Slime is one of those magical crafts—stretchy, squishy, oddly satisfying. But if you’re out of glue or concerned about harsh ingredients, here’s the good news: you can still make amazing slime without a single drop of glue or using nasty chemicals.
In this ultimate guide on how to make slime without glue, we’ll walk you through safe, tested recipes using everyday items like shampoo, cornstarch, sugar, marshmallows, and more. No borax. No harsh chemicals. Just creative, mess-friendly fun for all ages.
From edible slime to fluffy, stretchy options, we’ve organized everything by age group, included mess level, allergen alerts, and adult supervision notes—so you and your child can craft with confidence.
Table of Contents
Quick Start Slime Summary (No Glue Needed!)
| Age Group | Recipe Name | Texture Type | Mess Level | Allergen Alert | Supervision Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toddlers (2–4) | Marshmallow Edible Slime | Sticky & safe | Low | Sugar, coconut oil | Yes |
| Kids (5–8) | Cornstarch & Water Oobleck | Runny/solid mix | Medium | Cornstarch | Yes |
| Tweens (9–12) | Shampoo & Salt Slime | Stretchy & shiny | Low | Fragrances, SLS | Yes |
| Teens (13+) | Guar Gum Stretchy Slime | Smooth & elastic | Medium | None | Recommended |
Safety First: Must-Read Before Mixing
Before you dive into mixing, here are essential slime safety tips:
- Always supervise children, especially when using heat, powders, or sticky ingredients.
- Check all products for skin sensitivities or potential allergens (e.g., artificial dyes, fragrances).
- If your child is a toddler, use only edible slime.
- Never let children (of any age) ingest non-edible mixes.
- Wash hands before and after slime play.
- Store slime in airtight containers and label if perishable.
👉 Pro tip: Use gloves for scented products if your child has sensitive skin.
Glue-Free Slime Recipes by Age Group
Toddler-Friendly Slime Recipe (Ages 2–4)
🥄 Marshmallow & Coconut Oil Slime (Edible & Safe)
Texture: Sticky, stretchy
Mess Level: Low
Allergen Alert: Contains sugar, coconut oil
Supervision: Required (microwave use)
Ingredients
- 4 large marshmallows
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Microwave marshmallows for 20–30 seconds in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in coconut oil until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and knead until stretchy.
- Let it cool before giving it to your toddler to play.
Cleanup Tip: Wipe surfaces immediately to avoid sugar hardening.
🧠 Educational Element: Use this time to talk about textures and temperatures.
Kid-Friendly Slime Recipe (Ages 5–8)
🌈 Cornstarch & Water Oobleck (Sensory Delight)
Texture: Non-Newtonian (solid when touched, liquid when left alone)
Mess Level: Medium
Allergen Alert: Cornstarch
Supervision: Required
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornstarch
- ½ cup water
- Optional: Natural food coloring
Instructions
- Slowly mix water with cornstarch until thick and gooey.
- Add coloring if desired and let kids explore with their hands.
📌 Warning: Oobleck can clog drains — always dispose of it in the trash, not the sink!
Cleanup Tip: Use a wet cloth to wipe off surfaces before the mix dries.
Tween-Approved Recipe (Ages 9–12)
🧴 Shampoo & Salt Slime (No Borax, No Glue)
Texture: Silky and glossy
Mess Level: Low
Allergen Alert: May contain SLS, artificial fragrances
Supervision: Yes (freezer use)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup thick shampoo
- 1–2 teaspoons table salt
Instructions
- Mix shampoo and salt thoroughly in a bowl.
- Freeze for 15 minutes to allow the slime to form.
- Knead to get the desired texture.
📌 Note: Avoid contact with eyes. Do not ingest.
Teen DIY Slime (Ages 13+)
🧪 Guar Gum Slime (Stretchy Science Project)
Texture: Smooth and rubbery
Mess Level: Medium
Allergen Alert: None
Supervision: Recommended
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ tsp guar gum powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp contact lens solution (with boric acid)
- Optional: food coloring
Instructions
- Dissolve guar gum in warm water.
- Add baking soda and stir until combined.
- Mix in contact solution gradually until it thickens into slime.
🔬 STEM Angle: Great opportunity to talk about polymers and viscosity.
Add-Ins & Customizations
🎨 Make It Yours with These Options:
| Add-In | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glitter | Use cosmetic grade only |
| Essential Oils | Add 1 drop max (skin-safe) |
| Food Coloring | Use gel or plant-based dyes |
| Mini Toys | Avoid choking hazards |
| Beads/Sequins | Not for toddlers |
Troubleshooting Glue-Free Slime
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Slime too runny | Add more cornstarch or thickener |
| Too dry or crumbly | Add a few drops of water or lotion |
| Too sticky | Chill it or mix with a pinch of flour |
| Not forming | Mix longer or adjust ingredient ratio |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does glue-free slime last?
Homemade slime without glue can last up to 5 days in an airtight container. Edible ones should be refrigerated and used within 48 hours.
Can toddlers use slime made with shampoo or dish soap?
No. These are not safe for ingestion and may irritate skin or eyes. Stick to edible slime for toddlers.
What’s the best glue-free slime for sensitive skin?
Try body wash + flour or lotion + cornstarch with hypoallergenic products.
Is it okay to add glitter or scents?
Yes, but ensure they’re non-toxic and safe for kids. Avoid strong essential oils for younger children
Can you make slime without glue and borax?
Absolutely. All the recipes in this article use neither glue nor borax.
Conclusion: Safe, Goo-Free Slime is Totally Possible
Learning how to make slime without glue isn’t just a fun craft—it’s a safe, creative, and educational way to engage kids (and adults!) of all ages. Whether you’re making edible marshmallow slime for your toddler or experimenting with science-based guar gum recipes with your teen, the glue-free route offers all the joy with none of the mess or chemicals.
Keep safety front and center, customize your creations, and have fun watching your slime come to life!
