How to Make Activator for Slime: 7 Easy Methods

Slime is stretchy, versatile, and oh-so satisfying. But to make slime, you need an activator, which is the substance that turns regular ingredients into ooey gooey fun. We’re breaking down what you need to make slime at home—and if you want to avoid Borax or solutions containing Borate, we’ve got you covered!

Making Slime Activator: Quick Steps

Mix 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of Borax into ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of water to make slime activator. To use the activator, slowly add it to ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of warm water and ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of glue. Stir and knead the mixture for 5 minutes until you get slime.

1

Borax

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Borax is a classic, go-to slime activator. Borax cross-link the polymers in glue, turning it from a liquid into a holdable, non-sticky material. In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp (4.9 ml) of Borax into ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of water. This is your activator. To use this activator, slowly add it to a mixture of ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of warm water and ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of glue. Stir well, then knead the mixture until it forms slime.^{[1]
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- 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.^{[2]
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- 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.
- 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.”

2

Contact Solution

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Contact solution is a gentler alternative to borax. To use contact lens solution as slime activator, start by mixing ¹⁄₂ cup (120 ml) of water and ¹⁄₂ 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.^{[3]
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- 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 commonly used in place of 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.^{[4]
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3

Liquid Starch

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Using liquid starch as an activator makes an extra gloopy slime. 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 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.^{[5]
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- 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.^{[6]
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4

Laundry Detergent

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Use fragrance-free laundry detergent to avoid skin irritation. To use laundry detergent as an activator, pour 1 cup (240 ml) of glue into a bowl, then slowly add ¹⁄₂ tsp (2.5 ml) of laundry detergent at a time, up to ³⁄₄ 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.^{[7]
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- 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.

5

Fiber gel

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Fiber gel makes a thick, 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.^{[8]
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- 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.

6

Cornstarch and Glue

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Make a sticky, skin-safe slime with cornstarch and glue. Slowly add 3/4 cup (95 grams) of cornstarch to ¹⁄₄ 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.^{[9]
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- 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.^{[10]
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7

Cornstarch and Shampoo

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Combine shampoo and cornstarch for a smooth slime. Mix ¹⁄₂ 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 ³⁄₄ cup (180 ml) of water. Stretch and knead the mixture until slime forms. ^{[11]
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- This works best with a clear gel shampoo, rather than a creamy opaque one.

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Tips

Customize your slime with food coloring, glitter, and mix-ins. You can add a few drops of food coloring to any slime recipe to create your own colorful slime. It’s best to add the food coloring to a wet ingredient, like glue or shampoo.
- Glitter glue makes a good alternative to adding glitter directly to the slime, but loose glitter works great too.
- Try hiding small toys in the slime to create a fun scavenger hunt activity.
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Store slime in an air-tight container for up to a week. When you’re finished playing with the slime, box it up in a plastic container with a lid, or place it in a zip-top plastic bag. Some slimes will last longer than others, but after about a week at the most, discard the old slime and mix up a new one.
- Food-based slimes containing cornstarch or fiber powder should be discarded after about a day.
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