Kinetic sand is play sand that is soft and crumbly, but also holds its shape when squeezed or pressed. And with only three ingredients, this DIY activity couldn't be easier to make. Whether you need enough kinetic sand for one child or a large group, it's easy to make as much or little as you need.

Store-bought Kinetic Sand is made from fine sand and polydimethylsiloxane (also called dimethicone). It's an unusual substance in that its viscosity increases under stress. You can form it into fun shapes and slice it. However, it's not the cheapest thing to buy.

It's coated with polymethylcyloxane a stretchy substance that is found in things like Silly Putty. And this thick tacky coating helps the sand to stick together.

One of the more obvious and interesting components of the sand is magnetite, a mineral that has eroded out of the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This black mineral is composed of iron oxide, so magnets are able to pick it up.

Originally developed to make sand play less messy, Kinetic Sand evolved into the squeezable sand that magically sticks together.

Kinetic sand is particularly beneficial in supporting physical development such as fine motor skills. Social and emotional development can be supported by engaging with the kinetic sand as children may find it calming and relaxing. Kinetic sand provides a range of sensory experiences for children.

Kinetic sand is a fun sensory toy. It is made of 98% ultra-fine grain sand combined with 2% dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane). Sand is not poisonous when swallowed. Dimethicone is a silicone compound that is also used in diaper rash creams and is considered minimally toxic.

KINETIC SAND Trademark of Spin Master Ltd.

Kinetic Sand™ is sensitive to humidity and water, if it loses its great texture, it may be due to the environment being too "moist" or "dry". Kinetic Sand™ will return to its normal texture at 60% humidity. If Kinetic Sand™ gets wet, air dry it until it returns to its normal texture.

The Bottom Line. Kinetic sand is a fun, moldable sensory toy. It is made of ultra-fine grain sand combined with dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane). While kinetic sand won't poison a person if they eat it, it does pose a choking hazard, and if large amounts are eaten it can cause constipation.

Kinetic Sand™ is sensitive to humidity and water, if it loses its great texture, it may be due to the environment being too "moist" or "dry". Kinetic Sand™ will return to its normal texture at 60% humidity. If Kinetic Sand™ gets wet, air dry it until it returns to its normal texture.

Kinetic means “togetherness due to movement and energy” and is used to describe Kinetic Sand because, unlike the sand at the beach, Kinetic Sand sticks together when force is applied to it. When a liquid is added to cornstarch it starts to become thicker, similar to how sand becomes heavier with water at the beach.

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