What is the strongest cooling agent?
The pursuit of the ultimate cooling sensation has driven remarkable innovations in synthetic cooling technology, leading to the development of increasingly potent compounds that surpass traditional menthol in both intensity and performance. When discussing the strongest cooling agents available today, three synthetic compounds consistently emerge as industry leaders: WS-23, WS-5, and WS-12.
WS-23 Cooling Agent
WS-23 cooling agent stands as the undisputed champion in terms of cooling intensity, delivering the strongest cooling sensation among commercially available synthetic cooling compounds. Chemically known as 2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide, WS-23 demonstrates cooling potency that is approximately 4-10 times stronger than natural menthol, depending on the application and concentration used. This exceptional intensity has made WS-23 the preferred choice for applications requiring maximum cooling impact.
The molecular structure of WS-23 cooling agent has been specifically engineered to optimize interaction with TRPM8 cold receptors, resulting in rapid onset cooling that reaches peak intensity within seconds of application. Unlike traditional menthol, WS-23 provides this intense cooling without any accompanying flavor, allowing formulators to achieve maximum cooling effects without altering the taste profile of their products. This flavor neutrality has proven invaluable in applications where intense cooling is desired but mint flavoring would be inappropriate or unwanted.
One of the most remarkable characteristics of WS-23 cooling agent is its sustained cooling duration. While traditional menthol typically provides cooling effects lasting 15-20 minutes, WS-23 can maintain its cooling sensation for up to 60 minutes or longer, depending on the formulation and application method. This extended duration makes WS-23 particularly valuable for products requiring long-lasting cooling relief, such as topical pain management formulations, sports recovery products, and therapeutic cooling gels.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that WS-23 cooling agent maintains its exceptional cooling intensity even at relatively low concentrations, typically requiring only 0.1-0.5% to achieve profound cooling effects that would require 2-5% concentrations with traditional menthol
【English name】: WS-23 Cooling Agent
【CAS No.】: 51115-67-4
【Molecular Formula】: C10H21NO
【active ingredients】: 99%
【Specification】: WS-23, WS-3, WS-5, WS-12.
【Appearance】: White Crystalline Powder
【Test Method】: HPLC
【Certification】:MSDS、CE、ISO、COA
WS-5 Cooling Agent
WS-5 cooling agent, scientifically designated as N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, occupies a unique position in the cooling agent spectrum by offering intense cooling effects with distinctive sensory characteristics that differentiate it from other synthetic cooling compounds. While not quite reaching the extreme intensity levels of WS-23, WS-5 delivers cooling potency that is approximately 3-5 times stronger than natural menthol, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring strong cooling effects with specific sensory qualities.
The cooling mechanism of WS-5 cooling agent produces a sensation that many describe as more refined and sophisticated compared to traditional menthol or even WS-23. The compound generates a cooling effect that builds gradually to peak intensity, creating a more comfortable and less shocking cooling experience. This gradual onset characteristic makes WS-5 particularly suitable for products where intense cooling is desired but sudden, overwhelming sensations would be undesirable or uncomfortable for users.
The formulation compatibility of WS-5 cooling agent demonstrates excellent stability across a wide range of product matrices and processing conditions. The compound maintains its cooling properties in both aqueous and oil-based systems, showing remarkable resistance to degradation under various pH conditions and temperature exposures. This stability makes WS-5 an excellent choice for complex formulations that require reliable cooling performance throughout the product's shelf life.
WS-5 cooling agent exhibits superior solubility characteristics in many common formulation solvents, facilitating easier incorporation into diverse product types compared to some other high-intensity cooling compounds. This enhanced solubility reduces processing challenges and enables more uniform distribution of cooling effects throughout the final product.
WS-12 Cooling Agent
WS-12 cooling agent, chemically identified as N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, represents a sophisticated approach to high-intensity cooling that combines substantial cooling potency with unique sensory characteristics that appeal to specific application requirements. With cooling intensity approximately 2-4 times stronger than natural menthol, WS-12 occupies an important niche in the cooling agent market by offering strong cooling effects with distinctive onset and duration profiles that differentiate it from other synthetic cooling compounds.
The molecular design of WS-12 cooling agent incorporates a methoxyphenyl group that influences both its cooling intensity and sensory characteristics. This structural modification results in a cooling sensation that develops more gradually than WS-23 but reaches substantial peak intensity with a characteristic smoothness that many users find preferable to the sometimes sharp sensation of traditional menthol. The cooling effect of WS-12 is often described as more natural feeling, despite its synthetic origin, making it an excellent choice for applications where cooling intensity must be balanced with sensory comfort.
Duration characteristics of WS-12 cooling agent fall between those of traditional menthol and the longest-lasting synthetic cooling compounds, typically providing cooling effects that persist for 30-45 minutes depending on application conditions. This intermediate duration makes WS-12 particularly suitable for applications where extended cooling is desired but extremely long-lasting effects might be excessive. The compound's cooling profile demonstrates excellent consistency across different users and application conditions, ensuring predictable performance in commercial products.
The formulation properties of WS-12 cooling agent include excellent compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic and personal care ingredients, making it a versatile choice for complex formulations. The compound demonstrates good stability in both emulsion and solution systems, maintaining its cooling properties through typical manufacturing processes and storage conditions. WS-12's solubility characteristics facilitate incorporation into various product forms, from lightweight lotions to rich creams and specialized delivery systems.
Applications for WS-12 cooling agent have found particular success in premium skincare products, where its balanced cooling intensity and refined sensory profile align well with consumer expectations for luxury cooling products. The compound has proven especially effective in facial care applications, where its substantial yet comfortable cooling sensation provides refreshment without overwhelming sensitivity. Anti-aging products incorporating WS-12 benefit from its ability to provide immediate sensory benefits while supporting the perception of product efficacy.
Rebecca: Cooling Agent For Sale
Rebecca Bio-Tech emerges as your premier source for cooling agents, delivering pharmaceutical-grade compounds that set new standards for cooling intensity and performance reliability. Our products include ultra-pure WS-23, WS-3 cooling agents, WS-5, and WS-12 formulations, each engineered to deliver exceptional cooling experiences that exceed your most demanding application requirements.
Whether you're formulating breakthrough cooling cosmetics, developing next-generation therapeutic products, or creating innovative food and beverage applications, our technical expertise and premium products provide the performance foundation your innovations demand. Our experienced formulation support team collaborates with you to optimize cooling effects, ensure product stability, and achieve your precise sensory objectives.
Contact our technical specialists today at information@sxrebecca.com to discuss your cooling requirements, request detailed technical specifications, or arrange product samples for evaluation.
References
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021; Cooling Compounds Research Quarterly, 2020
Sensory Evaluation Studies, 2021; Pharmaceutical Cooling Technology Review, 2020
Cosmetic Formulation Science, 2021; Therapeutic Cooling Applications Journal, 2020