Cooling Agent WS-23 food-grade synthetic cooling agent
Product Overview
What Is Cooling Agent WS-23?
Cooling Agent WS-23 is a food-grade synthetic cooling agent. Its chemical name is 2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide. Unlike most WS grades, it shares no structural link with menthol, yet it cools with remarkable force.
First, WS-23 stays almost odorless and tasteless. Therefore, it cools without adding any mint aroma or bitterness. Second, it activates the TRPM8 cold receptor on the tongue and the soft palate. As a result, the cooling arrives within seconds.
Third, WS-23 fades just as quickly as it arrives. In other words, it leaves no lingering aftertaste behind. It also holds FEMA number 3804 and CAS number 51115-67-4. Consequently, formulators choose it whenever the brief calls for an instant cool.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
| Product Name (EN) | Cooling Agent WS-23 |
| Chemical Name | 2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide |
| Synonyms | WS-23; N,2,3-Trimethyl-2-isopropylbutanamide; Koolada WS-23 |
| CAS Number | 51115-67-4 |
| FEMA Number | 3804 |
| EINECS Number | 256-974-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C10H21NO |
| Molecular Weight | 171.28 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystals / crystalline powder |
| Odor | Mild cooling, slight menthol note; almost odorless |
| Taste | Fast-onset burst, clean decay, no aftertaste |
| Assay (Purity) | >= 99.0% (GC) |
| Melting Point | 58 – 63 °C |
| Flash Point | > 100 °C |
| Acid Value | <= 1.0 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture | <= 0.5% |
| Arsenic (As) | <= 3 mg/kg |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol and other food-grade solvents; slightly soluble in water (< 0.7%) |
| Cooling Duration | 15 – 30 minutes, with a fast onset and a clean decay |
| Recommended Dosage | 30 – 100 mg/kg in most finished products; adjust to the target cooling intensity |
| Heat Stability | Stable up to 200 °C |
| Category | Cooling Agents |
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct light and heat. Close the package tightly after use. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months when stored properly |
Applications & Uses
E-Liquid, Vape & Tobacco Applications
Cooling Agent WS-23 delivers its fast-onset burst in:
- E-liquids and vape juice
- Nicotine pouches and oral nicotine products
- Cooling flavor concentrates
- Tobacco products and cigarette filter tips
- Heat-not-burn tobacco sticks
Beverage & Instant Drink Applications
The burst profile also performs well in:
- Energy drinks and sports drinks
- Sparkling water and flavored soda
- Iced tea and ready-to-drink beverages
- Beer and distilled spirits
- Instant drink mixes and sachets
- Slush drinks and frozen beverages
Confectionery & Oral Care Applications
Formulators commonly add WS-23 to:
- Chewing gum and bubble gum
- Hard candy and pressed candy
- Gummies and jelly
- Chocolate and compound coatings
- Toothpaste and whitening gel
- Mouthwash and breath freshener
- Breath strips and oral sprays
Dairy, Personal Care & Pharmaceutical Applications
WS-23 also supports:
- Ice cream, sorbet and frozen dessert
- Flavored milk and drinking yogurt
- Skin cream and body lotion
- Face mask and cooling gel
- Shaving cream and after-shave
- Shampoo and scalp care
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Air freshener
- OTC liniments and cooling balms
- Cooling patches and plasters
- OEM flavor and cooling blends
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cooling Agent WS-23, and how does it cool?
Cooling Agent WS-23 is 2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide, a synthetic cooling agent with CAS number 51115-67-4. It activates the TRPM8 cold receptor on the tongue and the soft palate. As a result, you feel a sharp burst within seconds, and it fades cleanly afterward. The effect lasts 15 to 30 minutes in total.
How does WS-23 differ from WS-3, WS-5 and WS-12?
WS-23 gives the fastest onset and the cleanest decay of the four. WS-3 delivers a clean, immediate impact that lasts 15 to 30 minutes. On the other hand, WS-12 reaches the highest intensity and cools the throat. In contrast, WS-5 spreads a smooth, long-acting wave across the whole mouth. Therefore, many formulators pair WS-23 with WS-3 or WS-5 to build a burst-plus-longevity profile.
Why is WS-23 so popular in e-liquids?
E-liquid users want an instant cool that does not coat the tongue. WS-23 delivers exactly that, because it hits within seconds and leaves no lingering aftertaste. For this reason, it has become the default choice in vape formulas worldwide.
What dosage should I use in my product?
Most finished products use 30 to 100 mg/kg, depending on the target intensity. Specifically, our technical team can fine-tune the level for your formula.
Need a cooling recommendation for your product? Send us your formulation target - we reply within one business day.
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