Cosmic Fox Slime Glossary

Activator is a key ingredient used to turn glue into slime by triggering a chemical reaction called “cross-linking”. Slime activators like borax can react with the long polymer chains in glue (typically polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol) to form a new substance with a different viscosity and texture. Glue, especially PVA glue, is made up of long chains of molecules (polymers) that can slide past each other easily, allowing it to flow. Slime activators like borax contain borate ions which react with the glue's polymer molecules, forming chemical bonds. This cross-linking process "tangles" the polymer chains, making them less likely to slide past each other. The amount of activator added changes the consistency of the slime. More activator generally results in a more "squishy" and less runny slime. Too much activation and it can make slime “rippy” and “tough” which we refer to as “over-activated. Less activator leads to a less stretchy and more watery slime due to lack of cross-linking of polymers. Understanding how activator works is essential for making the perfect slime every time!

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response which is a reaction in our brains that triggers a relaxing, tingling sensation from exposure to specific sensory inputs and stimuli. During slime play, ASMR is often triggered by the soothing noises slime makes, or by the textures felt when being played with. These pops, crackles, squishes, and stretches that many people find deeply calming and satisfying are inherent with all slime play, whether watching the videos on YouTube or engaging in real life. Due to this inherent nature, slime play is one of the most popular forms of stress relief, sleep support, sensory enjoyment, and nervous system regulation for children and adults alike.

Avalanche slime is a visually captivating type of slime characterized by its layered appearance, usually where a clear slime base is topped with some form of colored, more opaque slime. As the layers gradually blend, they create an effect reminiscent of an avalanche. Since shipping slimes can be so uncertain, we ship our avalanche slime toppers in separate containers. Once topped, we recommend you allow the slime to sit for a few hours, checking periodically for desired avalanched effect.

Bingsu bead slime draws inspiration from the Korean dessert “bingsu,” known for its fluffy shaved ice base adorned with various crunchy toppings. Similarly, bingsu slime features a softer and often clear slime base infused with tiny bingsu beads that provide a satisfying crispy crunch, mimicking the textural contrast of the dessert. Despite the added beads, bingsu slime maintains flexibility, allowing for stretching and molding without compromising its structural integrity. The combination of the slime’s softness and the beads’ crispiness provides a multi-dimensional tactile experience and creates a slime with a good amount of inflation. Note: we refer to them as “beads’ but in fact they are small cut pieces of plastic.

Borax is a type of salt mineral also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate. It is used in everyday items like cleaning powders and laundry detergent and can be purchased at most super markets. It is the key component in activator used by most slime enthusiast and is NOT food grade or edible.

Butter slime is renowned for its exceptionally soft and creamy texture, allowing it to be easily spread, like a softened butter. This unique consistency can be achieved by incorporating additives like clay into certain slime mixtures, resulting in a malleable and smooth material. The incorporation of clay reduces the stickiness commonly associated with traditional slime, making butter slime less likely to adhere to hands or surfaces. This is great for beginners as an alternative to the so-called “messier” advanced slimes.

Clay Add-On’s or Clay Toppers are usually artistic additions to various slime bases. Most people enjoy smashing these into their slime bases to create a new texture while some clay pieces are so beautifully crafted, people often choose to save and display them with their slime collections. These pieces are often made of one or more types of clay mixtures.

Cloud dough slime is a variant texture of cloud slime which includes added clay. This is great for beginners as an alternative to the so-called “messier” advanced slimes.

Cloud slime is made with activated instant snow which creates a light, fluffy, and cascading texture mimicking that of a cloud. This is great for beginners as an alternative to the so-called “messier” advanced slimes.

Clear slimes are made with clear glues although they may be colored or utilized in other slime recipes. They are often inherently stickier than other slime types which have them usually labeled as being for a more advanced slime user.

Daiso is a popular Japanese brand which manufactures an air-dry clay used widely for various types of slime. It can be used to model or create clay pieces for slime toppers or add-in’s. Once exposed to air for a long period of time, Daiso clay will dry and harden making it perfect for stand alone clay models. If used as a slime topper or add-in, it must be sealed away from air until used or clay will not incorporate properly.

DIY slimes often refer to slimes that come deconstructed and must be built by the user. For example a common DIY slime kit may include a slime base with a clay topper, slime syrup drizzle, and charms all separate, ready to be layered by the user in their own creative ways. This also ensures safe transport when being shipped to users.

Usually a clear-based slime, they are sometimes described as a “crunchbomb” type of texture. It gets it’s name from being filled with a high ration of beads similar in shape and size to fishbowl gravel. In fact many slime users have used actual fishbowl gravel in these slime types.

Floam is typically a white glue base slime filled with small foam beads. Floam slime was sold in the mid 90’s and later as it’s own brand in the early 2000’s.

Icee slimes are a texture produced with artificial snow, similar to cloud slime. It can have a wetter/cooler feel and resembles ice crystals as you would find in an actual icee. These textures can vary widely depending on the slime maker.

Inflation refers to the amount of air trapped inside slime when stretched and played with. When this occurs it is sometimes hard to fit the slime into its original container and the excess must be stored in a separate air tight container until the air has left (usually within a day.) A ziploc bag or sealable tupperware-style dish works fine or extra containers can also be purchased in our shop.

Small cubes made from melamine sponges such as '“magic erasers”. These are used in slimes as a squishy add-in.

Jelly cube slimes are made using a clear-based slime. After allowing cubes to sit and absorb some of the slime, they are squished to create a satisfying texture sensation, sometimes accompanied with a pop.

A slime base made with artificial snow and other ingredients, giving it an appearance and texture like that of a breakfast jelly.

Polymer clay is moldable model clay used in some different textures of slime. Unlike Daiso air-dry clay, polymer is oven-dried when used for modeling and considered more durable in general.

A putty slime is one of the thickest slimes available to craft. It is thick, durable, and holds it shape when formed and molded. It’s hold-ability makes it an ideal fidget. This is great for beginners as an alternative to the so-called “messier” advanced slimes.

This is a coarser textured slime made with a plastic artificial snow. Not to be confused with the artificial snow that needs activation which is found in cloud slimes. This creates a rougher texture with lots of fizzes, crackles, pops, and is great for inflation.

Squishies are a common silicone fidget of various shapes, sizes, colors, and scents. They are another sensory play-based tool utilized by people to regulate their nervous system.

A white glue based slime known for it’s shiny brilliant surface and thick texture.

An ultra thick and luscious version of Thick n’ Glossy.

An ultra jiggly and wiggly slime made with coated glue. When crafted properly will almost run through your fingers like water while maintaining its consistent viscosity, all while not sticking to the user whatsoever.