7 Creative Ways to Make Slime Activator

Using Borax as Slime Activator

Understand the chemical reaction that makes Borax work so well. The borate ions in Borax attach to polyvinyl acetate (PVA) in school glue. That creates a crosslink connection that causes the glue polymers to become thicker, which creates the gooey substance we know as slime. Some Borax slime substitutes, like contact solution and liquid starch, actually contain borates. They may be gentler on your skin than using regular Borax, but slime made with these substitutes can’t really be called “Borax-free.”.

Make classic slime using Borax as an activator. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of Borax into ⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water. This is your activator. To use this activator, slowly add it to a mixture of ⁄2 cup (120 ml) of warm water and ⁄2 cup (120 ml) of glue. Stir well, then knead the mixture until it forms slime. Although Borax is likely safe in the small amounts used in slime, there can be health concerns involved with prolonged exposure to Borax, including skin irritation and dry skin. Swallowing slime that contains Borax can lead to serious side effects, including abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, lethargy, and seizures. If you suspect a child has swallowed Borax, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Use contact solution for a gentler borate activator. To use contact lens solution as slime activator, start by mixing ⁄2 cup (120 ml) of water and ⁄2 cup (120 ml) of glue. Stir in 1/2 tsp (3 g) of baking soda, then add 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of contact lens solution. Stir it thoroughly, then knead the mixture by hand. For this to work, you have to use contact lens solution that contains sodium borate and boric acid, so be sure to check the ingredient list. Contact lens solution is a common alternative to Borax, and the results are very similar to classic slime. Add 1 1/2 cups (375 g) of shaving cream to this mixture to create a fluffy slime.

Try liquid starch as another borate activator option. For this slime, all you need are glue and liquid starch. Pour about 1 cup (240 ml) of glue into a large mixing bowl, then slowly add up to 1 ⁄2 tsp (7.4 ml) of liquid starch, a little at a time. Stop adding the starch when the mixture forms a slimy mixture. This is a gloopy slime that looks really cool if you use clear glue instead of opaque. Liquid starch contains sodium borate, which is why it can’t be considered a Borax-free activator.

Use caution with laundry detergent activator. To use laundry detergent as an activator, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of glue into a bowl, then slowly add ⁄2 tsp (2.5 ml) of laundry detergent at a time, up to ⁄4 tsp (3.7 ml). When the mixture starts to come together, use your hands to knead it. Add more detergent if the slime is too sticky. Many laundry detergents contain borates, which is why this works to create the slime reaction. While laundry detergent slime is a common option, exposure to laundry detergent can cause skin irritation, rash, or blisters. Consider using a gentler laundry detergent, like a fragrance-free option or one made for baby clothes—or just try another activator recipe.

Mixing Up Borax-Free Slime Activators

Try fiber gel activator for a taste-safe slime. Mix 4 tbsp (48 g) of fiber powder and 2 cups (0.47 l) of water in a microwave-safe bowl, then microwave the mixture on high for 3 minutes. Stir, then microwave again for 1 more minute. Stir the mixture for about 2 minutes, then spread it on a cookie sheet and refrigerate it for 20 minutes. As the mixture cools, it will thicken into a gloopy slime. While this mixture is safe to taste, the high fiber content means it shouldn’t be eaten as a snack.

Use cornstarch to activate an oozy glue slime. Slowly add 3/4 cup (95 grams) of cornstarch to ⁄4 cup (59 ml) of glue, mixing well between additions. Once the mixture starts to firm up, put a little cornstarch on your fingers to keep the slime from sticking to your hands. Then, knead the slime until it’s stretchy. This won’t have exactly the same texture as regular slime, and it will be a little stickier, but it’s a safe option that’s still a lot of fun to play with. Try adding 1 US tbsp (15 ml) of glycerin to the mixture to make this slime more stretchy.

Combine shampoo and cornstarch for a smooth slime. Mix ⁄2 cup (120 ml) of shampoo with 2 1/2 cups (285 g) of cornstarch to create a crumbly powder. Add 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of water at a time, stirring well after each addition, for a total of ⁄4 cup (180 ml) of water. Stretch and knead the mixture until slime forms. This works best with a clear gel shampoo, rather than a creamy opaque one.