How to Make Cotton Slime: A Soft, Fluffy Slime Recipe Anyone Can Try

If you’re searching for how to make cotton slime, you’re likely looking for something softer, lighter, and more satisfying than regular slime.
Cotton slime is known for its fluffy texture, gentle stretch, and cloud-like feel, making it a popular choice for sensory play, stress relief, and beginner slime makers. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make cotton slime step by step using simple materials, with tips to get the texture just right.

What Is Cotton Slime?

Cotton slime is a type of fluffy slime created by adding air into traditional slime.
Instead of being clear or jelly-like, it feels:

• Light and airy

• Soft and dry to the touch

• Easy to stretch and fold

• Less sticky and easier to control

Cotton slime recipe

To make cotton slime at home, prepare the following:

• White glue (PVA glue)

• Shaving foam or shaving cream

• Baking soda

• Contact lens solution
  (must contain boric acid or sodium borate)

• Mixing bowl

• Spoon or wooden stick

Optional

• Food coloring (for colored cotton slime)

• A drop or two of fragrance

This makes cotton slime especially suitable for kids, classrooms, and calm sensory play.

Step 1: Add White Glue

Pour white glue into a mixing bowl.
This forms the base structure of the cotton slime.

Step 2: Add Shaving Foam

Add a generous amount of shaving foam—about 2–3 times the volume of glue.
Stir slowly until the mixture becomes fluffy and thick.

This step is what gives cotton slime its light, airy texture.

Step 3: Add Color (Optional)

If you want colored cotton slime, add a few drops of food coloring and mix gently until the color is even.

Step 4: Mix in Baking Soda

Add about ½ teaspoon of baking soda and stir well.
This helps stabilize the slime and prepares it to react with the activator.

Step 5: Add Contact Lens Solution Gradually

Add contact lens solution a few drops at a time, stirring after each addition.

You’ll notice the slime:

• Thickening

• Pulling away from the bowl

• Becoming easier to control

Stop adding once it forms a soft, fluffy lump.

Step 6: Knead the Slime

Take the slime out and knead it with your hands for 1–2 minutes.

As you knead:

• Stickiness decreases

• Texture becomes smoother

• The slime feels light and stretchy

If it’s still sticky, add one more drop of contact solution and knead again.

How to Adjust the Texture

• Not fluffy enough: Add more shaving foam

• Too sticky: Add a small amount of contact solution

• Too stiff: Knead in a little glue or shaving foam

Cotton slime should feel soft and airy, not rubbery.

How to Play With Cotton Slime

Cotton slime is best enjoyed with slow, gentle movements:

• Stretch it slowly to feel the soft resistance

• Fold and press it to release trapped air

• Knead it calmly for sensory play or stress relief

It’s designed for quiet, controlled play, not fast pulling.

How to Store Cotton Slime

• Keep in an airtight container when not in use

• Store at room temperature

• Wash hands before play to keep it clean

With proper storage, cotton slime can last 1–2 weeks or longer.

Safety Tips

• Recommended for ages 3+ with adult supervision

• Do not ingest

• Wash hands after use

Final Thoughts

Learning how to make cotton slime is simple, and the result is a soft, fluffy slime that feels completely different from clear or jelly slime.
With just a few materials and gentle mixing, you can create a slime that’s easy to handle, calming to play with, and perfect for sensory activities.