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What Is Inside Glow Sticks?

The chemical compounds in glow sticks interact when combined and cause a chemical reaction which then produces the glow. Typically, the contents found within glow sticks are non-toxic but may cause skin irritation. The components of glow sticks should also be non-flammable. If you break a glow stick, you should throw it away to avoid any exposure to the contents. Some fabrics may be stained by contact with glow stick contents.

Cyalume
- Cyalume is a chemoluminescence ingredient. When combined with hydrogen peroxide it produces the glow.
Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide is the activating compound that mixes with cyalume to make your glow stick glow.
Fluorescent Dye
- Luminol is typically used as the fluorescent dye inside glow sticks.
Ammonium Carbonate
- Ammonium carbonate helps with the chemical reaction in your glow stick. Ammonium carbonate is also found in baking soda and baking powder.
Glass Ampule
- You can hear the glass ampule snap when you bend the glow stick. The glass ampule breaks, allowing the chemicals inside and outside the ampule to combine, causing the chemical reaction that allows your glow stick to glow.

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