Is it safe to give kids slime toys with borax?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studybaby
Verdict: Avoid
Not really. Borax irritates skin and airways, especially with daily play.
What's actually in it
Homemade slime and many kits use borax (sodium tetraborate) as the activator. Borax is a skin and eye irritant and has been linked to reproductive effects at higher doses. Kids with eczema or sensitive skin react fastest.
What the research says
A 2025 screening study in Environ Sci Technol mapped chemical exposures across kids' products.
For slime, use contact lens solution (containing sodium borate) and washable glue as a gentler alternative. Wash hands after play.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical signatures for household consumer products. | Environ Sci Technol | 2025 |
What to use instead
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