What is Cooling Agent WS-23? The Ultimate Formulation Guide

When it comes to modern food, beverage, and e-liquid formulation, achieving the perfect “ice” sensation is critical. For years, manufacturers relied on traditional menthol. However, menthol comes with a significant drawback: a strong, earthy mint flavor that easily overpowers delicate fruit or dessert profiles.

The solution? Cooling Agent WS-23 (N,2,3-Trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide). Today, WS-23 has become the gold standard in the flavor industry. It provides a pure, intense cooling sensation without any unwanted taste or odor.

Whether you are formulating a new line of disposable vapes, a refreshing sports drink, or oral care products, this guide covers everything you need to know about using WS-23 effectively.

Why Formulators Choose WS-23 Over Menthol

WS-23 belongs to a family of synthetic cooling agents (sensates) designed to trigger the TRPM8 cold receptors in the mouth. Here is why it dominates the market:

• Zero Off-Notes: WS-23 is completely odorless and tasteless. It cools without adding a minty background.
• Front-of-Mouth Impact: Unlike other coolants that hit the back of the throat, WS-23 provides a sharp, immediate chill directly on the tip of the tongue and the front of the palate.
• Flavor Enhancement: Instead of muting flavors, the clean coldness of WS-23 actually enhances the perception of citrus, berry, and tropical fruit notes.

Recommended Mixing Ratios by Industry

One of the most common questions from product developers is: “How much WS-23 should I use?” The answer depends on your final product. Below are the industry-standard starting points (based on a 30% WS-23 liquid solution):

Technical Guide: How to Dissolve WS-23 Powder

WS-23 is typically supplied as a white crystalline powder. For most liquid applications, it must be dissolved into a carrier solvent before use. The most common solvent in the flavor industry is Propylene Glycol (PG).

How to make a 30% WS-23 Solution:

• Measure out 30 grams of pure WS-23 powder.
• Measure out 70 grams of pharmaceutical-grade Propylene Glycol (PG).
• Combine them in a secure, heat-safe glass beaker or mixing vessel.
• The Secret Step: Apply gentle heat. Place the vessel in a warm water bath (around 40°C – 50°C) and stir continuously. WS-23 dissolves beautifully with mild heat, turning into a crystal-clear liquid.
• Allow the solution to cool to room temperature. It is now ready to be added to your final product!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will WS-23 crystallize in my e-liquid?
A: If formulated correctly, no. However, if you exceed the saturation point (typically making a solution stronger than 30-40% in pure PG) or expose the liquid to freezing temperatures, re-crystallization can occur. Sticking to a standard 30% solution prevents this issue.

Q: Can I mix WS-23 with other cooling agents?
A: Absolutely! In fact, professional formulators often mix WS-23 (for front-of-mouth cooling) with WS-3 (for throat hit) to create a multi-dimensional, full-mouth cooling experience.

Q: Is WS-23 heat stable?
A: Yes. WS-23 exhibits excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for baked goods, hard-boiled candies, and the heating coils of vape devices (it does not cause coil gunk like sweeteners do).

Partner with a Trusted WS-23 Manufacturer

The purity of your cooling agent directly impacts the quality and safety of your final product. Low-quality coolants can contain impurities that cause harshness or cloudy liquids.

At XIAN TAIMA, we supply ultra-high purity, laboratory-tested WS-23 powder and pre-mixed solutions to global brands. Whether you need a 1kg sample for R&D or a 25kg drum for mass production, we guarantee batch-to-batch consistency and competitive factory pricing.

Contact our technical team today to request a free WS-23 sample and SDS/TDS documentation.