How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

What kid doesn’t like slime? It’s ooey-gooiness is a draw for most; plus, the act of making slime is a fun experiment! But one of its typical ingredients, borax, can cause skin sensitivities, and another, glue, can just be plain messy.  Read below for some recipes to make slime without either of those activators. 

Slime with Shampoo

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp Suave Kids 3-in-1 Shampoo (thicker shampoos work best, and you can choose a fragrance that you like)
  • 2 Tbsp Shaving cream
  • 1 tsp Salt

Steps:

1.  Pour 2 Tbsp of shampoo of choice into a bowl (you can always add more shampoo later).

Put shampoo in a bowl.

2. Add in 2 Tbsp of shaving cream (foam) to the shampoo and mix.

Add  shaving cream into the bowl.

3. Add 1 tsp of salt, and mix everything together thoroughly.

Add salt into the bowl.

4. Put mixture into the freezer for approximately 15 minutes.

Mix shampoo, shaving cream, and salt and put in the freezer for 15 minutes.

5. Remove from the freezer and play! If your slime becomes runny, just pop it back into the freezer for a few minutes to keep the fun going.

Slime with Body Wash and Cornstarch

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp body wash (thicker works better)
  • 2 Tbsp cornstarch
  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Splash of water

Steps:

1. Pour 2 TBSP of body wash into a bowl.

2.  Add in cornstarch and mix well.

3. If desired, add in food coloring at this point.

4. Mix ingredients together thoroughly. You may have to add a little more body wash to obtain the right consistency. Knead, and enjoy your slime!

Slime with Toothpaste

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp toothpaste
  • 2 – 4 Tbsp lotion
  • 1 tsp baby oil
  • Food coloring (optional)

Steps:

1. Squeeze approximately 2 Tbsp of toothpaste into a bowl and stir.

2. Heat up toothpaste in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time (make sure to give it a stir between each check) until you reach a sticky slime-like consistency.

3. Add in 2-4 Tbsp of lotion and baby oil to create a more malleable and stretchy slime.

4. Knead, and play with your slime!

*Check out our other slime recipes: Fluffy Slime, Stretchy Slime, Clear Slime, Edible Slime, Cloud Slime, Crunchy Slime, Jiggly Slime, Iceberg Slime, Butter Slime, Magnetic Slime

Learn how to make your slime turn out perfectly every time with the Best Slime Activators. Find out how to make slime activator that is so easy and works great.

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

My kids love to make slime but you need to know the best slime activators. This is the key to successful slime making and a must have ingredient.

Anyone that has ever made slime knows that it will not turn out without an activator. There are several options to use as a slime activator and you can use the one you prefer.

We are going to show you the best slime activators today and what you need to make the best slime. If your kids are crazy over slime, this is a must read for making great slime.

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

Let’s learn how to make slime activator!

You can’t make slime without it and it is a very important ingredient.

What is activator?

This is what binds the glue and other ingredients together to form the slime. Without it, you will just have a gloopy mess!

The activator brings it all together to make the slime.

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

What can you use as an activator for slime?

Borax, borid acid and sodium borate  all work as an activator. You can use:

  • borax powder
  • liquid starch
  • contact solution and baking soda

Each of these contain ingredients that work as an activator to make the perfect slime.  Each of these work really well and you can experiment to find out what you like the best.

Kids tend to have a preference. As they make more and more slime, they will likely find what works best for them.

What can you use for slime activator instead of borax?

While borax is a common activator, there are other options as mentioned above. You can also use liquid starch, contact solution and baking soda to make the perfect slime.

Making slime is actually a really great science experiment and a great way to teach your kids. If you are hesitant to make slime because of the mess, give it a try because it is a great learning opportunity.

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

Borax Slime Activator

Borax can be found on the detergent aisle or ordering from Amazon. It is a really simple activator.

In order to use borax as an activator, you need to slowly mix the borax mixture into the glue/water mixture while making slime.  We normally like to to mix in 1 tablespoon of this solution at a time until the slime is the consistency that you would like.

As the slime starts to activate, add less of the borax mixture. Sometimes, you have to work with it to get the desired consistency.

Borax Slime is a very simple DIY and great for beginners just learning to make slime. It only requires a few simple ingredients and is so easy and fun!

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

Liquid Starch – best detergent for slime

Liquid starch is another activator for slime and a great option if you don’t want to use borax powder.  We often use Sta-Flo but you can use whatever brand you prefer.

Just note that the brand you actually use can impact the amount used in your slime recipe. You may have to play with it to get the desired consistency.

This is very easy to use and you simply mix in the liquid starch until the slime is formed.  Once the glue starts pulling away from the edge of the bowl or sticking to the spoon, remove the slime with your hands and knead with your hands until the slime is the consistency that you prefer.

Birthday Cake Slime is a really fun slime to make that uses liquid starch.

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

Slime activator contact solution- how to make slime activator with baking soda

Contact solution and baking soda are so simple to use and probably one of the easiest activators to use. Note that it is super important to make sure to use Contact Lens Solution  that contains boric acid and sodium borate.

This is important as your slime will not activate without this. Saline solution is not the same as contact solution when it comes to making slime.

You have to use contact solution for contact lenses for the slime to turn out with slime activators. This is so important so make sure to use the right kind of solution.

The slime will not form properly if you use plain saline solution. Trust us!

Make sure to slowly add in the Contact Lens Solution to the glue and baking soda mixture until the slime forms to the consistency that you prefer.

Learn how to make slime with contact solution. Contact solution slime is so easy to make with just 3 ingredients and a blast to create.

If you are just starting out with slime, this is a great one to try first. With only 3 ingredients, it is so easy to make and perfect for kids to do.

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

how to make slime activator at home without borax

If you prefer to use something instead of borax as an activator, try using liquid starch  or contact lens solution and baking soda. 

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

Now you know all of the best slime activators!

Get started with your favorite slime recipe and make some slime today! Now that you know the best activators, find out all of the best slime supplies.

From elmer glue, shaving cream, various color glitter and more, you can make any slime recipe you prefer. Choose the type of slime that you want to make and get started.

Some of our favorite slime recipes include:

  • How to Make Slime for Kids that is Calming
  • Glitter Slime – How to Make it in Minutes!
  • How to Make Fluffy Slime
  • DIY Chalkboard Slime
  • The Best 2 Ingredient Slime
  • Color Changing Slime
  • Valentine’s Day Homemade Slime
  • How to make color changing slime
  • How to make galaxy slime

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

Learn How to get Slime out of Clothes and it is so easy.

We have the best cloud slime recipe and it is super easy to make.

Liquid Starch Slime has only 3 easy ingredients for a fun slime recipe your kids will love.

Crunchy Slime is such a fun slime to make and very easy.

More Fun Ideas for Kids:

  • Easy Homemade Playdough Recipes 
  • Easy Kid’s Valentine Cards They Can Make at Home
  • 25 Boredom Busters for Kids (to do indoors)
  • Tissue Paper Crafts for Kids
  • 10 Fall Activities for Kids 
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  • Valentine’s Day Homemade Slime
  • how to make slime for kids that is calming
  • how to make floam

We have 35 adorable summer crafts for kids that will keep little ones from being bored.

Try these other recipes

How to make slime activator without borax or contact solution

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How do you make activator without borax and contact solution?

How to Make Homemade Activator without Contact Solution.
Borax powder: Add one teaspoon of powder to 1 cup of warm water and stir..
Liquid laundry starch: Use exactly like contact solution in your slime recipes..
Liquid soap: Liquid soap must be frozen before it turns into a slime activator..

What can I use instead of activator for my slime?

What can you use as an activator for slime? Borax, borid acid and sodium borate all work as an activator.

How do you make slime without activator or contact solution or baking soda?

Making Fluffy Slime with Cornstarch. Mix 1/2 cup (118.29 mL) of shampoo and 1/4 cup (30 g) of cornstarch. Pour 1/2 cup (118.29 mL) of shampoo into any type of bowl and add 1/4 cup (30 g) of cornstarch. Mix it together thoroughly using a metal spoon until it is an even consistency.

How do you make easy slime activator?

Fill a bowl or measuring cup with 1 cup of warm water. Then add in 1 tsp of borax. Mix until all of the borax is dissolved. And that's it, it's ready to use.