How to make slime without borax

Slime has become a beloved DIY craft for kids and adults alike. It’s squishy, stretchy, and endlessly entertaining. However, traditional slime recipes often call for borax, a chemical some parents prefer to avoid due to safety concerns. The good news? You can make slime without borax using simple, safe household ingredients.

In this guide, you’ll discover easy and effective borax-free slime recipes, tips for perfect slime texture, and safety advice — perfect for family fun or stress relief!

Why Make Slime Without Borax?

Borax (sodium borate) has been a common slime activator because it reacts with glue to create that classic stretchy texture. But some people worry about its potential skin irritation or toxicity if ingested. Borax-free slime recipes use alternative activators that are generally considered safer, especially for younger kids.

Benefits of Borax-Free Slime

• Safer for kids: Uses gentler ingredients.
• Easier to find materials: No need to hunt for borax.
• Great for sensitive skin: Less likely to cause irritation.
• Fun experimentation: Try different textures and colors.

What You Need to Make Slime Without Borax

Before starting, gather some basic supplies. You probably have most of these right at home!

Common Ingredients:

• White school glue or clear glue: The base of your slime.
• Liquid starch: Popular borax substitute (check labels).
• Baking soda: Helps adjust texture.
• Contact lens solution: Must contain boric acid and sodium borate (but much milder).
• Cornstarch: Adds thickness.
• Shaving cream: For fluffy slime.
• Lotion or baby oil: For stretchiness and softness.
• Food coloring or glitter: For fun colors and sparkle.

Best Borax-Free Slime Recipes

1. Glue and Contact Lens Solution Slime

This classic borax-free recipe uses contact lens solution as an activator.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white glue
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pour the glue into a mixing bowl.
2. Add baking soda and stir well.
3. Add food coloring if desired.
4. Slowly add contact lens solution while stirring.
5. The slime will begin to form — knead with hands until it pulls away from the bowl and becomes stretchy.
6. If too sticky, add a few more drops of contact lens solution.

Why it works: The boric acid in the contact solution crosslinks the glue polymers gently, creating slime without pure borax powder.

2. Cornstarch and Conditioner Slime

This recipe uses common kitchen and bathroom items for a safe, smooth slime.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup hair conditioner (choose a moisturizing one)
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix cornstarch and conditioner in a bowl.
2. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead with hands until smooth and stretchy.
4. Add food coloring before kneading for colored slime.

Why it works: Cornstarch and conditioner combine to create a moldable, putty-like slime without the need for glue or borax.

3. Fluffy Shaving Cream Slime (No Borax)

Fluffy slime is soft, airy, and fun to squish. This recipe uses shaving cream and a contact solution substitute.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white glue
• 1/2 cup shaving cream
• 1 tablespoon contact lens solution
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine glue and shaving cream in a bowl.
2. Add baking soda and mix thoroughly.
3. Add food coloring if you want a tint.
4. Stir in contact lens solution slowly until slime forms.
5. Knead until no longer sticky.

Why it works: The shaving cream adds volume, while contact solution activates the glue for stretch.

4. Salt and Glue Slime

A simple alternative that skips borax and contact solution.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white glue
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2 cup salt
• Food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix warm water and salt until salt dissolves.
2. Add glue and mix well.
3. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to thicken.
4. Stir and knead the slime.
5. Add food coloring if desired.

Note: This slime will be less stretchy but still fun and gooey.

Tips for Perfect Borax-Free Slime

• Add activator slowly: Too much can make slime stiff or crumbly.
• Knead thoroughly: Helps develop stretch and texture.
• Store properly: Keep slime in airtight containers to avoid drying out.
• Experiment: Adjust glue, activator, and add-ins to find your favorite consistency.
• Use clear glue: For glitter or color effects that really pop.

Safety Precautions

• Always supervise children during slime making.
• Avoid ingestion of any slime ingredients.
• Wash hands after playing with slime.
• Test small skin patch if sensitive to ingredients.
• Use non-toxic, kid-safe products wherever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make slime without glue and borax?
A: Yes! Cornstarch and conditioner or cornstarch and water mixtures are great glue-free, borax-free options.

Q: What’s the best activator without borax?
A: Contact lens solution with boric acid or liquid starch are popular, mild activators that don’t require pure borax powder.

Q: How long does homemade slime last?
A: Properly stored in airtight containers, slime can last 1-2 weeks before drying or losing stretch.

Q: Can I add glitter or beads?
A: Absolutely! Adding glitter, foam beads, or sequins is a fun way to customize slime.

Conclusion

Making slime without borax is easy, safe, and enjoyable. With just a few simple household ingredients, you can create gooey, stretchy slime perfect for kids’ crafts, sensory play, or even stress relief. Try the recipes above to find your favorite slime texture and color. Whether you prefer fluffy, clear, or classic slime, these borax-free methods deliver all the fun without the worry.

Ready to get slimy without borax? Grab your supplies and start your DIY slime adventure today!