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Create your own slime activator at home—Borax optional!
Slime is stretchy, fun, and totally addictive. But to whip up your own batch, you’ll need an activator—the secret ingredient that turns your mix into gooey perfection. We’ll walk you through everything you need and share expert-approved tips to level up your slime-making skills!
Fast Steps for Making Slime Activator
Slime expert Amy Sheree recommends: “Start with 1 cup (240 ml) of school glue and mix in 1–2 pumps of lotion. In a separate cup, dissolve 1 tsp (3.8 g) of Borax in 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Slowly add 1 tsp (4.9 ml) at a time of this mixture into the glue, stirring and stretching until your slime forms.”
Instructions
Borax
Borax is a time-tested favorite slime activator. Slime expert Summer Ames explains, “Borax cross-links the polymers in glue, turning it from a liquid into a holdable, non-sticky material.” To make your activator, dissolve 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of Borax into 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water. Slowly mix this into a blend of 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of glue and 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of warm water. Stir, then knead until it becomes slime.
- Though generally safe in small slime-sized amounts, Borax may cause skin dryness or irritation with prolonged exposure.
- Swallowing Borax-containing slime can be dangerous and lead to symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, lethargy, and seizures. Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if ingestion is suspected.
- Some Borax alternatives, like contact solution and liquid starch, do contain borates. While milder, they're not technically “Borax-free.”
Contact Solution
Contact solution offers a skin-friendly slime activator option. Mix 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of glue with 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water. Add 1/2 tsp (3 g) of baking soda, then stir in 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of contact lens solution. Stir well and knead until the slime forms.
- Make sure your contact solution contains sodium borate and boric acid—these are crucial for slime activation.
- According to slime expert Shellisa Ruvalcaba, “Contact solution is a good alternative for people who are allergic to Borax.” The texture is close to traditional slime.
- For fluffy slime, mix in 1 1/2 cups (375 g) of shaving cream.
Liquid Starch
Liquid starch creates a super gloopy slime with ease. Just mix 1 cup (240 ml) of glue in a large bowl, then slowly stir in up to 1 1⁄2 tsp (7.4 ml) of liquid starch, a little at a time. Stop when the mixture turns into slime.
- Clear glue gives this slime a cool, jelly-like appearance.
- Note: Liquid starch contains sodium borate, so it isn’t considered a Borax-free option.
Laundry Detergent
Fragrance-free laundry detergent helps prevent irritation. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of glue to a bowl, then gradually mix in 1⁄2 tsp (2.5 ml) of laundry detergent at a time, up to 3⁄4 tsp (3.7 ml). Once the slime starts to form, knead it by hand. Adjust detergent if the slime is sticky.
- Most detergents contain borates, making them effective for slime-making.
- Some detergents may cause skin reactions—opt for baby-safe or fragrance-free varieties, or try a different activator.
Fiber gel
Fiber gel makes a thick, edible-safe slime option. Combine 4 tbsp (48 g) of fiber powder with 2 cups (0.47 l) of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stir, then heat for 1 more minute. Stir for 2 minutes, spread onto a baking sheet, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- The mixture will set into a thick, gooey slime as it cools.
- While it’s taste-safe, it’s not meant to be eaten due to high fiber content.
Cornstarch and Glue
Create a sticky, gentle-on-skin slime using cornstarch and glue. Gradually mix 3/4 cup (95 g) of cornstarch into 1⁄4 cup (59 ml) of glue, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Once it thickens, dust your fingers with cornstarch to avoid sticking and knead the slime until it becomes elastic.
- According to slime expert Angelina Ly, cornstarch won’t replicate traditional slime texture exactly, but it’s still a fun and safe option.
- Add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of glycerin to boost stretchiness.
Cornstarch and Shampoo
Mix shampoo and cornstarch for a silky smooth slime. Combine 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of shampoo with 2 1/2 cups (285 g) of cornstarch until you get a crumbly texture. Gradually add 2 tbsp (30 ml) of water at a time, up to 3⁄4 cup (180 ml) total, mixing well between additions. Knead and stretch until a soft slime forms.
- Clear gel shampoos yield better results than creamy opaque ones.
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Make your slime unique with color, glitter, and toys. Add a few drops of food coloring to any slime recipe by mixing it into a wet ingredient like glue or shampoo first.
- Using glitter glue is a simple way to sparkle up your slime, but loose glitter works just as well.
- Hide small toys inside the slime for an entertaining scavenger hunt activity.
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Store your slime in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to a week. Use a sealed plastic container or zip-top bag. Toss it after a week, especially food-based slimes.
- Slimes made with cornstarch or fiber powder should be discarded within 24 hours.
