If you are looking to know the comparison of Kinetic Sand vs Moon Sand, then this is the right post.
Many people have heard of the toy known as Kinetic Sand, but there is another similar product on the market known as Moon Sand.
Let’s talk about the similarities and differences between the two. Despite their similarities, there are differences between Kinetic Sand and Moon Sand, some small, some big.
Let’s get started!
Kinetic Sand vs Moon Sand
Kinetic Sand | Moon Sand | |
Composition | 98% Sand and 2% polydimethylsiloxane | Made of Sand, cornstarch, and water |
Color Availability | Available in Different Colors | Available in Different Color |
Texture | Soft and Smooth and sticks to itself | Has a crumbly structure but once the structure is made it holds well |
Messy | No, easy to clean | Yes, gets messier |
Expiration Date | No, they need to be replaced after one to two years with regular usage. | No, but they need to be replaced after it gets hard and unusable. |

What is Kinetic Sand?
Kinetic Sand is a moldable sand product that has been designed to look and feel like wet beach sand. It’s the perfect toy for kids, allowing them to mold the Sand into any shape they want literally.
Kinetic Sand looks a lot like regular Sand, but it’s a lot softer than the stuff you find at the beach. Kinetic Sand is made from 98% Sand and 2% polydimethylsiloxane (also called dimethicone). Kids will love molding and shaping the Sand, and adults will love how easy it is to clean up.
Why is it called Kinetic Sand?
Kinetic Sand is a toy made from 98% sand and 2% polydimethylsiloxane. This substance is a silicone oil used in things like hair conditioners and pizza boxes. When the Sand is mixed with this substance, it becomes moldable when squeezed, which is how it gets its name! Kinetic is Greek for “movement”. The Sand will move, and it will stick to itself.
What is Moon Sand?
Moon Sand is toy sand used to create sandcastles and sculptures. It feels like wet beach sand, made of Sand, cornstarch, and water. The Sand is non-toxic and non-allergenic, and it is safe for kids as it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
As the Sand is made of water, it can be molded into any shape and easily sculpted with bare hands. The Sand is also reusable, and it doesn’t stick when it comes into contact with water. It is available in different kits and sets.
Why is it called Moon Sand?
Moon sand has a crumbly structure and looks similar to we see on the surface of the moon Regolith. So, as it represents the moon’s surface, it has Moon Sand.
Safe to use
Both the Kinetic Sand and the Moon Sand are made from Non-toxic and safe materials for kids. You need to check the package ingredients before you buy one.
They both are equally good in terms of Safety to use.
Ease of Use
Kinetic Sand is a brand of moldable Sand sold under the name Kinetic Sand. It is designed to simulate the properties of wet sand or snow and is safe for children to use. Kinetic Sand is made from polydimethylsiloxane, a silicone-based polymer, and a mineral powder. It has been developed to mimic the feeling and texture of wet beach sand.
Users can play with the Sand by hand, molding it into different shapes or using simple tools such as metal cookie cutters to create artistic designs. The Sand can be molded and shaped and retain its shape when it is molded.
Moon sand is also a moldable product like Kinetic Sand and is very convenient to use to make different designs and acts as a great sensory toy for kids. It is also easy to use, like kinetic Sand.
Both of these go similar in terms of ease of use. However, while building the sculptures, the kinetic Sand feels better and bouncier, giving an excellent experience.
Longevity of Product
If you’re looking for a product that’s fun for kids and will last for several years, it’s hard to beat Moon Sand.
Both Kinetic Sand and Moon Sand are made from 98% sand and 2% cornstarch or water depending on the brand. Both are easy to mold and play with, but Moon Sand is much more moldable, and the Sand stays together for a longer time.
Moon Sand is a great sensory play toy for kids three years old and up. It’s also great for preschoolers and kindergarteners who are learning about science because it teaches them to explore the properties of Sand.
Getting Messy
Let’s start by saying that both are very similar in that they are both made of the same ingredients.
However, Kinetic Sand is more refined and less coarse than Moon Sand. Kinetic Sand is easier to use because it is more compact and holds together better.
Both can get a bit messier, but Kinetic Sand performs better here as it is a lot less messy than the moon sand.
Are Kinetic Sand and Moon Sand the same?
Kinetic Sand and Moon Sand with two ingredients look similar. And however, there are noticeable differences between them in terms of texture. The moon Sand has a bit more rubberish texture, and if you knead, it has a more tendency to crumble than the kinetic Sand.
On the other hand, kinetic Sand has a soft and stretchy consistency, and its texture is more smooth to touch than kinetic Sand.
Which is better between Kinetic Sand and Moon Sand?
Both are moldable substances made of 98 percent sand and 2 percent polymers. The polymers make the sand clump together, which is how it moves and feels like Sand, unlike regular Sand.
Now, onto the differences: Moon Sand is a bit more difficult to clean up, but this is because it doesn’t stick to itself as Kinetic Sand does. Moon Sand also has a longer shelf life than Kinetic Sand. It’s a bit expensive, but Moon Sand is still a great product.
Where to Buy Kinetic Sand or Moon Sand?
Playing with Kinetic Sand or Moon Sand can be very fun and you will enjoy it a lot.
Here are some recommendations for Kinetic Sand on Amazon:
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here are some recommendations for Moon Sand on Amazon:
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Let’s conclude the post on Kinetic Sand vs Moon Sand.
Whether you choose Kinetic sand or moon sand, both would be great as a sensory toy for kids. You will enjoy your kids trying out different sculptures as your imagination gets to with Kinetic Sand or moon sand.
There is another type of Play Item like moon sand known as Play-Doh. You can check the comparison of Kinetic Sand vs Play-Doh here.
I hope you liked reading the post.