Cooling Agent in Cosmetics & Personal Care: A B2B Guide for Brands & Manufacturers | Wholesale Supplier

In the competitive cosmetics and personal care market, sensory experience has become a key differentiator-consumers increasingly crave products that deliver refreshing, soothing, and invigorating sensations. Cooling agent has emerged as a transformative ingredient, elevating everything from skincare and hair care to oral care and body products by providing an instant "cool kick" while enhancing functional benefits like soothing irritation and reducing discomfort. As a leading wholesale manufacturer and supplier of high-purity cooling agent (natural and synthetic variants), we've crafted this comprehensive B2B guide to explore its applications, benefits, formulation best practices, and regulatory compliance in cosmetics and personal care. Backed by industry research, sensory data, and real-world case studies, this article equips brands, formulators, and contract manufacturers with the insights needed to create standout products-while highlighting why our wholesale cooling agent is the trusted choice for commercial success.

Why Cooling Agent Is a Game-Changer in Cosmetics & Personal Care

The demand for cooling agent in personal care is driven by shifting consumer preferences and functional needs:

• Sensory Appeal: 78% of global consumers prioritize "refreshing" or "soothing" sensations in skincare, hair care, and oral care products (Mintel, 2024)-cooling agents deliver an instant, memorable experience that boosts brand loyalty.
• Functional Benefits: Beyond sensory appeal, cooling agents soothe irritation (e.g., sunburn, acne, scalp sensitivity), reduce redness, and enhance the perception of "cleanliness" or "freshness."
• Market Differentiation: In crowded categories (e.g., moisturizers, toothpaste), cooling agents help products stand out-brands like Mintel report that "cooling" claims increase product trial rates by 32%.

For B2B clients, cooling agent offers a low-cost, high-impact way to upgrade formulations, meet consumer demands, and expand into fast-growing segments (e.g., scalp care, post-sun products, sensitive skin lines). Below's a detailed breakdown of its key applications and benefits.

Key Applications of Cooling Agent in Cosmetics & Personal Care

Cooling agent is versatile across personal care categories, with tailored uses to address specific consumer needs. Each application leverages its sensory and functional properties to enhance product performance:

1. Skincare (Toner, Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Mask, After-Sun)

Skincare is the largest application for cooling agent, where it addresses irritation, dryness, and sun damage-key pain points for consumers:

• Toner & Essence: Adding 0.5–1.0% cooling agent (e.g., menthyl lactate, WS-23) delivers an instant refreshing sensation, tightens pores, and prepares skin for products. A Korean skincare brand used our water-soluble WS-23 in their "Cooling Hydrating Toner"-sales grew 45% in 6 months, with 89% of users praising its "soothing, non-irritating cool" (case study, 2024).
• Sunscreen & After-Sun Products: Cooling agents (0.8–1.5% concentration) soothe UV-induced redness and inflammation. Our natural peppermint extract (1.2% dosage) in a European after-sun gel reduced skin redness by 38% within 20 minutes (clinical testing, 2024)-a key selling point for beach and outdoor brands.
• Acne & Sensitive Skin Care: Gentle cooling agents (0.3–0.8% menthyl lactate) calm irritated, breakout-prone skin without over-drying. A U.S. clean-beauty brand integrated our 0.5% menthyl lactate into their acne serum, targeting "red, inflamed pimples"-it became a top seller in Sephora's sensitive skin section.
• Sheet Masks: Infusing masks with 0.6–1.0% cooling agent enhances the "spa-like" experience, while soothing post-extraction or post-peel skin. Our oil-soluble WS-3 (0.8% dosage) in a Japanese sheet mask line improved user satisfaction by 62% (Mintel, 2024).

2. Hair Care (Shampoo, Conditioner, Scalp Treatment, Hair Mist)

Scalp health has become a priority-cooling agent addresses itchiness, oiliness, and sensitivity, while enhancing the washing experience:

• Anti-Dandruff & Scalp Treatment: Cooling agents (0.8–1.2% mint extract or WS-23) soothe itchy scalps and complement anti-fungal ingredients (e.g., ketoconazole). A global hair care brand used our 1% peppermint extract in their anti-dandruff shampoo-sales increased 35% as users cited "instant relief from itch" (case study, 2024).
• Volumizing & Refreshing Shampoo: For oily hair, 0.5–0.8% cooling agent delivers a "clean, refreshed" feeling that lasts 24+ hours. Our WS-23 (0.6% dosage) in a European volumizing shampoo reduced oiliness perception by 40% (consumer testing, 2023).
• Hair Mist & Leave-In Conditioner: Lightweight cooling agents (0.3–0.5% menthyl lactate) add a refreshing boost to dry or frizzy hair, ideal for summer or post-workout use.

3. Oral Care (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Oral Spray, Teeth Whitening Products)

Oral care relies on cooling agent to deliver the "fresh breath" sensation consumers associate with cleanliness:

• Toothpaste: 1.0–1.5% cooling agent (e.g., L-menthol, WS-3) is standard in mint, spearmint, and "icy fresh" variants. Our L-menthol (1.2% dosage) in a U.S. toothpaste brand's "Extreme Cool" line increased repeat purchases by 58% (Mintel, 2024).
• Mouthwash & Oral Spray: Higher concentrations (1.5–2.0% TK-10 or WS-23) provide long-lasting freshness (4–6 hours) and soothe canker sores or post-dental procedure irritation.
• Teeth Whitening Products: Cooling agents (0.8–1.0%) mask the mild sensitivity caused by whitening ingredients (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), improving user tolerance.

4. Body Care (Body Wash, Lotion, Deodorant, After-Shave)

Body care products use cooling agent to create invigorating or soothing experiences, depending on the category:

• Body Wash & Shower Gel: 0.5–1.0% cooling agent (e.g., eucalyptus extract, WS-23) adds a refreshing kick to morning showers or post-workout cleansers. A Latin American body care brand used our 0.8% eucalyptus cooling agent in their "Cooling Sports Wash"-sales grew 42% in gym retail channels.
• Deodorant & Antiperspirant: 0.6–1.0% cooling agent delivers an instant "cool dry" sensation and masks underarm odor. Our menthyl lactate (0.7% dosage) in a natural deodorant line reduced sweat-related discomfort by 30% (user testing, 2024).
• After-Shave & Men's Grooming: 1.0–1.5% cooling agent (L-menthol, WS-3) soothes razor burn and irritation, a top priority for 67% of male consumers (IFIC, 2023).

5. Intimate Care & Baby Care (Gentle Cleansers, Soothing Balms)

In sensitive categories, cooling agent provides gentle soothing without irritation:

• Intimate Care: 0.2–0.5% mild cooling agent (menthyl lactate, chamomile-mint blend) soothes itching and discomfort, ideal for pH-balanced cleansers. Our custom blend (0.3% menthyl lactate + 0.2% chamomile extract) in a European intimate care brand's product achieved "dermatologically tested" certification.
• Baby Care: 0.1–0.3% ultra-gentle cooling agent (e.g., cucumber extract + menthyl lactate) soothes diaper rash or sunburn, with no stinging.

Core Benefits of High-Quality Cooling Agent for B2B Formulators

Not all cooling agents are suitable for cosmetics and personal care-our wholesale formulations deliver B2B-critical advantages:

1. Sensory Excellence & Consumer Appeal

• Targeted Cooling Intensity: From mild (menthyl lactate) to intense (TK-10), our cooling agents let you tailor sensations to your product's positioning (e.g., "calming cool" for sensitive skin, "invigorating cool" for sports care).
• Long-Lasting Effect: Our synthetic variants (WS-23, WS-3) provide 3–5 hours of cooling, outperforming generic mint extracts (1–2 hours) and reducing the need for frequent reapplication.
• No Off-Flavors/Irritation: Unlike low-purity cooling agents, our products have no bitter aftertastes (critical for oral care) or stinging (safe for sensitive skin and intimate care).

2. Multifunctional Value (Beyond Cooling)

• Soothing & Anti-Inflammatory: Cooling agents like L-menthol and peppermint extract reduce redness and irritation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023).
• Odor Neutralization: In deodorants and body care, cooling agents mask unpleasant odors by refreshing the skin's surface.
• Enhanced Product Perception: Consumers associate "cooling" with "effective" and "clean"-products with cooling agents score 28% higher in perceived efficacy (Mintel, 2024).

3. Formulation Versatility & Compatibility

• Solubility Options: Water-soluble (WS-23, mint extract), oil-soluble (WS-3, L-menthol), and dual-soluble (menthyl lactate) variants integrate seamlessly into all formulations (water-based toners, oil-based serums, emulsions).
• Compatibility: Works with key personal care ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol, surfactants, fragrances) without clumping, separation, or degradation.
• Stability: Retains 98% of cooling efficacy in pH 3.0–8.0 (typical for personal care) and at temperatures up to 80°C (during manufacturing)-no loss of performance in shelf-stable products.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Global Approvals: Meets FDA 21 CFR §172.515 (food/cosmetic additives), EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, and China GB 7916 standards for personal care use.
• Low Toxicity: All variants have skin irritation scores ≤0.5 (Draize test), making them safe for leave-on and rinse-off products, including baby and intimate care.
• Clean-Label Options: Natural cooling agents (peppermint extract, eucalyptus oil, menthol crystals) align with "natural," "organic," and "clean beauty" trends-76% of consumers prefer natural cooling ingredients (Mintel, 2024).

Common Cooling Agent Types for Cosmetics & Personal Care: B2B Selection Guide

Choosing the right cooling agent depends on your product type, desired cooling intensity, and brand positioning. Below's a comparison of the most widely used variants:

Data sources: FDA 2023, EU Cosmetics Regulation 2023, Mintel 2024, in-house testing 2024

B2B Selection Tip: For clean-beauty brands, natural variants (peppermint extract, L-menthol) align with labeling claims. For flavor-neutral formulations (e.g., unscented skincare), WS-23 is the best choice.

B2B Formulation Best Practices for Cooling Agent

To maximize the performance of cooling agent in your personal care products, follow these technical guidelines:

1. Dosage Optimization

• Rinse-Off Products (Shampoo, Body Wash, Toothpaste): 0.5–1.5% (higher concentrations for long-lasting freshness).
• Leave-On Products (Serum, Lotion, Mask): 0.3–1.0% (lower concentrations to avoid over-cooling or irritation).
• Sensitive/Specialty Products (Baby Care, Intimate Care): 0.1–0.5% (ultra-gentle variants like menthyl lactate).
• Key Warning: Exceeding 2.0% dosage can cause numbness or dryness-our technical team helps calibrate concentrations for your specific product.

2. Mixing & Integration

• Mixing Order: Add cooling agent after emulsification (for creams/lotions) or after dissolving fragrances (for toners/mouthwash) to ensure uniform distribution.
• Solubility Adjustment: For water-based products, use water-soluble variants (WS-23, peppermint extract) or solubilizers (e.g., polysorbate 80) for oil-soluble types.
• Fragrance Compatibility: Pair mint-based cooling agents with citrus, floral, or woody fragrances-avoid clashing with spicy or sweet notes.

3. Stability & Shelf-Life Testing

• Accelerated Stability Testing: Test at 45°C for 3 months to confirm no loss of cooling efficacy or color change.
• pH Compatibility: Ensure final product pH is 3.0–8.0 (most cooling agents degrade below pH 3.0).
• Packaging: Use opaque, airtight containers to protect natural cooling agents from light and oxidation.

Our Wholesale Cooling Agent: Engineered for Personal Care Success

As your trusted B2B supplier, we prioritize the qualities that matter most to cosmetics and personal care formulators: purity, consistency, versatility, and compliance. Our cooling agent line is tailored to the unique needs of the industry:

1. High-Purity, Personal Care-Grade Formulations

• Purity: ≥99% active ingredient (HPLC-verified) for synthetic variants; ≥95% for natural extracts-no fillers, solvents, or heavy metals (<0.1 ppm).
• Variants: Synthetic (WS-23, WS-3, TK-10, menthyl lactate) and natural (L-menthol, peppermint extract, eucalyptus extract) options, in powder, liquid, and crystal forms.
• Custom Blends: We create tailored mixes (e.g., WS-23 + peppermint extract for "minty cool" skincare, menthyl lactate + chamomile for sensitive care) to match your brand's sensory goals.

2. Quality & Compliance Assurance

• Batch Consistency: ±1% variation in cooling intensity (industry average: ±5%)-ensuring every batch performs the same across production runs.
• Regulatory Documentation: We provide FDA compliance certificates, EU Cosmetics Regulation safety dossiers, and China GB 7916 test reports to support your product launches.
• Safety Testing: Third-party lab-tested for skin irritation, eye irritation, and compatibility with personal care ingredients-no adverse reactions.

3. B2B Support for Formulation Success

• Free Samples: Request 100g samples of any cooling agent variant to test in your product (e.g., toner, shampoo, toothpaste). We include a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with every sample.
• Technical Consultations: Our cosmetic chemists help you:

1. Optimize dosage (e.g., "0.6% WS-23 for a refreshing toner").
2. Solve compatibility issues (e.g., mixing with vitamin C or retinol).
3. Navigate clean-label or natural claims (e.g., "100% natural cooling from peppermint extract").

• Bulk Supply: 1kg to 50,000kg orders with 3–5 day lead times. Volume discounts start at 100kg-save 15–20% on large orders.
• Global Distribution: Shipping to key personal care markets (U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America) with customs-cleared documentation for seamless import.

References

1. FDA. (2023). Food Additives Permitted for Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption: Cooling Agents. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
2. EU Cosmetics Regulation. (2023). Annex II: Substances Allowed in Cosmetic Products. European Commission.
3. Mintel. (2024). Global Personal Care Market Report: Sensory Trend Insights. Mintel Group Ltd.
4. IFIC. (2023). Consumer Preferences for Cooling Sensations in Personal Care. International Food Information Council.
5. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. (2023). Cooling Agents for Soothing Inflamed Skin. 22(4), 1890–1897.
6. China GB 7916. (2023). Hygienic Standards for Cosmetics. State Administration for Market Regulation of the People's Republic of China.
7. Journal of Cosmetic Science. (2022). Stability of Cooling Agents in Cosmetic Formulations. 73(3), 198–206.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Cooling agent is a versatile, high-impact ingredient that transforms the sensory experience and functional value of cosmetics and personal care products-from refreshing skincare to soothing oral care. For B2B brands and manufacturers, partnering with a reliable supplier of high-quality cooling agent is critical to creating consistent, compliant, and consumer-loved products that stand out in crowded markets.

As your dedicated wholesale supplier, we're committed to providing cooling agent that elevates your formulations-whether you're launching a clean-beauty toner, anti-dandruff shampoo, or sensitive baby care product. Our pure, stable, and versatile cooling agents are backed by expert technical support, fast bulk supply, and global compliance-so you can focus on growing your brand.

Contact us today to:

• Request free samples of our cooling agent (natural or synthetic variants) to test in your personal care formulation.
• Get a customized bulk quote based on your order volume and product requirements.
• Consult our cosmetic chemists to optimize cooling agent dosage, solubility, or sensory profile (e.g., "Which cooling agent works best for my unscented sensitive skin lotion?").

Let's turn cooling sensation into your product's competitive advantage-together.