Borax vs. Cornstarch — What's the Difference?

A naturally occurring mineral used in various household products.

An ingredient in biodegradable plastics and adhesives.

A buffering agent that maintains pH balance in swimming pools.

A common substance in powder form for soothing skin irritations.

An ingredient in crafting materials like slime.

A fine, powdery starch derived from corn used to thicken sauces.

A fire-retardant material in certain applications.

A base for many culinary desserts and sweets.

A white crystalline compound used as a cleaning agent.

An agent in paper products for a glossy finish.

Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. Powdered borax is white, consisting of soft colorless crystals that dissolve in water.

Finely ground maize flour, used as a thickener in cooking; cornflour.

A white compound which occurs as a mineral in some alkaline salt deposits and is used in making glass and ceramics, as a metallurgical flux, and as an antiseptic.

Starch prepared from corn grains, used industrially and as a thickener in cooking.

Good-natured teasing or ridicule; banter

A very fine starch powder derived from corn (maize) used in cooking as a thickener, to keep things from sticking, or as an anti-caking agent.

A hydrated sodium borate, Na2B4O7·10H2O, an ore of boron, that is used as a cleaning compound.

Starch made from Indian corn, esp. a fine white flour used for puddings, etc.

Cheap merchandise, especially tasteless furnishings

Starch prepared from the grains of corn; used in cooking as a thickener

A white or gray/grey crystalline salt, with a slight alkaline taste, used as a flux, in soldering metals, making enamels, fixing colors/colours on porcelain, and as a soap, etc.

(chemistry) The sodium salt of boric acid, Na₂B₄O₇, either anhydrous or with 5 or 10 molecules of water of crystallization; sodium tetraborate.

Cheap or tawdry furniture or other works of industrial design.

(transitive) To treat with borax.

A white or gray crystalline salt, with a slight alkaline taste, used as a flux, in soldering metals, making enamels, fixing colors on porcelain, and as a soap. It occurs native in certain mineral springs, and is made from the boric acid of hot springs in Tuscany. It was originally obtained from a lake in Thibet, and was sent to Europe under the name of tincal. Borax is a pyroborate or tetraborate of sodium, Na2B4O7.10H2O.

An ore of boron consisting of hydrated sodium borate; used as a flux or cleansing agent

No, borax is toxic and cannot be substituted for cornstarch in culinary uses.

Borax is primarily used in cleaning and laundry to remove stains, neutralize odors, and enhance detergent effectiveness.

No, cornstarch is mainly used as a thickening agent in cooking and not suitable for cleaning purposes.

Cornstarch thickens sauces, soups, and gravies, giving them a smooth, consistent texture.

Cornstarch is derived from corn, which requires farming, but it is considered more environmentally friendly compared to mining borax.

Yes, borax is used to stabilize pH levels in swimming pools.

No, borax is toxic if ingested and should not be used around food areas.

Cornstarch thickens at a lower temperature but can lose its thickening ability if cooked at very high temperatures or for an extended period.

Borax can be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or if it comes in prolonged contact with skin.

The mining and processing of borax can lead to landscape disruption and other environmental impacts, such as water usage and chemical runoff.

Yes, borax is a popular component in homemade slime and other crafts due to its chemical properties that help create unique textures.

Besides cooking, cornstarch is used in biodegradable plastics, adhesives, and as a soothing agent for skin irritations.

Yes, baking soda and vinegar are common non-toxic alternatives that can be used for many household cleaning tasks where borax would typically be employed.