Slime Activator List For Making Your Own Slime

Skip to content

Want to know the secret to making fantastic homemade slime every time? It’s all about the slime activator. Whether using borax powder, saline solution, or liquid starch, these ingredients create the chemical reaction needed for stretchy slime.

Pin

What Is a Slime Activator?

A slime activator is a key slime ingredient that reacts with PVA glue to form slime. This process is called cross-linking, where glue molecules bond together to turn your liquid glue into thick, stretchy slime.

The most common activators include borate-based ingredients like:

• Sodium borate
• Boric acid
• Borax powder

Slime Science in Action

The glue used in slime (PVA) is a polymer made up of long strands of molecules. When you add an activator with borate ions, it connects these strands to form a stretchy solid. Slime is a Non-Newtonian fluid, meaning it acts like both a liquid and a solid depending on how you handle it.

Think of it like spaghetti—liquid glue is like freshly cooked noodles, and slime is like next-day tangled leftovers!

🧠 Read more about slime science and science experiments here.

Top 3 Slime Activators (That Actually Work)

Borax Powder Slime Recipe

The original slime activator! Dissolve 1/4 tsp of borax powder in 1/2 cup warm water to create your own activator solution.

📍 Best for: Clear slime, slime science fair projects🧪 Try: Borax Slime Recipe

Pin

Saline Solution + Baking Soda Slime Recipe

Saline solution with boric acid and sodium borate is a popular, safe option for kids. Combine with baking soda for the best texture.

📍 Best for: Fluffy slime, shaving cream slime🧪 Try: Saline Slime Recipe

Pin

Liquid Starch Slime Recipe

Liquid starch like Sta-Flo or Lin-It is a super quick and easy activator. Just mix with glue and stir!

📍 Best for: Younger kids and easy cleanup🧪 Try: Liquid Starch Slime Recipe

Troubleshooting Tips by Slime Activator Type

💡Homemade Saline or Starch Substitutes (Salt or cornstarch and water) won’t work. You need a borate compound for slime to form.

Using Borax Powder?➡️ Slime too stiff? Use less borax in your solution. Start with 1/4 tsp per 1/2 cup warm water.➡️ Slime not forming? Try a fresh batch of borax solution—borax may have settled or not fully dissolved.

Using Saline Solution?➡️ Slime is runny? You might need more baking soda to thicken it.➡️ Slime not activating? Double-check that your saline contains boric acid and sodium borate.

Using Liquid Starch?➡️ Slime too sticky? Add a bit more starch, one tablespoon at a time.➡️ Slime not coming together? Some brands are weaker. Make sure you’re using a reliable one like Lin-It or Sta-Flo.

Using Eye Drops?➡️ Slime not forming at all? You likely need 2x the amount you’d use with saline solution. Also, not all eye drops contain boric acid.

How to Make Slime Without Activator or Glue

Yes, it’s possible—and fun! Try these taste-safe, glue-free slime recipes that don’t need borax, saline, or any activator.

Gummy Bear Slime

Melted gummy bears and cornstarch make a super stretchy, edible slime.

Starburst Slime

Chewy Starburst candy makes a super stretchy, edible slime.

Pin

Marshmallow Slime

Microwave marshmallows and mix with cornstarch or powdered sugar.

Chia Seed Slime

Soak chia seeds and combine with water and cornstarch for a natural slime texture.

Fiber Slime

Use unflavored fiber powder and water—microwave until it turns into slime!

Jello Slime

Mix flavored Jello powder with cornstarch and a bit of water for a squishy, sensory experience.

💡 Great for: Younger kids, edible science, and sensory-safe classrooms Try: Taste-Safe Slime Collection and Candy Slime Recipes.

Slime for Science and Fun!

Slime making is a great way to explore:

• States of matter
• Viscosity and elasticity
• Chemical reactions
• Polymers and cross-linking

Slime even aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for K-2 grades!

🧠 Read more about slime science and science experiments here.

Get Our Ultimate Slime Bundle!

This is the ULTIMATE collection of slime recipes every kid wants to make! Explore the best recipes and find the right supplies to make slime time a breeze!

Perfect for kids of all ages, including tweens and teens! Taste-safe recipes are perfect for the youngest slime fans.

• The Ultimate Slime Guide (100+ pages of recipes!)
• Taste-safe and borax-free options
• Seasonal slime themes
• Slime science printables
• A Slime Coloring Book
• Slime Science Journal

Pin

Post navigation

Previous PreviousMoon Phases For KidsNextContinue Easy Science Fair Projects for Kids

67 Comments

1. Pingback: Homemade Sand Slime Recipe for Kids Summer Science Activity
2. Pingback: Easter Egg Slime for Kids Easter Science and Sensory Activity
3. Pingback: How To Make Clear Slime with Kids (2 Different Slime Recipes!)
4. Pingback: Homemade St Patricks Day Slime Recipe That's Super Easy To Make!
5. Pingback: Fluffy Slime Recipe fro Kids Homemade Slime Recipes
6. Pingback: Borax Slime for an Easy Slime and Science Activity with Kids

7. If you are having difficulties with a recipe, I highly encourage you to email me at sarah@littlebinsforlittlehands and I can troubleshoot with you. We have millions of readers who make this slime and love it. Let’s see if we can work together to find the problem!

8. Pingback: Liquid Starch Slime Recipe To Make Homemade Slime With Kids

9. Only one recipe worked for me on this site. It was the liquid starch slime. The rest of the recipes didn’t work. I tried like 4 times and the recipes still wouldn’t work. Can someone please help me. I have no idea if I’m using the wrong products or I’m doing the step wrong or something.

10. Pingback: How To Make Saline Solution Slime Recipe for Kid's Science

11. What about the eyedrop slime? It’s recipe pleaseee?

12. Pingback: Make Saline Solution Fluffy Slime Science Activity for Kids
13. Pingback: How To Make Glitter Slime Recipes Easily For Kids Homemade Slime

14. The eyes drops are different words for saline solution

15. Eye drops often contain only boric acid, so you would need to at least double the amount used.

16. Hi, feel free to email me [email protected] and we can troubleshoot together!

17. I think you are wrong I tried and it worked just needed more activator I love this website G

18. It might help if you add more activator that’s what I did .ps don’t freak out when you make slime

    Just keep calm and slime on!

19. Pingback: Slime Ingredients to Make the BEST Slime Recipes with Kids!
20. Pingback: Make Slime With All The Right Supplies To Get Started
21. Pingback: Make Ocean Slime for Easy Homemade Summer Slime Recipe
22. Pingback: Elmer's Clear Glue Slime Recipe for Making Homemade Slime
23. Pingback: Recommended Supplies for Making Slime with Kids
24. Pingback: How To Fix Slime Troubleshooting Guide For Homemade Slime Recipes
25. Pingback: How To Make Slime Chemistry Activities for Kids Science
26. Pingback: Clay Slime Recipe for Making Homemade Butter Slime with Kids
27. Pingback: Ocean Slime Recipe for Kids Homemade Summer Slime Fun!
28. Pingback: 4th of July Fluffy Slime Recipe with Shaving Cream

29. Please feel free to email me [email protected]. I offer live videos as well.

30. You can use eye drops but likely will need to double the amount you would normally use of saline solution.

31. Pingback: Gold Leaf Slime Recipe with Clear Glue and Gold Foil Sheets

32. excellent work but i want to know that i make slime with contact lens solution but there is no result why?

33. If you used measurements for borax, it should work. As for saline solution, it’s commonly used in fluffy slime. I’ve used it with shaving cream, which actually makes the saline solution work. The only thing I don’t know is the eye drops, but I’m pretty sure you need shaving cream for that as well. I’ve personally given up on these activators because they contain boran, which can irritate the skin and cause fertility problems. I would suggest activators without boran in it. If you read this far, that’s amazing. I wouldn’t have done that XD -BB

34. You are correct that none of these are truly borax free and contain borons. I would love to hear what other activators you want to try! Eye drops also contain boric acid. The only way to get the signature slime is with a boron activator. However, we have some alternative slime recipes and edible slimes to try! The texture of course is not quite the same.

35. Make sure to check the ingredients. We don’t recommend using contact solution.

36. Pingback: Elmers Glue Halloween Slime Recipe for Creepy Cool Slime Making
37. Pingback: Apple Theme Slime Recipe for Kids Fall Science Activities
38. Pingback: How To Make Slime Without Borax - Stretchy Slime Recipe
39. Pingback: Elmers Glow In The Dark Glue Slime Recipe for Kids
40. Pingback: How To Make Pumpkin Slime With A Real Pumpkin
41. Pingback: Halloween Floam: Easy Halloween Slime Activity for Kids

42. A rubbish site just because you did it wrong? No. You’re just an idiot and impatient.

43. Pingback: Santa Christmas Slime Recipe with Glitter Glue Slime
44. Pingback: Christmas Tree Homemade Slime Christmas Science Activity for Kids
45. Pingback: Edible Chocolate Slime Recipe for Kids (Taste-Safe and Borax Free)
46. Pingback: How To Make Crunchy Slime Recipe with Foam Beads
47. Pingback: Valentines Day Heart Slime Science Activity for Kids
48. Pingback: Elf on the Shelf Slime Recipe: Teach Your Elf How To Make Slime
49. Pingback: Valentines Slime Ideas for Valentines Day Science and STEM
50. Pingback: Gold Sparkle Slime Recipe for St Patricks Day Science Activities with Kids
51. Pingback: Rainbow Slime: How To Make Colored Slime | Little Bins for Little Hands
52. Pingback: Easy To Make St Patrick's Day Green Slime | Little Bins for Little Hands
53. Pingback: Shaving Cream Slime Recipe to Learn How to Make Slime Fluffy!
54. Pingback: 2 Ingredient Slime Recipe for Easy Slime Anytime with Kids
55. Pingback: Easter Fluffy Slime Recipe Perfect for Spring and Easter Science

56. Is tide safe for hands?

57. Pingback: Borax Slime Recipe (Classic Homemade Slime Making Recipe)
58. Pingback: AMAZING Recipe for Slime That Is Stretchy (UK Friendly too!)
59. Pingback: Slime Science Fair Projects For Kids! | Little Bins for Little Hands
60. Pingback: Fluffy Cotton Candy Scented Slime Recipe with Snow for Easy Summer Slime!
61. Pingback: Alternative Slime Recipes Borax, Laundry Detergent, and Fiber

62. I don’t care to use tide as it feels irritating to my skin.

63. Pingback: Fizzing Slime Volcano Science Activity for Kids | Little Bins for Little Hands
64. Pingback: Your kids will call you the slime master! – Musings of a Mom Scientist
65. Pingback: Make Magnetic Slime with Black Iron Oxide Powder and Liquid Starch

66. i purchased the solo care aqua which came up when i put in for slime and it did not work can you tell me what kind of saline solution to use or contact lens solution is best. i live in toronto canada. i would like to order from amazon but i do not know which one to order

67. Equate is always a good option!

Comments are closed.

At Little Bins for Little Hands, we make science, STEM, and art hands-on and easy for kids! Our simple, budget-friendly projects spark curiosity and creativity through real, engaging learning experiences.

As Seen On

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Pinterest

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

Email

~ Projects to Try Now! ~

PinPin PinPin PinPin

• ScienceToggle child menuExpand
  • STEMToggle child menuExpand
    • Jr Engineer
    • Coding
    • STEM CHALLENGES
    • LEGO Building
    • Math & Numbers
  • Preschool
  • Kindergarten
  • 1st Grade
  • 2nd Grade
  • 3rd Grade
  • 4th Grade
  • 5th Grade
  • 6th Grade
  • Earth SciencesToggle child menuExpand
    • Geology
    • Space
    • Ocean
    • Weather
  • BiologyToggle child menuExpand
    • Plants & Animals
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Science Fair
• SeasonalToggle child menuExpand
  • FallToggle child menuExpand
    • Apples
    • Pumpkins
  • Halloween
  • Thanksgiving
  • Winter
  • Christmas
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Spring
  • St Patricks Day
  • Easter
  • Earth Day
  • Summer
  • 4th of July
• ArtToggle child menuExpand
  • Famous Artists
  • Process ArtToggle child menuExpand
    • DIY Paint Recipes for Kids
• SensoryToggle child menuExpand
  • Sensory Bins and Play
  • Playdough Recipes and Mats
  • Slime Recipes
• Shop
• ClubToggle child menuExpand
  • Join the Library
  • Join the Club
  • Club Login

Toggle Menu Close Search for: Search