Cooling Agent in E-Cigarettes: Applications, Benefits & B2B Formulation Guide | Wholesale Supplier

The global e-cigarette and vaping industry is driven by user experience-with flavor, throat hit, and sensory satisfaction being make-or-break factors for consumers. Among the key ingredients shaping this experience, cooling agent stands out as a critical component, delivering the refreshing, minty, or icy sensation that defines popular e-liquid profiles. As a leading wholesale manufacturer and supplier of high-purity cooling agent (including WS-23, WS-3, TK-10, and natural mint-derived variants), we've crafted this comprehensive B2B guide to explore how cooling agents elevate e-cigarette formulations, their core benefits, technical formulation tips, regulatory compliance, and real-world applications. Backed by industry research, sensory data, and B2B case studies, this article equips e-liquid manufacturers, vaping brands, and contract packagers with the insights needed to create standout products-while highlighting why our wholesale cooling agent is the preferred choice for commercial success.

Why Cooling Agents Are Indispensable in E-Cigarette Formulations

E-cigarettes rely on e-liquids (composed of base liquids, nicotine, flavors, and additives) to deliver a satisfying vaping experience. Cooling agent plays a unique role in addressing two key consumer pain points and enhancing product differentiation:

• Mitigates harsh throat hit: High-nicotine or nicotine salt e-liquids often cause irritation-cooling agents soothe the throat, making vaping smoother and more enjoyable.
• Enhances flavor complexity: Cooling agents complement mint, fruit, beverage, and dessert flavors, adding a refreshing layer that extends flavor longevity and appeal.
• Drives consumer preference: 76% of vapers cite "cooling sensation" as a top factor in choosing e-liquids, with 68% preferring products with adjustable or intense cooling (Mintel, 2024).

For B2B brands, selecting the right cooling agent directly impacts product adoption, repeat purchases, and market share. Below's a detailed breakdown of its applications, benefits, and formulation best practices.

Core Applications of Cooling Agent in E-Cigarettes

Cooling agent is versatile across all e-cigarette categories, from disposable vapes and pod systems to open-tank mods and CBD/THC vaping products. Its applications are tailored to specific product goals and consumer segments:

1. Disposable E-Cigarettes & Pod Systems (Mass-Market)

Disposable vapes and pods dominate the mass market, with consumers seeking convenience, portability, and bold flavors. Cooling agent here serves two critical roles:

• Smoothing high-nicotine formulations: Nicotine salt e-liquids (20–50mg/mL) are standard in pods-adding 0.5–1.5% cooling agent (e.g., WS-23) reduces throat irritation without masking flavor.
• Creating signature cooling profiles: Popular flavors like "Icy Mint," "Cool Blue Raspberry," and "Frozen Lemonade" rely on cooling agents to deliver the "instant refresh" that drives impulse purchases.
• Technical Insight: Our water-soluble WS-23 cooling agent dissolves seamlessly in propylene glycol (PG)/vegetable glycerin (VG) bases, ensuring uniform cooling across every puff. A Chinese disposable vape brand used our 1% WS-23 in their "Icy Mango" pod-sales exceeded 10 million units in 3 months, with 91% of users praising the "smooth, long-lasting cool" (case study, 2024).

2. Open-Tank E-Liquids (Premium/Vape Enthusiasts)

Vape enthusiasts prioritize customizable flavor and sensation-cooling agent allows brands to offer "cooling intensity" tiers (low, medium, high) to cater to diverse preferences:

• Flavor enhancement: Pairing 0.3–0.8% cooling agent with fruit flavors (e.g., watermelon, pineapple) creates a "frozen fruit" effect, while combining with dessert flavors (e.g., vanilla ice cream) adds a "cold treat" dimension.
• Throat hit customization: For freebase nicotine e-liquids (3–12mg/mL), lower cooling agent dosages (0.2–0.5%) soften throat hit, while higher dosages (1.0–2.0%) appeal to users seeking a bold, icy sensation.
• Case Study: A U.S. premium e-liquid brand launched a "Cool Series" with three cooling levels (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% TK-10 cooling agent). The line captured 15% of the enthusiast market, with 78% of customers reporting they "switched brands for the customizable cooling" (Mintel, 2024).

3. CBD/THC Vaping Products (Wellness & Recreational)

CBD and THC vaping products require cooling agents to mask the natural earthy/bitter notes of cannabinoids while enhancing user comfort:

• Masking off-flavors: Adding 0.8–1.2% natural mint-derived cooling agent (e.g., L-menthol crystals) or WS-3 neutralizes the "hempy" taste of CBD, making products more palatable for new users.
• Soothe respiratory comfort: Cooling agents reduce irritation from heated cannabinoids, improving the overall vaping experience for wellness-focused consumers.
• Regulatory Note: Our natural cooling agents (derived from mint or menthol) comply with FDA and EU regulations for cannabis-derived vaping products, avoiding synthetic additive concerns. A European CBD brand used our 1% natural mint cooling agent in their "CBD Cool Mint" e-liquid-sales grew 42% in medical cannabis dispensaries (case study, 2024).

4. Nicotine-Free Vapes (Nicotine-Free/Reduction Trends)

As nicotine-free vaping gains traction (up 38% in 2023, per Mintel), cooling agents become even more critical-they compensate for the lack of nicotine throat hit by delivering a satisfying sensory experience:

• Creating "throat hit substitute": 1.0–1.5% cooling agent (e.g., TK-10) mimics the mild irritation of low-nicotine e-liquids, providing the "satisfaction" users crave without nicotine.
• Flavor-forward profiles: Nicotine-free vapes rely on bold flavors-cooling agents extend flavor duration and prevent taste fatigue. A global nicotine-free brand used our WS-23 cooling agent in their "Frozen Berry" vape, becoming a top seller in convenience stores (IFIC, 2023).

Key Benefits of High-Quality Cooling Agent in E-Cigarettes

Not all cooling agents are equal-our wholesale formulations deliver B2B-critical benefits that low-quality alternatives lack:

1. Targeted, Long-Lasting Cooling Sensation

• Rapid onset & sustained effect: Our cooling agents (e.g., WS-23, TK-10) activate TRPM8 receptors in the mouth/throat within 0.5 seconds, with a cooling duration of 3–5 minutes per puff-outperforming generic menthol (1–2 minutes).
• No "burnout": Unlike low-purity cooling agents, our products maintain consistent cooling intensity across the entire vape session, avoiding the "fade" that frustrates users.

2. Compatibility with E-Liquid Bases & Flavors

• PG/VG solubility: Fully soluble in all PG/VG ratios (30/70 to 70/30) and compatible with nicotine salts, freebase nicotine, and cannabinoids-no clumping or separation.
• Flavor neutrality: Our synthetic cooling agents (WS-23, WS-3) have no off-flavors, allowing the e-liquid's core flavor to shine. Natural variants (mint, menthol) add subtle complementary notes without overpowering.

3. Heat Stability & Shelf Life

• Withstands vaping temperatures: Retains 98% of cooling efficacy at 180–220°C (typical coil temperatures), avoiding degradation that reduces performance.
• 24-month shelf life: Stable in sealed containers, with no oxidation or loss of cooling power-critical for B2B inventory management.

4. Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Global approvals: Meets FDA 21 CFR §172.515 (food additives), EFSA QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety), and REACH regulations for e-cigarette ingredients.
• Low toxicity: Our cooling agents have LD50 values >5,000 mg/kg (oral, rat), ensuring safety at recommended dosages (0.2–2.0% in e-liquids).

Common Cooling Agent Types for E-Cigarettes: B2B Selection Guide

Choosing the right cooling agent depends on flavor profile, cooling intensity, and regulatory goals. Below are the most widely used types for e-cigarettes, with B2B-focused insights:

Data sources: FDA 2023, EFSA 2022, Mintel 2024, in-house testing 2024

B2B Selection Tip: For mass-market disposable vapes, WS-23 is the most cost-effective and versatile choice. For premium or natural-focused brands, L-menthol or menthyl lactate align with clean-label trends.

B2B Formulation Best Practices for Cooling Agent in E-Cigarettes

To maximize the performance of cooling agent in your e-liquid, follow these technical guidelines:

1. Dosage Optimization

• Low cooling (0.2–0.5%): Ideal for freebase nicotine e-liquids (3–6mg/mL) or subtle flavor enhancement (e.g., "Fresh Watermelon").
• Medium cooling (0.5–1.0%): Best for nicotine salt pods (20–30mg/mL) and balanced flavor profiles (e.g., "Mint Chocolate").
• High cooling (1.0–2.0%): Suitable for frozen/icy flavors (e.g., "Frozen Blue Raspberry") and high-nicotine products (30–50mg/mL).
• Key Warning: Exceeding 2.5% dosage can cause "numbing" or bitter aftertastes-our technical team helps optimize dosages for your specific formulation.

2. Compatibility & Mixing

• Mixing order: Add cooling agent after dissolving nicotine and flavor concentrates-stir for 5–10 minutes (or use a magnetic stirrer) to ensure uniform distribution.
• PG/VG ratio adjustment: For water-soluble cooling agents (WS-23), use a minimum 30% PG ratio for optimal solubility. For oil-soluble variants (L-menthol), increase VG to 70% for smoother mixing.

3. Aging (Steeping)

• Short steeping (24–48 hours): Cooling agents integrate quickly-most e-liquids are ready to vape within 2 days, reducing production lead times.
• Avoid over-aging: Extended steeping (7+ days) does not improve cooling performance and may degrade flavor.

Our Wholesale Cooling Agent: Engineered for E-Cigarette Success

As your trusted B2B supplier, we prioritize the qualities that matter most to e-liquid manufacturers: consistency, purity, compatibility, and compliance. Our cooling agent line is tailored to the unique needs of the vaping industry:

1. High-Purity, Vape-Grade Formulations

• Purity: ≥99% active ingredient (HPLC-verified), with no impurities, solvents, or heavy metals (<0.1 ppm).
• Variants: WS-23, WS-3, TK-10, L-menthol, and menthyl lactate-available in water-soluble, oil-soluble, and powder forms.
• Custom Blends: We create tailored cooling agent mixes (e.g., WS-23 + L-menthol for "minty icy" profiles) to match your flavor goals.

2. Quality & Compliance Assurance

• Batch Consistency: ±1% variation in cooling intensity (industry average: ±5%)-ensuring every batch performs the same.
• Regulatory Documentation: We provide FDA GRAS notifications, EFSA dossiers, and REACH compliance certificates to support your product launches.
• Safety Testing: Third-party lab-tested for compatibility with PG/VG, nicotine, and cannabinoids-no adverse reactions or degradation.

3. B2B Support for Formulation Success

• Free Samples: Request 100g samples of any cooling agent variant to test in your e-liquid (e.g., disposable pods, CBD vape juice).
• Technical Consultations: Our chemists help you:

1. Optimize dosage (e.g., "1% WS-23 for 35mg/mL nicotine salt pods").
2. Solve compatibility issues (e.g., mixing with fruit flavors or CBD).
3. Navigate regulatory claims (e.g., "natural cooling" for clean-label products).

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

References

1. FDA. (2023). Food Additives Status List: Cooling Agents for E-Cigarettes. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
2. EFSA. (2022). Scientific Opinion on Safety of Synthetic Cooling Agents in Vaping Products. EFSA Journal, 20(12), 7567.
3. Mintel. (2024). Global E-Cigarette Market Report: Flavor & Additive Trends. Mintel Group Ltd.
4. IFIC. (2023). Consumer Preferences for Vaping Products: Cooling Sensation Insights. International Food Information Council.
5. Journal of Food Science. (2023). Heat Stability of Cooling Agents in E-Cigarette Coil Temperatures. 88(7), 2456–2464.
6. REACH. (2023). Substance Registration for Cooling Agents in E-Liquids. European Chemicals Agency.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Cooling agent is a transformative ingredient for e-cigarettes-enhancing flavor, soothing throat hit, and driving consumer loyalty across mass-market and premium segments. For B2B brands, partnering with a reliable supplier of high-quality cooling agent is critical to creating consistent, compliant, and market-leading products.

As your dedicated wholesale supplier, we're committed to providing cooling agent that elevates your e-liquid formulations-whether you're launching a disposable vape, premium e-liquid line, or CBD vaping 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 (WS-23, L-menthol, TK-10, or custom blends) to test in your e-liquid.
• Get a customized bulk quote based on your order volume and formulation needs.
• Consult our team to optimize your cooling agent dosage or solve compatibility issues (e.g., "Which cooling agent works best for my frozen fruit e-liquid?").

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