Is Play-Doh Edible?

What is Play-Doh made of?

Play-Doh is a reusable modeling product made mostly of water, salt, and flour. It also contains lubricants such as mineral oil or vegetable oil, surfactants to decrease stickiness, preservatives (such as borax or sodium benzoate) to prevent growth of microorganisms, fragrances for smell, and pigments for color. Play-Doh should be stored in airtight containers to keep it from hardening. 

Play-Doh is the brand name product sold by Hasbro. There are recipes for homemade Playdough (the term used for non-brand name formulations), usually with flour, salt, cooking oil, water, cream of tartar, and food coloring. You can also find recipes without cream of tartar and gluten.

Can Play-Doh trigger a gluten allergy?

Since Play-Doh contains wheat, it can trigger a gluten allergy in people with an allergy to wheat gluten.

Is Play-Doh toxic?

No. Play-Doh is not toxic. If a large amount is swallowed, it may cause a mild upset stomach. It could also present a choking hazard. Its use is not safe in children under 2 years old. Although uncommon, contact dermatitis (including itchy rashes, blisters, redness, or dry cracked skin) has been reported. If borax is used as a preservative in homemade Playdough, it can be toxic if a large amount is swallowed. Sometimes the stool will be brightly colored from the dye. While this may be disturbing, the stool discoloration is harmless.

Is Play-Doh edible?

Although Play-Doh is not toxic and is made largely of food ingredients, it is not meant to be eaten. 

What should I do if my child eats Play-Doh?

Rinse out your child’s mouth and give your child something to drink. If someone swallows Play-Doh, gets Play-Doh in the eyes, or if you have a question about using Play-Doh safely, help from experts is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

 

Wendy Klein-Schwartz, Pharm.D., MPH
Clinical Toxicologist 

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