Need a super simple slime recipe without classic slime activators like borax, liquid starch, or saline solution? This easy cornstarch slime uses just two basic ingredients—glue and cornstarch! It’s a quick, satisfying sensory activity perfect for young kids or anyone avoiding chemical activators.
Why Make Cornstarch Slime?
This slime won’t stretch like our classic slimes, but it’s still squishy, moldable, and totally fun to make and play with!
- No slime activator needed—just glue and cornstarch!
- Great for younger kids and taste-safe setups
- A perfect “slime in a pinch” activity when you’re short on supplies
- A fun introduction to states of matter and hands-on science
Supplies
- 1 part white washable school glue (PVA glue)
- 3 parts cornstarch (roughly)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Bowl and spoon
How to Make Cornstarch Slime
Step 1: Pour glue into a mixing bowl (start with 1/4 cup).
Step 2: Add a few drops of food coloring if using. Stir well.
Step 3: Add cornstarch slowly—about 3 times the amount of glue—mixing in between. It will get harder to stir as it thickens.
Step 4: When the spoon stops helping, use your hands to knead the slime. Add a little more cornstarch or glue as needed to achieve a soft, moldable texture.
Step 5: Once it forms a ball that isn’t sticky or too crumbly, it’s ready to play with!
Cornstarch Slime Troubleshooting Tips
How Long Does Cornstarch Slime Last?
Cornstarch slime is best enjoyed the same day you make it. Because there’s no chemical reaction or preservative, the texture starts to change pretty quickly. You can try storing it in an airtight container and refreshing it the next day with a small drop of glue, but it likely won’t return to its original consistency.
If it dries out or becomes crumbly, you can easily whip up a fresh batch—just two ingredients and a few minutes!
Cornstarch Slime Science
Cornstarch slime is a non-Newtonian fluid, which doesn’t behave like a typical solid or liquid. It can ooze, flatten, and mold—but if you press on it quickly, it feels more solid.
This slime doesn’t involve a chemical reaction (like borax-based slimes), but instead relies on the thickening power of cornstarch to give it structure. It’s a great way to explore how different materials interact without special ingredients.
🧠 Read more about slime science and science experiments here.
Make It a Slime Science Project
Try these science extensions and apply the scientific method to your slime science experiment:
- Compare cornstarch slime to oobleck. How do they move differently?
- Test ratios. What happens when you use more glue or more cornstarch?
- Observe the texture over time. How does it change after a day in a sealed container?
Some of our favorite cornstarch recipes…
- Cornstarch Dough (doesn’t use glue)
- Oobleck (only 2 ingredients, cornstarch and water)
- Marshmallow Slime (our favorite edible slime recipe)
More Fun Slime Recipes To Try
Related Slime Resources
Grab the Ultimate Slime Guide
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! These taste-safe recipes are perfect for kids of all ages, including tweens and teens, and they are also perfect for the youngest slime fans.
- 100+ pages of slime recipes and science tips
- Seasonal and holiday slimes
- Taste-safe and borax-free options
- Printable slime journal pages
- Tips and troubleshooting
Perfect for home, classroom, or science fair fun!
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great slime recipe it really works i found the glue was making it sticky tho so i just really found this recipe helpfull
THANK YOU
cool is it more like play dough or slime?
the cornstarch recipe was awful – did not work, stuck to my finger and was hard to get off. A real mess.
It’s definitely a bit of a different slime and won’t feel like the traditional slime recipes! I always like to include some alternative sensory play recipes. It can be a little sticky. I hope you will give it another try or try one of our other slimes.
it wasn’t sticky persay – it remained in crmbs, woldn’t come together and never became slime at all. I will not be trying any other slime rcipes on your site.
Im sorry to hear that! Honestly, this recipe is meant for kiddos and caregivers who can’t use borax products to make official slime whether its for health reasons or regulations. It’s definitely not going to have the same texture and feel because it doesn’t contain those ingredients that give it the rubbery texture.
I certainly invite you to try one of our four basic slime recipes. The liquid starch slime is so easy and saline solution with baking soda is another favorite. The cornstarch and glue slime you made is much different and intended to be an alternative style recipe. Good luck!
i liked it
it was really crumbly and felt like bread
Add a tiny bit of glue if it gets to crumbly or dry!
Good slime!
Awesome thanks! It’s a good alternative just in case you don’t have the ingredients or can’t make the other types of slimes.
Nice recipe the slime was perfect.I give it two thumbs up. It was really good.
This did not work it was a sticky mess!
Feel free to message me for help!
Awesome, thank you!
My child wants to make “unsticky slime” is the an recipe to that?
No, this recipe is going to be a bit sticky. I would check out our liquid starch slime recipe or our fidget putty recipe!