When we first received the slime they were sticky. But was able to follow the instructions super easy to make the activator solution with the borax That was given with the slime. I was able to save the remainder of the activator solution in case we need to add more in the future. Once a little (probably teaspoon) of the activator solution is added to the slimes. They aren’t sticky at all. My kids all had a great time with the slimes they received. They are really high quality great slimes. They even smell just like the names and flavors. My daughter purchased some for her birthday and was happy with her purchases.