steps:
- Heat sugar and water in a pan over low heat.
- Stir constantly until thickened.
- Let it cool before playing.
Lotion and Glue Slime
This slime is soft and super stretchy.
Materials:
- ½ cup glue
- 2 tablespoons lotion
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
Steps:
- Mix glue and lotion in a bowl.
- Slowly add contact lens solution while stirring.
- Knead until soft and stretchy.
Baby Oil Slime
This recipe makes a smooth and glossy slime.
Materials:
- ½ cup glue
- 1 teaspoon baby oil
- 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
Steps:
- Mix glue and baby oil in a bowl.
- Slowly add contact lens solution.
- Stir and knead until glossy.
Pudding Slime
A fun edible slime made from pudding mix.
Materials:
- 1 package instant pudding mix
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup warm water
Steps:
- Mix pudding mix and cornstarch.
- Slowly add warm water while stirring.
- Knead until the slime forms.
Oobleck (Non-Newtonian Slime)
This slime is liquid when resting but solid when squeezed.
Materials:
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup water
Steps:
- Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl.
- Stir until a gooey consistency forms.
- Play with it by squeezing and letting it flow!
Hand Soap Slime
A super soft and bouncy slime.
Materials:
- 2 tablespoons thick hand soap
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Steps:
- Mix hand soap and cornstarch.
- Knead until smooth and stretchy.
Salt and Shampoo Slime
An easy no-glue recipe.
Materials:
- ½ cup shampoo
- 2 tablespoons salt
Steps:
- Mix shampoo and salt.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Knead until stretchy.
Rice Flour Slime
A gluten-free edible slime!
Materials:
- ½ cup rice flour
- ½ cup water
Steps:
- Mix rice flour and water.
- Heat on low while stirring.
- Let it cool before playing.
Chia Seed Slime
A natural and safe slime.
Materials:
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup cornstarch
Steps:
- Soak chia seeds in water overnight.
- Mix soaked seeds with cornstarch.
- Stir until slime forms.
Gelatin Slime
A wobbly, jiggly slime!
Materials:
- 1 packet gelatin
- ½ cup warm water
- Food coloring
Steps:
- Dissolve gelatin in warm water.
- Add food coloring.
- Let it cool before playing.
Aloe Vera Slime
A soothing and fun slime!
Materials:
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Steps:
- Mix aloe vera gel and cornstarch.
- Stir until it thickens.
- Knead for a smooth texture.
Marshmallow Slime
This edible slime is soft, stretchy, and sweet!
Materials:
- 1 cup marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Steps:
- Microwave the marshmallows for 20–30 seconds until melted.
- Stir in coconut oil and cornstarch.
- Let it cool slightly, then knead until stretchy.
Jello Slime
A wobbly, fun, and edible slime with a fruity scent!
Materials:
- 1 packet of Jello powder
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup warm water
Steps:
- Mix Jello powder and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Slowly add warm water while stirring.
- Knead until it reaches a slime-like consistency.
Peanut Butter Slime
A super simple edible slime!
Materials:
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Steps:
- Mix peanut butter, powdered sugar, and honey.
- Stir until it thickens.
- Knead until soft and stretchy.
Cheese Slime
A gooey, edible slime made from cheese!
Materials:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon milk
Steps:
- Microwave the cheese and milk for 20 seconds.
- Stir in cornstarch and mix well.
- Knead while warm until stretchy.
Body Wash Slime
A smooth and fragrant slime with body wash.
Materials:
- 3 tablespoons body wash
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water (if needed)
Steps:
- Mix body wash and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Stir until a slime-like texture forms.
- Add water if needed and knead until soft.
Egg Whites Slime
A unique, bouncy slime using egg whites!
Materials:
- 1 egg white
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Steps:
- Whisk the egg white and sugar together.
- Add food coloring if desired.
- Microwave for 10 seconds, let it cool, and knead.
Kool-Aid Slime
A fruity and colorful slime!
Materials:
- 1 packet Kool-Aid powder
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ⅓ cup warm water
Steps:
- Mix Kool-Aid powder and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Slowly add warm water while stirring.
- Knead until the slime forms.
Chia Pudding Slime
A fun, jelly-like slime!
Materials:
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ cup cornstarch
Steps:
- Soak chia seeds in almond milk overnight.
- Mix with cornstarch.
- Stir until stretchy and gooey.
Mayonnaise Slime
A surprisingly smooth slime using mayo!
Materials:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
Steps:
- Mix mayonnaise and cornstarch.
- Stir until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- Knead until smooth and stretchy.
Banana Slime
A fun, mushy, and edible slime!
Materials:
- 1 ripe banana
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Steps:
- Mash the banana in a bowl.
- Add cornstarch and mix well.
- Knead with coconut oil until smooth.
Playdough Slime
This recipe combines playdough and slime textures!
Materials:
- ½ cup playdough
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon lotion
Steps:
- Knead playdough with water and lotion.
- Continue kneading until it becomes stretchy.
Gummy Bear Slime
A sticky, edible, and fun slime!
Materials:
- ½ cup gummy bears
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Steps:
- Melt the gummy bears in the microwave for 20 seconds.
- Stir in cornstarch and powdered sugar.
- Let it cool slightly, then knead into a stretchy slime.
Safety Tips for Playing with Slime
Slime can be a fun and creative activity, but it’s important to follow some basic safety guidelines to ensure that everyone enjoys the experience safely. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when handling slime:
- Adult Supervision Required: Always have an adult present, especially when younger children are playing with slime. This ensures they are using the materials safely and helps prevent any accidents.
- Do Not Ingest Borax or Slime: Borax, a common ingredient in homemade slime, can be harmful if ingested. Avoid putting slime in the mouth, and remind children not to eat or swallow any part of the slime mixture.
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: After playing with slime, wash hands well with soap and water. This removes any residue and reduces the risk of irritation or contamination.
Tips for Perfect Slime
Making slime is a fun and creative activity, but getting the perfect texture can sometimes be tricky. Whether you want it stretchy and gooey or firm and moldable, small adjustments can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect slime every time!
1. Adjust the Texture with Borax
- More Borax for Firmer Slime: If you want your slime to be more solid and less gooey, add a bit more Borax. This will make the slime firmer and easier to mold.
- Less Borax for Stretchier Slime: For a more elastic, stretchy slime, reduce the amount of Borax. This will keep the slime soft and gooey, perfect for pulling and stretching.
2. Avoid Over-Activating
- Over-activating your slime with too much Borax or activator can make it stiff and rubbery. It’s important to add the activator slowly, mixing as you go. Stop when the slime begins to come together and holds its shape, but before it gets too hard.
3. Store Slime Properly
- To keep your slime fresh and prevent it from drying out or becoming too sticky, store it in an airtight container. If it starts to dry up, you can add a little water or lotion to restore its texture.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make slime without borax?
You can make slime using ingredients like:
- Glue (white or clear PVA glue)
- Baking soda
- Contact lens solution (must contain boric acid)
- Water (optional for a stretchier slime)
- Food coloring, glitter, or other add-ins (optional)
How do I make slime using baking soda and contact lens solution?
- Pour ½ cup of glue into a mixing bowl.
- Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda and mix well.
- Add a few drops of food coloring (optional).
- Slowly add 1 tablespoon of contact lens solution, stirring continuously.
- Keep stirring until the mixture forms a slime consistency.
- Knead the slime with your hands until it becomes stretchy.
Can I make slime without glue?
Yes! Some alternatives include:
- Shampoo and cornstarch: Mix equal parts of thick shampoo and cornstarch, then knead until it becomes slime-like.
- Flour and dish soap: Combine dish soap with flour and mix until it reaches a doughy, stretchy texture.
Why is my slime too sticky?
If your slime is too sticky, try:
- Adding a little more contact lens solution (a few drops at a time).
- Kneading it longer to help it firm up.
- Letting it sit for a few minutes to settle.
Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.