How to Make 2 Ingredient Cloud Dough

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Looking for a fun and frugal DIY activity for kids? This 2-ingredient cloud dough (also known as moon dough) is an easy and inexpensive way to keep little hands busy.

With just a cup of hair conditioner and corn starch, you can create a soft, moldable dough that feels like playdough or slime with a more airy texture.

The best part? You can customize it with food coloring, essential oils, or even powdered tempera paints for added fun! It’s also way less messy than traditional slime in my opinion as a mom of 4 who was seen it all!

This simple DIY craft idea for kids is one of our most popular activities to date! We love to make this on a rainy day or if it’s just too hot to go outside in the summer (happens a lot here in Texas). 

It’s the perfect DIY project for kids of all ages because it’s only 2 ingredients and let’s face it…it’s just plain fun! 

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup corn starch (or cups of cornstarch for a bigger batch)
• 1/2 cup of hair conditioner (use the cheapest conditioner you can find at the dollar store!)
• Optional: food coloring or powdered tempera paints for different colors
• Optional: A few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent
• Mixing bowl or large bowls for easy mixing
• Plastic wrap or an airtight container for storage

How to Make Homemade 2 Ingredient Cloud Dough

Start Mixing: In a bigger bowl, add 1 cup of corn starch.

Add Conditioner: Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of hair conditioner.

Mixing Process: Stir the main ingredients together using a spoon, silicone spatula or your hands until fully combined. I usually start out using a spatula and then once it’s mixed a little bit and less sticky, I get in there with my hands!

It should start to form a soft, moldable dough. If you use too much cornstarch or too little it’s okay! Simply add a little more of each of the basic ingredients until you get the exact consistency you are trying to achieve!

Customize It: Add a few drops of food colouring or powdered tempra paints to make different colors. If you want a soothing scent, mix in a few drops of essential oils.

Adjust the Texture: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more corn starch. If it’s too dry, add a little bit more conditioner.

Ways to Play with Your Fluffy Cloud Dough

• Shape it: Use cookie cutters or roll it into small balls.
• Mold it: The texture of this dough is a little different from traditional play dough, but it holds its shape like moon sand.
• Sensory Play: Great for big kid and small kid sensory activities!
• Store It: Keep it in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container to make it last a long time.

Other Variations to Try

Want to try a different recipe? Swap the conditioner for:

• Vegetable oil or baby oil for a smoother, moon sand texture.
• Baby lotion or body lotion for a softer, more pliable dough.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cloud Dough Recipe

• Uses simple ingredients found at home.
• You only need 2 ingredients so it’s affordable and easy!
• Perfect for sensitive skin and feels soft on a child’s hands (choose a mild conditioner).
• A great recipe for frugal, screen-free fun!
• Safe for young children (though not edible, so supervision is needed).
• It’s one of our kids most popular and semi mess free crafts to make and play!

FAQs

How do I store my Cloud dough?

If you want to keep your cloud dough and play again later, you will want to store it in an airtight container or ziploc bag. However, this cloud dough recipe is best used and played with right after you make it, as it will begin to crumble and dry out over time. 

What kind of conditioner should I use?

You can use any kind of conditioner, but I recommend something cheap from the dollar store like V05 or Suave so you don’t end up wasting your favorite expensive beauty products.

I also find it best to use a fun scented conditioner like Strawberries and Cream or Ocean Breeze because a delicious scent adds to the fun and sensory experience!

This basic ingredient cloud dough is an easy and fun way to engage in sensory play without breaking the bank. Your kids will love making this 2 ingredient cloud dough this weekend or on those long summer days. 

Try more fun DIY activities for kids

• Christmas Playdough
• Rock Painting Activity
• Halloween Playdough
• Thanksgiving Playdough

Grab some conditioner and corn starch and start making cloud dough!  Try it out and let me know—what great ideas do your kids come up with using this simple recipe?

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Yield: 1 large ball of cloud dough

2 Ingredient Cloud Dough

Print

A fun and easy sensory craft project for little hands (and big kids too!)

Prep Time 5 minutes

Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $3.00

Materials

• 1 cup corn starch (or more)
• 1/2 cup hair conditioner (any brand)
• Mixing bowl
• Silicone Spatula or spoon
• Optional: food coloring, essential oils

Tools

• Spoon or mixing spatula

Instructions

1. Add 1 cup corn starch to a bowl.
2. Add in 1/2 cup conditioner to bowl and begin mixing slowly.
3. Once mixture becomes a moldable ball, you can see if it's still a little sticky. If so, add more corn starch a little at a time until it gets to the desired consistency.
4. Cloud dough should be moldable, soft, and non sticky.
5. Add food coloring or essential oils as desired.
6. Store in ziploc bag for 1-3 days or until it becomes too crumbly to use.

Notes

Pick conditioner with a fun scent! This recipe will also work with baby lotion (lavender scented is fun and relaxing!)

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest