To make kid-friendly slime, use a basic recipe with PVA glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution (containing boric acid), adding optional food coloring or glitter for fun, ensuring supervision and storage in an airtight container. For even younger kids, non-toxic gelatin or cornstarch-based recipes can be made, but always supervise play and use taste-safe options if needed.
Instructions
How to make this slime recipe:
You can make 3-ingredient slime with white glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution (containing boric acid) by mixing them together until they form a stretchy, cohesive substance, or make fluffy slime with glue, shaving cream, and contact solution for a lighter texture, adding food coloring for color. The key is gradually adding the activator (contact solution) to the glue and baking soda mix, then kneading to achieve the perfect consistency.
What's the problem? Borax (and other boron derivatives like sodium borate, sodium tetraborate or disodium tetraborate) is used to cross-link with the glue to create the rubbery substance. Overexposure to boron can irritate a person's skin, cause respiratory problems and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding if ingested.
Start out by adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to your bowl. Now add 1 1/2 tablespoons of dish soap. Stir! If your mixture is too dry add a bit more soap.
How to Make Homemade Slime
Ingredients 1 (5-ounce) bottle of clear or white school glue ½ teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon saline solution Food coloring or liquid watercolors (optional) Glitter (optional, for extra sparkle) This easy homemade slime is perfect for sensory play, stress relief, or just a fun hands-on activity.
INSTRUCTIONS
Typical slime recipes call for clear or white PVA glue (the polymer) and an activator (gelling agent). The activator is usually powdered borax dissolved in water, liquid starch, eye drops, or contact lens solution.
Our Top Picks
I made this slime with kids from ages 4 to 12 and they all loved the process and the results! It's super easy and pretty much fail-proof. And make sure you make enough for the adults to play as well...
Gen Z's obsession with slime stems from its unique sensory experience (tactile, visual ASMR), its function as a stress-relieving, mindful activity, its role as a creative outlet and alternative to screens, and its massive spread through social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram, where users create, share, and even monetize unique recipes and textures. It bridges DIY science with play, offering instant gratification through cause-and-effect, and taps into nostalgia for 80s/90s goo trends.
The colorful slimes may look tempting, but they actually contain ingredients like borax and contact solution, which can be **toxic** if ingested. 🚨 Even a small accidental taste could be dangerous, and we urge you to reach out for help if that happens. Remember, slime is meant for fun and creativity, not for eating!
Be watchful of how your child is playing with slime.
It's also very important your child doesn't put slime in their mouth. If slime that contains Borax is ingested, call Poison Control right away at 800-222-1222. If you already know your child has sensitive skin, avoid making slime with Borax altogether.