Making Elephant Toothpaste: Yeast vs. Iodide

Affiliate Links to buying the material needed for this reaction:
Potassium iodide: amzn.to/2wzf7e7
Hydrogen Peroxide 30%: www.homescienc...
Large Erlenmeyer Flask: amzn.to/2JeH0uA
*Note- some of the above links are affiliate links and we may receive compensation for a sale that results from clicking these links. That means you can help support this channel by using these links, but of course you can easily search for these products yourself too.
Here we cover how to make elephant toothpaste using several different popular ingredients.
What you'll need for elephant toothpaste:
-hydrogen peroxide, yeast, water, and liquid dish soap. In this video we experiment with different ingredients to use, replacing yeast with potassium iodide (sodium iodide would work as well) and 3% hydrogen peroxide with 35% hydrogen peroxide.
Note: 35% hydrogen peroxide can be bought online, but it can often also be found at many health food stores in the refrigerated section. Potassium iodide is best bought online. To make the iodide solution, add a spoonful of it into 2 TBSP of water and stir. Keep adding iodide until it no longer dissolves after stirring.
Safety: 35% hydrogen peroxide can burn skin, so wear gloves and get adult supervision. The iodide forms iodine which stains really bad, so use caution and do the experiment on a surface you don't mind getting dirty (like outside).
Squint Science makes science videos for kids and adults. Check out our other videos or follow us on the socials:
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[@SquintScience]

Links for where to buy the material for this reaction (hydrogen peroxide 35%, potassium iodide) are in the description.

[@TonyFisherPuzzles]

That stuff is illegal, you can go to prison.

[@itskchanny2656]

@@TonyFisherPuzzles really

[@itskchanny2656]

Could you make a full list of the ingredients I need, I need it for a science project.

[@jacksone9542]

How much iodide do you dissolve in the water

[@thenerdssyndicate7013]

Would I need a quartz based conical flask for this reaction?

[@q4prez823]

Finally a video of this where the person actually reveals what ingredients he used to do the experiment. Wish I could thumbs up this video 1000 times.

[@PAPERBRO99]

Fr

[@geumdisrud3720]

Thank you for this this is exacly what i need for a science project without having to do the actual experiment

[@ninasmaragdas3281]

All the variables I needed to compare in one video. Perfect. Thank you!

[@enjillneer]

THANK YOU FOR THE LINKS AND FOR EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YEAST AND IODIDE REACTIONS AND WHAT"S NEEDED FOR A HUGE BURST OF FOAM!

[@buspsychologist9640]

the links are affiliate links, the money goes straight to him. He is a scumbag

[@Hatchet_Wound]

@@buspsychologist9640 no u

[@buspsychologist9640]

@@Hatchet_Wound good point

[@macplaysroblox3915]

this is so cool ima do this for my science fair on Friday

[@gshhsbshznjsksjsk3927]

Im gonna do the 35% one

[@smolwolf9259]

Ima go 36%

[@Xxmo1221xX]

Me too

[@leftblank6036]

🧐

[@fuzzfac3942]

How did it go

[@alexbutcher1720]

Good choise

[@popamanraeva8733]

How much potassium iodide crystals do you use to dissolve in the water for one expirement

[@wesfin]

Packet of yeast: 8g 3 tbsp water: 44g (but 30g 4:1 may work better) 2 tbsp water: 30g Add KI until no longer dissolves, probably 100% 1:1 concentration

[@captainpanda5533]

What is the measurement of potassium iodide crystals in the solution? I know that it's 2 tbsp of water; is it the same amount of the crystals? Perhaps just 1 tbsp?

[@traceyevans2757]

Says keep adding until it’s saturated (no more dissolves.) Search for the solubility chart per temp and go from there.

[@NotThatGuyWhoScreams]

Are you supposed to use all of the potassium iodide in 1 reaction? If not, exactly how much do you need?

[@livia4838]

Js keep adding till it's saturated (doesn't dissolve anymore)

[@S123SH.]

Hey can you answer this question? Does the yeast one burn? Edit: also if I wear gloves with the hydrogen peroxide can I touch it or no?

[@SquintScience]

The yeast one with 3% hydrogen peroxide should not burn, so yes you can touch with gloves and it should be. It's only the 35% hydrogen peroxide that burns.

[@cheesuschrist6736]

Yeah do not touch the 35% percent because it can get up to 2000 degrees!

[@elementaltroller7895]

Woah man, that’s a lot. Please excuse my horrible avocado and now I shall use proper avocado

[@jamesodgers7011]

So many variables to choose from - can make for a very interesting practical report.

[@ericascott8269]

Love the video!!! I currently have a 5000mL flask should I double the experiment or will the reaction for the 35% still have the same reaction? Wasn’t sure if our flask is wayyyy too big.

[@SquintScience]

Wow that's a big flask! It'll still work, the resulting foam should expand enough. But it probably won't be as powerful if you use the amounts I use in the vid.

[@anitaimm6237]

My grandchildren and I have tried this with iodide and 35% peroxide. We were very disappointed because it did not “explode” into the air. It looked like the yeast when it poured over. Any hints?

[@SquintScience]

Really? Hmm, it should be a pretty consistent reaction. Did your container have a narrow neck? Which type of iodide did you use (i.e. potassium iodide or sodium iodide?) How much iodide?

[@cynthiabauer5763]

awesome, thank you for this video, I bought all the required stuff, they arrive tomorrow, I'll make a prototype, this sunday I'm going to the birthday of a person who wishes to see a volcano but we couldn't arrange travel plans in time so I'm making this miniature volcano instead

[@Hycanith-fh9pe]

How many cups is 35% hydrogen peroxide?

[@janelleh9790]

If I let the foam sit for awhile, would it be safer at that time for clean up....or could there still be possibility of "hot spots"?

[@SquintScience]

The foam isn't the concern, it's any unreacted hydrogen peroxide which would still be in liquid form. And that risk will still be there unless you let it sit for a very long time to decompose. If you use gloves and can wash it off/spray it off without direct contact you'll be fine.

[@janelleh9790]

@@SquintScience Sorry one more question....should the container used be glass?

[@SquintScience]

@@janelleh9790 Yes glass is recommended.

[@verychocolatechip8973]

I’m just happy that i can do this with out getting in trouble be i have a project

[@deborahbrazil1835]

This looks like a wonderful idea for a 'Harry Potter Potions class'

[@KiloFeenix]

What solution of potassium iodine were you using? Is it an equivalent amount of dry yeast?

[@medic2587]

To make the bigger explosion, do you have to use potassium iodide with the 35% peroxide or can you use yeast and 35% peroxide to get the same effect?

[@sealed2mybff]

He said the 35% peroxide reaction is too hot for the yeast, so it doesn't work correctly.

[@mespb]

If you’re using iodide and 35% H202, do you mix them together (no water) or the iodide with the dish soap and then H202? Or what?

[@pickletripper]

If you do the one with the stronger hydrogen peroxide, is it safe to touch the foam after it bubbles up? I want to do that with my kids if it’s touchable.

[@simplybeautiful_yt2333]

What size science flask did you have

[@keteralmighty4361]

thank you, i am watching this for science in school!

[@nancyymarie0314]

Can you use normal tap water or bottled water? Or does it need to be distilled?

[@SquintScience]

Depends on how clean your tap water is. But in general it's always better to use bottled water because it's filtered.

[@volt827]

I was wondering if I could touch the foam wheb it ends cause Im doing this for a project

[@SquintScience]

If you use the iodide I wouldn't touch the foam. It stains and could irritate your skin if there's any unreacted peroxide left over. If you use the yeast the foam is fine to touch.

[@4alq]

I need the to know what is the initial appearance

[@koalaxofficial]

is the Potassium Iodide version safe for people to touch after or how do you dispose of it ?

[@Afamilystoryteller]

This is my question too

[@kenedmund5659]

How about 50% hydrogen peroxide with potassium aodide?

[@moafighting1597]

I'm doing the yeast one (possibly) in my science class next week, definetly going to be less cool but still fun!!!

[@uchechukwuokoroafor5574]

Great vid.. but how much tsp is a packet of yeast...please I really need answers

[@jaygammy7455]

31g

[@theimaginationstation1899]

Is it the iodine, or the potassium, or both that provides the catalyst?

[@kellyjohnson6869]

Does this have to be done in a glass container? If you want it to be larger how would that change the amounts of the ingredients? Thx!!

[@SquintScience]

A durable plastic container should be fine as well, glass is just easier to clean. If you want it bigger, you definitely want a bigger container. Doubling all the ingredients but keeping the same size container won't produce that much bigger of a result. And you can just increase the amounts of ingredients in equal ratios to what I have in the video.

[@kellyjohnson6869]

@@SquintScience thank you!

[@UrfavL1l1]

I have a few questions: How much potassium iodide? why does the yeast work more than the iodide? thxx

[@laniroo]

ive had one week to plan a gender reveal, the last few days it’s been so hard to find the actual recipe to a good reaction in elephant foam. it’s in 2 days now and the only things i have is 3% hydrogen peroxide, yeast, and povidone iodine. i’m trying to find out if i can get the 30% hydrogen peroxide and iodide capsule in store but so far i only see online 😭

[@benjamindodson9352]

How much potassium iodide did you use?

[@dontknow12]

how long did it take for the iodide with 3% in real time?

[@janecousin4068]

What measurements is it for the potassium idodie

[@draufy6819]

it looks a bit dangerous, can i only use like 10% or 20% of the iodine? how big would it be

[@larosamarie5556]

Not sure if I missed it but how much of the 35% hydrogen peroxide did you use with the potassium iodide???

[@randomator6378]

1/2 cup

[@cchershey1814]

So just making sure those links are what I need because I faild trying this befor so just making sure

[@BrentonJohnson-l4k]

How much iodide crystals need to be dissolved in the 2 Tblspoon of water?

[@tritun5154]

Is the foam safe after using the 35%? I know u said the liquid itself could burn your skin, could it after it turns to foam?

[@donnasmith6706]

So what is the reasoning, for the bigger reaction for a higher % of peroxide?

[@SquintScience]

More H2O2 molecules packed tightly together (higher %) means more can be broken down quicker into O2 gas and H2O. So gas is being made faster with increasing % of H2O2.

[@donnasmith6706]

@@SquintScience Thank you for the response. That meakes sense.

[@katherineplackett5600]

Can I use food coloring with this?

[@joebradley1520]

So I have 100% hydrogen peroxide would that make a better effect?

[@BabyL3mur]

because its instant yeast don't you not need to put it in warm water?

[@ChiefsFan-m5c]

It diddnt work for me 😢😢😢 I use 3 percent hydrogen peroxiod some squirts of dish soap and poured in a packet of yeast and 3 tbsp of warm water

[@ldwilliams43]

Does the water for the potassium iodide need to be warm?

[@adriennemcmillan9637]

NOTE: The peroxide link is only 30ml. You will need 120ml. Don't make my mistake. Make sure you change the quantity to four. We did a sex reveal and didn't have the big reaction I'd hoped for 😩. We will repeat the experiment in the summer just for fun.

[@woyfeb2754]

I wanna do this for a school project but can I use 5 or 10% with yeast?

[@Purrito04]

Can i use instant yeast for elephant toothpaste?

[@Akuma_816]

How much of the 35% do you need or is it the same?

[@CoachMelStreeter]

So I went with 30% but will 35% food grade work? Also my Potassium iodide didn’t fully dissolve, does that effect the outcome?

[@juliannasalazar109]

Do you have a scientific explanation for this two🥺 or even just using the yeast?

[@janecousin4068]

And what id you have pill potisum idodie can you just crush it for the same effect

[@MomusFilms]

Does cleanup pose the same risk to skin as the raw 35% hydrogen peroxide?

[@SquintScience]

It's best to assume so in case there is unreacted peroxide, but most of the peroxide will have reacted and decomposed so all you have left is harmless water, oxygen, soap, and the iodine (meaning it can stain still). So theoretically it should be a lot safer to clean up.

[@bulug]

Can you use sodium iodine

[@dindan8166]

I'm trying to do this for my science fair project but I need an independent variable. Any ideas?

[@SquintScience]

In the video I used the catalyst as an independent variable (yeast versus potassium iodide). You could instead make different percentages of hydrogen peroxide be your independent variable (i.e. 3%, 6%, 12%, and 35%).

[@dindan8166]

@@SquintScience thank you so much now I know what I will do

[@diggygamer1569]

hey just wondering is there a way to slow down the rise time for the 35% one not slow it down by a lot just by a bit

[@SquintScience]

Diluting it with water should slow it down.

[@everythingfilms3358]

what are its proportions?

[@Hajjat]

How many table spoons (or grams) of potassium iodide have you used in each experiment?

[@SquintScience]

I used 30 grams in each experiment.

[@Hajjat]

@@SquintScience awesome, thanks!

[@miraju947]

@@SquintScience Do you remember how much Hydrogen Peroxide 35% you had for the 30 grams of Potassium iodide @1:12? Half a cup like in previous experiment or more/less?

[@SquintScience]

@@miraju947 Yep, half a cup like the first experiment.

[@MeetTheBratchers]

Hello! How did you create the potassium iodide mixture with the crystals?

[@SquintScience]

Add some crystals into the 2tbsp of water and stir till it dissolves. Keep adding crystals until it no longer dissolves. You should be able to dissolve around 25 grams of it.

[@MeetTheBratchers]

Squint Science Thank you so much!❤️

[@meatballzlover]

Woah!! That's so cool! I have a question, why does this happen? Which elements are reacting with the hydrogen peroxide?

[@SquintScience]

The hydrogen peroxide is decomposing (breaking apart) into water and oxygen. This happens naturally but it usually takes a really long time. By adding a catalyst (the iodide or yeast), this reaction happens a lot faster.

[@rikotube1100]

What iodide you use? Potassium iodide or tincture of iodide? Tincture of iodide is good to use?

[@SquintScience]

I assume you mean tincture of iodine, which is not the same thing as iodide and will not work well. The link is in the description, I used potassium iodide.

[@rikotube1100]

@@SquintScience Potassium iodide what concentration % should it have? Thank you!

[@SquintScience]

​@@rikotube1100 Potassium iodide is a solid, so it should be 100%. You'll then keep adding it to water until it stops dissolving.

[@rikotube1100]

@@SquintScience Potassium iodide solid is 100% But when put potassium iodide in water I need 1KG for 1000 ML means 100% and it is very expensive. Put 100 gr in 1 liter of water. Does that mean 10% concentration in the water is enough? I don't think anyone dissolves 100% of potassium iodide in water. Thanks!

[@SquintScience]

@@rikotube1100 Aw, I thought you were asking for the concentration you would buy it in (I don't know how familiar with chemistry you are). When dissolving, you want a supersaturated solution, so as much as will dissolve. If you're using 100 g iodide you'll only need about 70 - 100mL water. In the video I used about 35 grams iodide in 30mL water.

[@oksanaartyomenko5916]

Potassium iodide and yest what are the amounts for elephant toothpaste

[@EthanCrowned]

iodide : slow poke yeast : AMBATUKAM

[@noofanthonytalamantes3289]

Can I use 12 percent and use yeast

[@Heelfan71]

Could not get a reaction with yeast. Strange ...Got one with Potassium Iodide though. Wondering if I mix more Potassium Iodide if it would make the reaction stronger? Using 3% Hydrogen Peroxide...

[@SquintScience]

Yeast is a bit finicky since it's a living thing. I'd suggest dissolving it in warm water and gently stirring for a few minutes before you add. And make sure your yeast isn't too old! For the iodide, you can try adding more but the 3% h2o2 is going to really limit how explosive the reaction is, so it probably won't make too noticeable of a difference. Good luck!

[@Heelfan71]

@@SquintScience Thanks. I ordered some 12% Hydrogen Peroxide. That should make the reaction better. This is for my son's Chemistry class FYI.

[@upiharmaini4344]

h202 & Kalium iodida ,yes ? not with yeast ? hhu

[@lasel9873]

What would happen if i used 50% hydrogen peroxide

[@12vLife]

1:05 Can the 35% Oxygen Peroxide mix this be safely used to make Aircrete by mixing into a Portland cement slurry? Do the bubbles hold? will affect the Portland adversely?

[@SquintScience]

I no nothing about aircrete. I can say that the bubbles have oxygen gas in them, and I suppose theoretically something viscous like wet cement could trap the gas... But it seems like a very messy and expensive way to get oxygen trapped in cement.

[@justpeachie7004]

When you got the big reaction with the iodide & 35% peroxide did you still add the dish soap? Or was it merely just peroxide & dissolved iodide tablets in water?

[@SquintScience]

Yes, you still need to use the dish soap to form the bubbles

[@justpeachie7004]

I got the exact same potassium iodide crystals put 2 tablespoons of water stirred & it still won’t dissolve. 😓 should it just sit for hours?

[@SquintScience]

@@justpeachie7004 hmm, it should dissolve with stirring, it usually only takes a few minutes to get it to dissolve. If you got the same bottle (100 grams), you should be able to dissolve 1/4 of the bottle fairly easily. Are you using purified or bottled water?

[@ldwilliams43]

Also is the steam coming off of the reaction toxic for surrounding people?

[@michaelbaldwin6274]

The steam is fine, its hot so they won't want to be near that. The foam has potential unreacted potassium iodide in it so touch with gloves.

[@adaywithj2183]

What’s the recipe please? I bought the iodide and the 35%. How much of each do I mix and how much of the iodide do I mix with the two tbsp water?

[@SquintScience]

1/2 cup H2O2, 2TBSP water and enough iodide until it stops dissolving (around 25grams should work great)

[@andrewheyl2209]

What size is the flask?

[@mmr_mr9542]

Where can I get the Iodide from? And also the 35% hydrogen peroxide?

[@veralynnjacosalem2183]

Shopee

[@SquintScience]

Depends where you are. It's kinda hard to buy the 35% peroxide online due to shipping regulations (at least in the USA), so I got it from a local health food store (there's nothing healthy about it though...). And for the iodide it's pretty widely available online.

[@astrawberrydaiquiri5649]

where did you get the hydrogen peroxide ( the 35% one) is it a website, or did you get it at a store? If you can reply, please tell us.

[@SquintScience]

I got it at a local health food store- (called Nature's Finest) in the refrigerated section. Depending on where you live it'll be pretty hard to buy online due to shipping regulations.

[@HansikaSruthi]

So can u touch the gas that thing l really want to do this in my S batch 😅

[@HansikaSruthi]

in 7 grade

[@SquintScience]

I assume you are referring to the steam. It's a hot reaction, could be leftover 35% hydrogen peroxide, so I wouldn't let them touch it just in case. If you do the 3% h2o2 it should be fine to touch.

[@Airandfiretarot]

Do you think this would work with an iodide tincture? Would I need to increase the amount to offset the fact it is deluded?

[@SquintScience]

I've never seen an iodide tincture, I've only seen iodine tinctures which wouldn't work the same

[@mohdshavez251]

What if 30% of hydrogen peroxide is used?

[@sufiadrewart1596]

Hey can I use like 20% hydrogen peroxide cuz i don’t wanna get that foam that big so yea if I 25% of hydrogen peroxide how much do I need for to add potassium iodide or whatever u called it pls answer this asap! I need to know if I cam cuz science fair is coming up very soon!!!

[@SquintScience]

Sure, 20% works. Or 6%. Use the same amount that I used in the video.

[@midiamelisarivera7999]

I have a question. Can you use vinager instead of yeast or not use yeast at all? I can't go to the store to buy it :c

[@SquintScience]

Yeast is a living thing, vinegar is an acid, so they are very different. To get this specific reaction you need yeast or iodide. You could do a separate experiment where you combine the liquid soap with vinegar in the bottle and then add in baking soda. You'll at least get bubbles but it is a different reaction and will not look nearly as impressive.

[@midiamelisarivera7999]

@@SquintScience Thank uou for clarifying my question!! Have a good day!

[@egorpavlyuk7972]

How do you clean elephant toothpaste? Ord do you just wait until it dissappears

[@SquintScience]

If you use the yeast as a catalyst, you can just rinse everything off with water no problem. If you use the iodide, you'll want to have an oxidizing cleaner handy (I used one called oxiclean) and dilute the pile of foam with lots of water.

[@egorpavlyuk7972]

@@SquintScience thx there

[@jodalziel692]

this si E P I C Y E S

[@Hyper1539-t9l]

I did this and I did not do a big reaction:(

[@Hyper1539-t9l]

How big of a flask do you have for this vid?

[@mlerey]

What are the ratios? I would love to use this demo for my gender reveal

[@richwendaradin5307]

Ughh..its hard for me to do this experiment because i don't have hydrogan peroxide :(...where can i buy some?

[@sirjlp7413]

Drug stores.

[@SquintScience]

Hydrogen peroxide is at most any store, at least the 3% kind is. The 35% hydrogen peroxide is very hard to find.

[@lisetdelatorre1974]

Is there a percentage of hydrogen peroxide that when mixed with the potassium oxide will be safe to the touch, meaning not too hot?

[@SquintScience]

If you plan on touching it I'd be more concerned about any leftover unreacted hydrogen peroxide rather than heat, because higher percentages can burn your skin (not heat-related burns, I mean chemical burns). So for that reason I'd only suggest the 3% peroxide if you're going to touch it while it's still reacting.

[@lisetdelatorre1974]

Squint Science thank you for answering! Since it’ll mainly be for demonstration Id prefer the 35% but I’m going to use extra precaution. Do you have any tips for clean up if there is still unreacted hydrogen peroxide?

[@SquintScience]

@@lisetdelatorre1974 Gotcha. The biggest part of cleanup is dealing with the iodide, which will stain everything it touches a yellow-brown color. You'll want to wear gloves (both for the hydrogen peroxide and iodide). I would recommend doing the demo on a tarp. After the demo you can wrap everything you used in the tarp and then spray it all off later. I would also have an oxidizing cleaner on hand in case you stain something (not sure where you live, but I use OxiClean spray). Have fun!

[@lisetdelatorre1974]

Squint Science I will keep that in mind, thank you for all your help!

[@littlepinkpony3146]

Question:Can you do it with a plastic bottle?

[@SquintScience]

Yep, that should be fine. If you do it with the 35% hydrogen peroxide the heat may warp the bottle a bit depending on what it's made from.

[@ceniety5029]

How much iodide do you put?

[@dorkeygamingyt478]

Can in use potassium iodide tablets? Please answer

[@SquintScience]

Assuming that it's pure potassium iodide, yes. A lot of tablets will have extra compounds in it, which will limit how effective it is.

[@dorkeygamingyt478]

@@SquintScience so i can use it ? Thank you. Very much

[@SquintScience]

It depends on if it's pure potassium iodide. You'd have to read the ingredients to see. If it's not pure it won't work as well.

[@BGBLAZe]

how much iodide

[@WilliamBrent-t8i]

Can I add food coloring?

[@SquintScience]

Yep!

[@thutahtut1475]

how do you clean it

[@SquintScience]

dilute it with lots of water, I would avoid pouring it down any drain. I did it outside on a tarp and then sprayed with a hose.

[@pew8208]

if 50% exists, then what reaction will be then? lol

[@animaker371]

It does exist as does 100% and the reaction is a explosion of devils toothpaste

[@ulapi812]

Can you use tablets for the potassium iodide?

[@SquintScience]

As long as it's pure potassium iodide it should dissolve in water and should work.