Did you know you can make super soft homemade playdough with just two simple ingredients? This easy cornstarch playdough recipe combines hair conditioner and cornstarch to create a silky, squishy sensory dough that kids love to squeeze, roll, and shape.
Whether you need a quick rainy-day activity, a sensory bin addition, or a hands-on learning tool, this 2-ingredient playdough comes together in minutes.
👉 If your kids love homemade playdough, be sure to check out our favorite homemade playdough recipes, printable playdough mats, and sensory play activities for even more hands-on fun.
Cornstarch Playdough Ingredients
- 1 cup hair conditioner
- 2 cups cornstarch
- Food coloring (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
💡 Recipe Ratio: 1 part conditioner to 2 parts cornstarch. You can easily make a larger or smaller batch by keeping the same ratio.
How To Make Cornstarch Playdough
Start here with the video!
Step 1
Add the hair conditioner to a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
Step 3
Mix in the cornstarch with a spoon.
Step 4
Once the mixture becomes too thick to stir, knead it with your hands.
Step 5
Continue kneading until a smooth, soft ball forms.
Step 6
Play and explore!
🥣Mixing Tip
- If the dough feels sticky, add a little more cornstarch.
- If it feels dry or crumbly, add a small amount of conditioner.
Adjust until you reach your favorite consistency.
Free Playdough Starter Guide
Ready for more playdough fun? Grab our free Playdough Starter Guide featuring:
✔ Easy homemade playdough recipe ideas (clickable links)
✔ Creative playdough learning activities
✔ Fine motor and STEM play ideas
✔ A printable playdough mat kids can use right away
Whether you’re making playdough for the first time or looking for fresh ideas, this guide is packed with simple ways to turn playtime into learning time.
Playdough Learning Activities
- Fine Motor Practice: Hide beads, buttons, pom-poms, or small toys in the dough, then use tweezers or tongs to retrieve them.
- Letters and Numbers: Roll playdough snakes to form letters, numbers, and simple words.
- Build and Create: Add toothpicks, craft sticks, or loose parts to create sculptures and simple structures.
- Sorting Activities: Sort objects by color, size, shape, or type using flattened pieces of playdough as sorting mats.
- Playdough Mats: Pair this recipe with printable playdough mats to practice letters, numbers, weather, flowers, bugs, and more.
Homemade Playdough Recipes
Looking for more easy playdough recipes?
- No-Cook Playdough
- Cooked Playdough
- Kool-Aid Playdough
- Sugar Playdough (Taste-safe)
- Glow In The Dark Playdough
- Fairy Dough
🥣 Each recipe offers a unique texture, scent, or sensory experience.
Conditioner Playdough FAQ
Can I make playdough with cornstarch and conditioner? Yes! Cornstarch and conditioner combine to create a soft sensory dough that is easy to make and fun to play with.
Why is my cornstarch playdough sticky? Add more cornstarch a little at a time until the dough reaches your desired consistency.
Can I add food coloring? Yes. Add food coloring directly to the conditioner before adding the cornstarch for even color distribution.
How long does homemade cornstarch playdough last? Store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. For the best texture, use it within a few days.
Is cornstarch playdough edible? Although the ingredients are generally considered non-toxic, this playdough is intended for play and not for eating.
Free Printable Playdough Mats
Looking for an easy way to extend the learning?
Grab our free printable playdough mats featuring letters, numbers, flowers, bugs, weather, and more. They’re perfect for combining sensory play with early learning skills.
👉 Look through all of our free playdough mats here
More Sensory Play Activities
If your kids enjoy hands-on sensory play, explore our collection of sensory bins, sensory recipes, and simple sensory activities for preschoolers and early elementary kids.
👉 Find a new sensory play activity to try here
Printable Playdough Recipes Pack
Want all of our favorite playdough recipes in one convenient resource?
Our Printable Playdough Recipes Pack includes easy-to-follow recipes plus exclusive printable playdough mats designed to encourage creativity, fine motor skills, and hands-on learning.
