Are you searching for liquid latex alternatives in your creative makeup endeavours by using cruelty-free, vegan materials? 

Liquid latex is a versatile tool in various industries, from sfx makeup to crafting and more. However, there are situations where you may want to explore different options. In this article, you will learn about the top 10 best liquid latex alternatives, as we underline the unique features and benefits of each option, as well as how you can craft your own liquid latex solution if you are sticking to a budget. 

What is Liquid Latex?

Liquid latex is a liquid compound composed primarily of latex rubber. Its liquid form allows for easy application and moulding onto various surfaces, and is favoured amongst many artists, makeup enthusiasts, and DIY creators.

What is Liquid Latex Used For?

One of the largest industries that liquid latex has taken by storm is within stage production makeup, where it serves as a fundamental component for achieving realistic special effects, such as wounds, scars, and prosthetic applications. Its adhesive properties make it an ideal choice for securing prosthetics and creating lifelike textures on the skin.

Need-to-Know Facts About Liquid Latex

There are many things to consider before learning about liquid latex alternatives. As a whole, if you are new to liquid latex, it is well known for its elasticity and moldability, and is commonly used for halloween and other spooktacular makeup purposes. However, it’s not without drawbacks, including an unpleasant rubbery odour and the potential for allergic reactions. However, we source our liquid latex alternatives from cruelty-free and vegan materials, meaning that any allergic reactions experienced should be minimal.

10 Liquid Latex Alternatives

Now, let’s explore the top 10 best liquid latex alternatives, each with its unique attributes and applications:

1. Spirit Gum:

Spirit gum stands out as a potent prosthetic adhesive. This amber liquid adhesive, created using cruelty-free products including alcohol and resin, has the ability to withhold control on skin without breaking or damaging easily. However, removing spirit gum can be a challenge, and often requires a specially-made adhesive solvent. Spirit gum is also latex free, but it may contain ingredients that others may be allergic too. We offer a range of spirit gum solutions, including:

• Mehron Spirit Gum.
• Ben Nye Spirit Gum Adhesive.

To learn more about this product, check out our complete guide on what is spirit gum.

 

2. Body Paint and Liquid Makeup:

Another choice to consider within these liquid latex alternatives is body paint. Alcohol-based body paint offers a latex-like appearance without the hassle of liquid latex. It’s easily removable from the skin too. This paint tool can be used to colour the skin, and provides long lasting effects. Explore our range of face and body paint to find which applications are right for you.

3. Makeup Wax and Effects Gel:

Makeup wax is a great liquid latex alternative choice for crafting wounds, scars, and scratches. Unlike liquid latex, it can be moulded into customisable shapes with little hassle. Makeup wax usually has a beige-coloured and soft putty appearance with a wax base that can be painted with stage makeup and filled with fake blood for realistic effects. Within our store, we consider makeup wax alongside our wax, flesh and putty range.

4. Glitter Glue:

When seeking reliable liquid latex alternatives, white glue has been proven to be a user-friendly and non-toxic option, perfectly suited for a range of creative tasks. White glue is made using cruelty-free, vegan materials (like the others on this list), dries quickly, and has a simple application. To wash away, use soapy water which will dissolve the adhesive and leave no residue. Whilst it is not strictly white, we offer Ben Nye glitter glue that helps to bind glitter and other shiny textures to the skin.

5. Elmer’s Glue:

While Elmer’s glue is not as durable as other liquid latex alternatives, it serves as an excellent starting point for beginner makeup artists, and is worth considering to add in makeup kits for beginners. This liquid latex alternative can be easily created by mixing Elmer’s glue with Crayola washable paints. It can even be used for crafting zombie masks and similar creations. To allow it to dry quicker, use a hair dryer on a light setting.

6. Silicone Rubber and Castor Sealer:

When it comes to prosthetic makeup, silicone rubber has been recognised as a reliable liquid latex alternative. Silicone rubber closely mimics human skin in terms of colour, texture, weight, and movement, and can achieve results quickly. Notably, silicone rubber is hypoallergenic, making it a safe choice for those allergic to liquid latex. You can even use a castor sealer alongside this product to ensure that it remains in place and promptly removes grease.

7. 3D Gel and Unflavoured Gelatin:

Sometimes, homemade solutions can make for effective liquid latex solutions as well. Unflavoured gelatin, often used for sweets, is actually a reliable tool for crafting moulds, casts, and more. While it can be melted and reused, experts often recommend using fresh gelatin for each project to ensure the best results. In this instance, we offer Mehron 3D gel, which is gelatin based and is useful for creating realistic skin and prosthetic projects. 

8. Plastil Gel Silicone:

We cannot talk about liquid latex alternatives without mentioning plastil gel 25. This product can be used for pros-aide transfers and 3rd Degree silicone, and has true potential to create lifelike wounds and special effects without having to rely on traditional liquid latex. Certain examples for using plastil gel 25 includes SFX imagery for horrific performances for a horror film or adding convincing scars. 

9. Foam Latex: 

While foam latex is originally structured from liquid latex, it can still be used for masks, prosthetic makeup, and more. Foam latex is lighter and more durable than liquid latex too, making it a useful alternative to liquid latex, and can even resemble human skin too. We offer non-latex foam sponges that will be extremely useful for when applying this liquid latex alternative.

10. Plastic Sealer: 

Our final liquid latex alternative is plastic sealer, which is perfect for maintaining a strong hold on skin without damaging or breaking during application and usage. From moulds, to casts, and other SFX makeup purposes, you can use plastic sealer on props, sculptures, and more. Mehron fixative ‘A’ is the perfect option as a plastic sealer. 

Recipes for Homemade Liquid Latex Alternatives

For those looking to create liquid latex alternatives at home, here are a few simple recipes to explore:

1. Recipe for Soft Skin:

• 1 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour
• 1 packet plain gelatin
• 1 tablespoon solid coconut oil

2. Recipe for Mouldable Brains:

• 1 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour
• 1 1/2 packets plain gelatin
• 1 tablespoon solid coconut oil

3. Recipe for Ears:

• 1 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour (or cornstarch)
• 2 packets plain gelatin
• 1 tablespoon solid coconut oil

While corn starch can be substituted for tapioca flour, this may produce different results. Tapioca flour has a softer texture, suitable for most FX makeup applications, while corn starch may result in a more rigid finish, ideal for specific effects like exposed tendons and ligaments. In some instances, liquid latex can be used to apply fake blood too, which can be useful when learning how to apply vampire makeup.

Reliable Liquid Latex Alternative Solutions

We are always looking to new ways to be more cruelty-free and vegan in the makeup products that we distribute. Because liquid latex is very resourceful and reliable for a variety of makeup purposes, finding the right liquid latex alternative can help you to produce the perfect result. Understanding the formula of what makes liquid latex so useful will aid in choosing which of these alternatives to liquid latex will work best but, ultimately, your creative possibilities are limitless with this range. It’s truly amazing how convincing liquid latex can be, and, not too long ago, the world was struck by Kylie Jenner’s liquid latex playsuit.

FAQs

What is a good substitute for latex?

A good substitute for latex depends on your specific application. If you're looking for latex-free alternatives, consider materials such as silicone rubber, gelatin, foam latex, pros-aide transfers, or latex-free liquid makeup for various artistic and special effects purposes. 

What can I use instead of liquid latex for wounds?

Instead of liquid latex, you can use materials like gelatin, wax, pros-aide transfers, or silicone rubber to create realistic wounds and special effects makeup. These alternatives can be applied to the skin and sculpted to achieve desired wound effects.

How do you make homemade liquid latex?

Making homemade liquid latex can be challenging and may not yield the same quality as commercially available liquid latex. However, if you want to try, you can make a basic version by mixing white glue (PVA glue) with water in a 1:1 ratio. Add a few drops of liquid ammonia (household ammonia) to improve flexibility. Keep in mind that homemade liquid latex may not be as durable or safe as professionally manufactured products, so use caution.

Can you use PVA glue instead of liquid latex?

While PVA glue can be used for certain projects, it may not be a direct substitute for liquid latex in all applications. PVA glue is typically thicker and less flexible than liquid latex, so it may not provide the same results for special effects makeup, mask-making, or mould creation. It can work for some simple crafting projects but may not be suitable for more complex uses. 

Sources

Elmer’s. (n.d.) Elmer’s Glue. [online] Available at: https://www.elmers.com/ [accessed 03/11/23]

Sanchez, C., (2023) Kylie Jenner’s Liquid Latex Playsuit Appears To Be Molded Onto Her Body. Bazaar. [online] Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a44128050/kylie-jenner-latex-playsuit-bts/ [accessed 03/11/23]

M, Matt. (2009) Elmer’s Multipurpose Glue. Flickr. [online] Available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/phot0matt/3836249842 [accessed 03/11/23]