Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flexible water based play materials composition, such as playing dough and/or gel-like playing material having antimicrobial properties which provides improved safety requirements and non toxicity for young children and infants playing with such product. The antimicrobial properties of the flexible play composition according to the present invention are achieved by incorporating into the mixture of the play composition a combination of two specific distinct antimicrobial ingredients, namely silver ions and benzalkonium chloride.