Cornflour Playdough Recipe Without Conditioner
Looking for a natural alternative to traditional playdough? This cornflour playdough recipe without conditioner is made with just cornflour and baking soda, offering a simple, non-conditioner option. In this post, you’ll learn how to make playdough that is silky and velvety, made with natural ingredients.

For those who prefer to keep things simple and natural, this cornflour playdough recipe without conditioner is an excellent choice. By using just cornflour and baking soda, this playdough provides a smooth, moldable texture without relying on any synthetic additives like hair conditioner or lotion. It’s cheaper, too!
This cornflour playdough recipe a great option for parents, educators, or caregivers who want to avoid artificial ingredients while still offering a satisfying sensory experience.
This recipe has a unique texture in that it is silky smooth and velvety. Try out these other cornflour playdough recipes, too.
- Fluffy Playdough Recipe
- Orange Creamsicle No-cook Playdough Recipe
- Edible Playdough Using Marshmallows
- Cooling Peppermint Playdough Without Cream of Tartar
In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps of how to make playdough with cornflour and baking soda, along with tips for achieving the perfect consistency so you get that velvety texture this recipe provides.
Why Try Cornflour Playdough Without Conditioner?
Cornflour playdough without conditioner is a fantastic choice for households or classrooms seeking simplicity, safety, and versatility.
With just two main ingredients—cornflour and baking soda—it’s perfect for those who don’t have conditioner on hand or prefer a more natural option.
By skipping conditioner, this recipe is also allergy-friendly, eliminating concerns about sensitivities to scented or synthetic products. Quick, easy, and affordable, this recipe is a budget-conscious solution that doesn’t compromise on sensory fun!
Cornflour vs. Cornstarch
In many countries, the terms cornflour and cornstarch are used interchangeably, both referring to the fine, powdery starch extracted from corn. This ingredient is essential for creating the silky texture that makes this playdough so enjoyable to handle.
It’s not the same as cornmeal or polenta, as these coarser alternatives have a grainy texture that isn’t suitable for making playdough. At least, not if you want a smooth, velvety playdough.
- RUMFORD CORN STARCH – Use as a thickener in sauces, gravies, soups and stews
- RESEALABLE – Our resealable canister keeps it fresh
- NON-GMO – Made from non-GMO project verified corn

No Conditioner Cornflour Playdough Recipe
This recipe is so quick to throw together.
Materials
- cornflour
- baking soda
- cooking oil
- water
- Food coloring (optional)
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- Mixing bowl
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- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight containers for storage
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- Hand wash recommended
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How to Make Cornflour Playdough without Conditioner
Looking for a natural playdough alternative? This cornflour playdough recipe uses just cornflour and baking soda to create a silky, velvety texture without the need for conditioner.
Here’s how to make it.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in a Saucepan (No Heat)
In a saucepan, combine the cornstarch, baking soda, and water. Stir the ingredients thoroughly until they are fully blended into a smooth mixture. If you want to add color to your playdough, mix in food coloring at this stage for even distribution.

Step 2: Heat the Mixture
Place the saucepan on the stovetop and set the heat to medium. Begin stirring the mixture constantly to prevent sticking or clumping. As the mixture heats, you’ll notice it starting to bubble slightly—this is the signal that the playdough is beginning to solidify.
Step 3: Stir Until Dough Forms
Keep stirring continuously as the mixture thickens. In just a few minutes (around 4–5 minutes), you’ll see it transform into a solid dough and start forming a ball. Once the dough comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan, remove the saucepan from the heat completely.

Step 4: Cool the Dough
Transfer the hot dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat to cool. Be careful—it will be very hot at this stage. Allow the dough to cool completely before handling.
Step 5: Add Optional Color or Scent
Once the dough has cooled, you can amp up the playdough by adding a few more drops of food coloring or essential oil for a pleasant scent. Knead the coloring or oil into the dough until evenly distributed, and it’s ready for play!

FAQs About Cornflour Playdough Without Conditioner
Yes, this playdough is made with non-toxic ingredients, but it’s not intended for eating. Always supervise young children during play.
If stored in an airtight container, it can last a couple of weeks. However, it may dry out faster than traditional playdough.
If it’s sticky, add more cornflour. If it’s dry, add small amounts of water until the desired consistency is achieved.
It depends on yoru purpose. The silky texture makes it great for sensory exploration, but it’s less elastic than traditional playdough. That said, one of the best reasons for making a playdough like this is simply to offer a sensory dough that feels different.

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Cornflour Playdough Recipe Without Conditioner
Looking for a natural alternative to traditional playdough? This cornflour playdough recipe without conditioner is made with just cornflour and baking soda, offering a simple, non-conditioner option.
Materials
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup baking soda
- 3/4 cup water
- Optional: 2–3 drops of essential oils (fun to add)
- Optional: 4–5 drops of food coloring
Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Airtight containers for storage
Instructions
- In a saucepan with no heat, add the cornstarch, baking soda, and water, then stir. Add coloring as desired.
- Place the saucepan on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium.
- Continue stirring the mixture constantly. It will start to bubble slightly, and then it will thicken very quickly. Once a ball begins to form (after about 4–5 minutes), remove the pan from the heat.
- Place your dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let it cool—it will be very hot.
- Once your dough is cool, you have the option to add food coloring or a scent. For scent, you can add 2–3 drops of essential oil.
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I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.