Cooling Agent WS-12 | Maximum Intensity Throat Cooling
What Is Cooling Agent WS-12?
Cooling Agent WS-12 is a food-grade synthetic cooling agent with the highest intensity in the entire WS series. Its chemical name is (2S,5R)-2-Isopropyl-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide, and most buyers also know it as Koolada WS-12.
First, WS-12 activates the TRPM8 cold receptor with exceptional strength. As a result, it creates a cooling impact that no other WS grade matches. Second, that impact concentrates on the throat, a region where menthol and most analogues fall short. Therefore, WS-12 brings a depth of cool that feels distinctly different.
Third, WS-12 holds CAS number 68489-09-8 and FEMA number 4681. In addition, it carries JECFA number 2079 and EINECS number 700-232-9. Consequently, it fits food, cosmetic and oral-care programs with no extra clearance work.
Cooling Performance Profile
The cooling profile of WS-12 opens with the strongest initial impact of the series. After that, the sensation travels down into the throat and builds a long, steady plateau. Finally, it fades slowly without a sudden drop.
Unlike menthol, WS-12 brings no pungency, no burning and no numbness. Moreover, it leaves no bitter aftertaste, which older high-impact grades sometimes do. For example, a trained panel describes the onset as powerful and the finish as smooth. In other words, the flavor you built stays the flavor your customer tastes.
For instance, a formula dosed at 30-100 mg/kg already reaches strong cooling. By contrast, menthol needs far higher levels for the same effect. However, WS-12 also tolerates heat well; it holds full strength at 200 °C. Therefore, it survives baking, extrusion and hot-fill without any loss of impact. Even so, we still suggest a short stability trial for each new process.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
| Product Name (EN) | Cooling Agent WS-12 |
| Chemical Name | (2S,5R)-2-Isopropyl-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide |
| Synonyms | WS-12; Koolada WS-12; N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-p-menthyl-3-carboxamide; (1R,2S,5R)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanecarboxamide |
| CAS Number | 68489-09-8 |
| FEMA Number | 4681 |
| EINECS Number | 700-232-9 |
| JECFA Number | 2079 |
| Molecular Formula | C18H27NO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 289.41 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Mild cooling, slight menthol odor (almost odorless) |
| Taste | Strong, long-lasting cooling focused on the throat; no bitterness, no burning |
| Assay (Purity) | >= 99.0% (HPLC) |
| Cooling Character | Maximum intensity, throat-focused, long-lasting, no tingling |
| Cooling Duration | 15 – 30 minutes |
| Melting Point | 179 – 183 °C |
| Flash Point | > 100 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.528 |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, DMF and acetonitrile; insoluble in water |
| Recommended Dosage | 30 – 100 mg/kg (general); tune to target intensity |
| Heat Stability | Stable up to 200 °C (baking, extrusion, hot-fill) |
| Category | Cooling Agents |
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep tightly closed. Protect from moisture and light. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months when stored properly |
Applications & Uses
Baking, Extrusion & Hot-Fill Applications
WS-12 survives 200 °C with no loss of cooling, so it is the natural choice for heated processes. Therefore, it works well in:
- Baked goods (cookies, cakes, wafers)
- Extruded snacks and cereals
- Hot-fill beverages and sauces
- Chocolate and compound coating
- Roasted and heat-processed nut products
- Instant powders and dry-mix desserts
- High-temperature confectionery processing
E-Liquid, Vape & Tobacco Applications
The throat-focused profile also reads clearly in vapor and tobacco systems. Formulators add WS-12 to:
- E-liquid and vape juice
- Nicotine salt formulations
- Hookah and shisha blends
- Heated tobacco and filter tips
- Cooling booster shots for vape
- Layered cooling blends with WS-3 and WS-23
Confectionery & Chewing Gum Applications
Because the cooling lasts long and stays smooth, WS-12 fits sugar systems too. It suits:
- Chewing gum and bubble gum
- Hard candy and pressed tablets
- Gummies and jelly candy
- Lozenges and breath mints
- Fondant and chewy candy
- Children’s candy where strong cooling is desired
Oral Care, Cosmetics & Pharmaceutical Applications
WS-12 also serves personal-care and OTC products that need deep, lasting cool. It fits:
- Toothpaste and whitening gel
- Mouthwash and breath freshener
- Skin cream, lotion and after-sun
- Lip balm and lipstick
- Shampoo, shower gel and antiperspirant
- OTC cooling gels, plasters and lozenges
Need specifications, COA, or a wholesale quote? Contact Us — typical response within 24 hours.