How to Make Slime Without Borax or Cornstarch ( 3 Safe & Fun DIY Recipes)

Looking for a fun and safe way to make slime at home without using borax or cornstarch? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or a curious kid, this easy-to-follow guide offers creative slime recipes using everyday household items, no harsh chemicals or messy starch needed.

Before jumping into recipes, let’s talk about why people search for slime recipes without borax or cornstarch in the first place.

➣ Borax (sodium borate), although effective as a slime activator, can irritate sensitive skin, eyes, or even cause allergic reactions in children.

➣ Cornstarch, while common in DIY crafts, can lead to gritty or inconsistent slime textures. It’s also messy to clean up and not ideal for long-term storage.

If you’re searching for “how to make slime without borax or cornstarch,” you’re not alone, and the good news is, there are safer, cleaner, and just-as-fun alternatives.

These slime recipes use common ingredients like shampoo, glue, baking soda, or body wash. No exotic chemicals, just kid-safe DIY fun.

Best for Beginners or kids with sensitive skin. Estimated time: 15 minutes Ingredients:

➣ ½ cup of thick shampoo (clear or colored)

➣ 1-2 pinches of salt

➣ Spoon and mixing bowl

Instructions:

1. Pour the shampoo into a mixing bowl.

2. Add a pinch of salt and stir thoroughly. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes.

3. Place the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes.

4. Remove and stir again. You’ll notice the texture thickens.

5. If needed, freeze again for another 5–10 minutes until you get the perfect slime consistency.

Thicker shampoos (like 2-in-1 types) work best for a gooey, elastic texture.

Best for: Kids who love stretchy slime. Estimated time: 10 minutes Ingredients:

➣ ½ cup of PVA glue (white or clear school glue)

➣ 1–2 tablespoons of gel toothpaste

➣ Food coloring (optional)

➣ Bowl and spoon

Instructions:

1. Pour glue into a mixing bowl.

2. Add gel toothpaste gradually, mixing one tablespoon at a time.

3. Stir until the slime starts to form and pull away from the sides.

4. Adjust as needed: add more toothpaste if it’s too sticky or more glue if it’s too thick.

5. Add food coloring for a fun touch. Use gloves if handling colorants directly.

Why it works. The toothpaste reacts with the glue to give a slime-like texture, without needing a chemical activator.

Best for: Sensitive skin or younger kids Estimated time: 10–15 minutes Ingredients:

➣ ½ cup of thick body wash (look for creamy or gel-based)

➣ 1–2 tablespoons of baking soda

➣ Mixing bowl and spoon

Instructions:

1. Add body wash into your bowl.

2. Slowly add baking soda while stirring continuously.

3. Mix until the slime thickens into a malleable dough.

4. Knead by hand for a minute to improve elasticity.

Safety tip: Baking soda is gentle, but avoid overusing to prevent drying out the slime or hands.

According to pediatric health experts, crafting slime without borax or harsh activators is safer for most kids.

“For younger children or those with sensitive skin, it’s best to use household ingredients like shampoo, body wash, or glue — these are less likely to cause irritation,” says the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Child care professionals also recommend these alternatives for ease of use:

“Slime made from everyday materials is not just safer, but also easier to clean, store, and remake,” says Eliza Ramos, an early childhood education specialist.

1. The thicker your base (shampoo, body wash, or glue), the better the slime consistency.

2. Sometimes the texture takes a few minutes of mixing or chilling to set properly.

3. Avoid synthetic dyes by adding beet juice (pink/red), turmeric (yellow), or blueberry juice (purple/blue).

4. Keep slime fresh by storing it in a sealed jar or bag in the fridge.

The shampoo and salt method is by far the easiest and safest recipe for slime without borax or cornstarch. It only requires two ingredients and a freezer.

Yes! Try the shampoo and salt or the body wash and baking soda recipes, both are glue-free and perfect for kids with glue allergies or sensitivities.

Combine thick shampoo and salt, or body wash and baking soda. These two-ingredient recipes are ideal for quick projects.

No. Although these recipes use non-toxic ingredients, they are not meant to be consumed. Always supervise younger children during slime play.

You don’t need borax, cornstarch, or fancy chemicals to create squishy, stretchy, and safe slime. These recipes are kid-tested and parent-approved, using common ingredients that are gentle on the skin and easy to clean up.

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a teacher planning a classroom activity, or a parent looking for a rainy-day project, making slime without borax or cornstarch is a fun, educational, and worry-free option.

Try It Yourself! Which Slime Will You Make First?

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