Slime has been a firm favourite with kids for years, fuelled by endless YouTube tutorials on DIY slime-making. But before you let your child loose with a tub of it, it’s worth knowing that not all slime is created equal — some products have been found to contain unsafe levels of a chemical called boron.
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What the Study Found
A consumer safety study by Which? tested a batch of children’s slime products and found that several exceeded the EU safety limit for boron — some by as much as four times the permitted level. Exposure to excessive boron can cause irritation, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps.
Of the 11 slimes tested, eight came in above the boron limit set out in the EU toy safety standard. The affected products were available through major retailers including Amazon, Smyths, Argos and Hamleys.
You might also want to read: How to Get Slime Off Clothes, Carpet, Sofa, Hair…
The Worst Slimes Identified
The permitted level of boron is 300mg/kg. The worst offenders in the testing were:
- Toysmith Jupiter Juice, containing 1,400mg/kg
- CCINEE Pink Fluffy Slime, containing 1,000mg/kg
- Cosoro Dodolu Crystal Slime Magic Clay, containing 980mg/kg
The Safest Slimes Identified
These three products fell within safe limits in the same testing:
- HGL Goopy Slime, from The Works
- Glam Goo Deluxe Pack, from Smyths
- Planet Slime Shop’s Hulk Green Halloween Slime, from Amazon
At the time, Amazon and Hamleys said they had stopped selling the flagged products, Argos said it was investigating, and Smyths said it followed the highest safety standards.
You might also want to read: Are Your Kids Mad for Squishies? Parents Warned About Toxic Toys
What to Do if You’ve Bought Unsafe Slime
If you think you’ve bought one of the flagged slimes, the advice is simple: get your child to stop playing with it straight away.
You may be able to return it to the retailer or manufacturer for a refund or safe replacement, particularly if you’re still within a standard 14-day online or in-store returns window.
If a straightforward return isn’t possible, you may still have rights under consumer protection law, on the basis that a product exceeding a legal safety limit is of unsatisfactory quality and unfit for purpose.
If in doubt, check the product packaging for a boron content statement, or contact the retailer directly to ask whether the item you have meets current EU toy safety standards.
Over to you now — have you come across any of the products flagged in this testing? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is boron, and why is it a concern in slime?
Boron is a chemical compound used in some slime recipes to help create that stretchy, gooey texture. In small, regulated amounts it’s considered safe, but at higher concentrations it can cause irritation, diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps if a child is exposed to too much of it, particularly through repeated skin contact or if any is accidentally ingested.
How do I know if my child’s slime is safe?
Look for slime that’s clearly labelled as compliant with EU toy safety standards and buy from a reputable retailer. If a product doesn’t list its ingredients or safety compliance, it’s worth being cautious.
What should I do if I think I’ve bought an unsafe slime?
Stop your child playing with it straight away. Try returning it to the retailer for a refund, and if that’s not possible, look into your consumer rights, since a product exceeding legal safety limits may be considered unfit for purpose.
Is homemade slime safer than shop-bought slime?
Homemade slime lets you control exactly what goes into it, which some parents prefer. As with any DIY activity, just make sure ingredients are age-appropriate and supervise younger children during making and play.
Related Articles
- How to Get Slime Off Clothes, Carpet, Sofa, Hair…
- Are Your Kids Mad for Squishies? Parents Warned About Toxic Toys
- Fun and Easy Slime Recipes to Try at Home
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