How to Make Elephant’s Toothpaste

As we know, elephant’s toothpaste is a fun and foamy science experiment. It looks like a giant blob of toothpaste coming out of a bottle, just like for an elephant. Let’s go step by step and learn how to make elephant’s toothpaste at home using simple science.

Materials Required:

• 1 empty plastic bottle (medium size)
• 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide (6% or higher for stronger effect)
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 3 tablespoons warm water
• Liquid dish soap (2-3 tablespoons)
• Food coloring (any color you like)
• Safety gloves and goggles (very important)
• Tray or big plate (to keep area clean)

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1:
Take the plastic bottle and keep it in the center of the tray.

Step 2:
Pour about 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide into the bottle.

Step 3:
Add 2-3 tablespoons of dish soap into the bottle. Swirl it slowly to mix.

Step 4:
Add a few drops of food coloring around the sides inside the bottle. It gives colored foam.

Step 5:
In a separate small cup, mix 1 tablespoon of yeast with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Stir well for 30 seconds.

Step 6:
Now quickly pour the yeast mixture into the bottle and step back!

Within seconds, foam will shoot out like a volcano. This is your elephant’s toothpaste.

Science Behind It:

• Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water + oxygen (H₂O₂ → H₂O + O₂).
• Yeast acts as a catalyst. It speeds up this reaction.
• Oxygen gets trapped in the soap and makes lots of bubbles.
• That’s why we see a foamy explosion.

This experiment is an example of exothermic reaction. It even feels warm when you touch the foam.

Safety Tips:

• Always wear gloves and goggles.
• Use a tray to avoid mess.
• Don’t touch the foam too much if using strong peroxide (it may irritate skin).
• Do this experiment in open area or on a table with protection.