Cooling Agent WS-3 | Industry-Standard Cooling Agent
Product Overview
What Is Cooling Agent WS-3?
Cooling Agent WS-3 is the benchmark synthetic cooling agent of the WS series. Its chemical name is N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, and most buyers also know it as Koolada WS-3 or menthyl carboxamide. Because it reached the market first, formulators measure later grades against it.
First, WS-3 brings a clean, balanced cooling that spreads across the whole mouth and the throat. Therefore, it feels natural rather than sharp. Second, it carries FEMA number 3455 and CAS number 39711-79-0. As a result, it fits food, oral-care and cosmetic programs with full regulatory backing.
Third, WS-3 activates the TRPM8 cold receptor in a steady, sustained way. In other words, the coolness builds slowly and then holds. Moreover, it leaves no burn, no numbness and no harsh edge. Consequently, formulators treat it as the safest default when they need reliable cooling.
Cooling Performance Profile
The cooling profile of WS-3 opens gently. After that, it rises to a stable, long plateau. Finally, it fades smoothly without a bitter tail.
Unlike menthol, WS-3 shows no volatility and no pungent top note. Moreover, it keeps working long after menthol has faded. For example, a trained panel describes the onset as mild but the hold as persistent. In other words, the product keeps its cool from the first bite to the last.
For instance, a toothpaste dosed at 100-1000 mg/kg holds cooling through the whole brush. By contrast, a beverage at 1-10 mg/kg gives a lighter fresh note. However, WS-3 also tolerates heat, and it holds full strength at 200 °C. Therefore, it survives baking, hot-fill and extrusion without any loss of impact. Even so, we still suggest a short stability trial for each new formula.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
| Product Name (EN) | Cooling Agent WS-3 |
| Chemical Name | N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide |
| Synonyms | WS-3; Koolada WS-3; Menthyl Carboxamide; N-Ethyl-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanecarboxamide |
| CAS Number | 39711-79-0 |
| FEMA Number | 3455 |
| EINECS Number | 254-599-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C13H25NO |
| Molecular Weight | 211.34 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Mild cooling, slight menthol odor, almost odorless |
| Assay (Purity) | >= 99.0% (GC) |
| Cooling Character | Balanced, clean, long-lasting cooling across the mouth and throat |
| Cooling Strength | ~1.5 (menthol = 1) |
| Cooling Duration | 15 – 30 minutes |
| Melting Point | 87 – 102 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~340 °C at 760 mmHg |
| Flash Point | > 100 °C (closed cup) |
| Specific Rotation | -49 deg to -54 deg |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water (< 0.1% at 20 C); soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol and oils |
| Heat Stability | Stable up to 200 °C |
| Recommended Dosage | Beverage 1-10 mg/kg; confectionery 15-150 mg/kg; chewing gum 500-2000 mg/kg; toothpaste 100-1000 mg/kg; mouthwash 5-200 mg/kg; creams 500-5000 mg/kg |
| 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
Oral Care & Toothpaste Applications
WS-3 is the classic oral-care coolant, and its hold survives the whole brush. Therefore, it works well in:
- Toothpaste and whitening gel
- Mouthwash and breath freshener
- Breath strips and oral sprays
- Dental floss and interdental products
- Lozenges and throat pastilles
- Tongue cleaners and oral rinses
Beverage & Dairy Applications
At low dose, WS-3 adds a clean fresh note without changing the flavor. Formulators add it to:
- Still and sparkling soft drinks
- Fruit juice and juice drinks
- Dairy drinks and flavored milk
- Yogurt and fermented beverages
- Iced tea and ready-to-drink coffee
- Alcoholic beverages and ready-to-mix spirits
Confectionery & Chewing Gum Applications
The long plateau also reads clearly in sugar systems. WS-3 suits:
- Chewing gum and bubble gum
- Hard candy and pressed tablets
- Chocolate and compound coating
- Gummies and jelly candy
- Lozenges and breath mints
- Fondant and chewy candy
Cosmetics, Pharma & Personal Care Applications
WS-3 also cools skin and topical products. It fits:
- Skin cream and after-sun lotion
- Shaving gel and aftershave
- Shampoo and body wash
- Lip balm and lipstick
- Cooling patches and liniment
- Throat and oral-care pharmaceuticals
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