Elmer's Magical Liquid vs Slime Labs Activator: Which Should You Buy?
A small bottle made to go with Elmer's glue against a much larger UK-made activator.
Elmer's Elmer's Glue Magical Liquid Activator Solution, Ideal for
Slime Labs Slime Labs All-In-One Slime Activator XLarge (1000ml), Non-Toxic, UK
Side by side
| Elmer's Glue Magical Liquid Activator Solution | Slime Labs All-In-One Slime Activator XLarge (1000ml) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | See on Amazon → | See on Amazon → |
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.5 | ★★★★☆ 4.2 |
| Review count | 11,948 | 1,399 |
| Brand | Elmer's | Slime Labs |
| Highlights |
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Our verdict
If you're making slime with Elmer's glue and want the matching product in a small bottle, Magical Liquid is the straightforward choice. If you're making slime regularly, or for a group, the Slime Labs XLarge is nearly four times the volume, made in the UK, and sold as suitable for all slime types. Check the age guidance on the bottle: Elmer's states not for under 3, while the Slime Labs listing and brand page don't give an age.
Which one is for you?
- Elmer's Magical Liquid suits an occasional slime-maker who wants a small bottle matched to Elmer's glue. Read our full look at the Elmer's Glue Magical Liquid Activator Solution →
- Slime Labs suits frequent slime-makers, parties and classes who'd get through a small bottle quickly. Read our full look at the Slime Labs All-In-One Slime Activator XLarge (1000ml) →
Bottle size and what you get
Elmer's Magical Liquid comes in a 259 ml bottle, and the listing says it makes four batches. The Slime Labs All-In-One Activator in this listing is 1000 ml, which is nearly four times as much liquid. Slime Labs' own site also sells a 2000 ml size.
Slime Labs' listing says you use less than you'd expect because the formula is concentrated. That is the brand's claim, so you may want to start with a small amount and add more.
How they work
Elmer's listing says it replaces borax, contact lens solution and baking soda, and that you add it to Elmer's glue. A Hobbycraft trade catalogue describes it as a ready-to-use activator that turns glue into stretchy slime.
The Slime Labs listing says it makes fluffy, butter, glitter, crunchy, cloud and snow slimes, and tells you to add extras to the glue before activating. Its description is more about variety than a specific glue pairing.
Safety and age
Elmer's listing calls it child friendly and washable, and says it is not for children under 3. Slime Labs calls its product non-toxic, washable and safe in its listing, but its brand page gives no age guidance in the text we could read. Read the bottle label for age and handling advice, and supervise younger children either way.
Made where
Slime Labs says everything it makes is manufactured in the UK, which the listing repeats. We couldn't confirm where Elmer's bottle is made from the pages we could open.
Who should skip both
If you want ready-made slime rather than a DIY activator, neither does that. For other craft and novelty items, see the novelty toys category.
Questions people ask
Which slime activator is better?
For a one-off batch with Elmer's glue, Magical Liquid is the convenient pick. For repeated use, the larger Slime Labs bottle gives far more liquid.
How many batches does Elmer's Magical Liquid make?
The listing says four batches from the 259 ml bottle.
Is Slime Labs activator made in the UK?
Yes. Its brand site says everything is manufactured in the UK, and the listing says the same.
Can children under 3 use Elmer's Magical Liquid?
The listing says it is not for children under 3 years.
Does Elmer's activator replace borax?
The listing says its all-in-one formula replaces borax, contact lens solution and baking soda.
Sources
- Slime Labs, Slime Labs homepage and activator range
- Cromartie Hobbycraft, Elmers Magical Liquid 259ml
Prices are pulled live from Amazon.
Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Novelty & Gag Toys or see the whole Toys & Games department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.