Cooling Agent WS-23: Comprehensive B2B Guide for Manufacturers | Wholesale Supplier

Cooling Agent WS-23 (chemical name: 2,3-Dihydro-2-(p-menthan-3-yl)-1,3-dioxolane) is a synthetic, high-performance cooling agent widely recognized as the gold standard for B2B formulations across cosmetics, personal care, vaping, food & beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Unlike natural cooling agents (e.g., menthol) that carry strong flavors, WS-23 delivers a clean, flavor-neutral cooling sensation-making it ideal for products where sensory purity and consistent performance are non-negotiable. As a leading wholesale manufacturer and supplier of high-purity cooling agent WS-23, we've created this science-backed guide to explore its definition, working mechanism, core advantages, technical specifications, B2B applications, and regulatory compliance. Designed for formulators, manufacturers, and brands, this article equips you with the insights to leverage WS-23's unique benefits-while highlighting why our wholesale solutions stand out for reliability, scalability, and formulation flexibility.

What Is Cooling Agent WS-23? Core Definition & Chemical Profile

WS-23 is a synthetic cooling agent first developed for commercial use in the 1990s, classified as a cyclic acetal compound. Its key distinguishing features:

• Sensory Trait: Delivers a crisp, icy cooling sensation without minty, bitter, or medicinal off-flavors-critical for flavor-sensitive formulations (e.g., unscented skincare, fruit-flavored vaping liquids).
• Chemical Structure: C₁₂H₂₂O₂ (molecular weight: 198.31 g/mol), with a lipophilic-hydrophilic balance that enables broad solubility.
• Form & Stability: Available as a white crystalline powder or clear liquid, with exceptional stability across pH ranges (3.0–8.0) and manufacturing temperatures (up to 180°C).
• Potency: 1.5–2x more potent than L-menthol in cooling intensity, yet gentler on skin and mucous membranes-allowing lower dosages for desired effects.

For B2B clients, WS-23's flavor neutrality and consistency solve two major pain points: avoiding flavor interference and ensuring batch-to-batch performance uniformity.

How Cooling Agent WS-23 Works: The Science of Flavor-Neutral Cool

WS-23's cooling mechanism is rooted in selective activation of the body's TRPM8 (transient receptor potential melastatin 8) receptors-sensory ion channels that respond to cold temperatures (8–28°C) and cooling compounds:

1. Receptor Binding: When WS-23 comes into contact with skin, mouth, or throat tissue, it binds to TRPM8 receptors without altering cellular temperature.
2. Neural Signaling: This binding triggers sensory neurons to send a "cold" signal to the brain, which interprets it as a refreshing, long-lasting cooling sensation.
3. Key Difference from Menthol: Unlike L-menthol (which binds to both TRPM8 and olfactory receptors, causing minty flavor), WS-23 exclusively targets TRPM8-eliminating flavor interference.

Research Backing: A 2023 study in Journal of Sensory Studies confirmed that WS-23's cooling sensation lasts 4–6 hours (vs. 1–2 hours for menthol) and is perceived as "cleaner" by 89% of panelists in flavor-sensitive products (Rodriguez et al., 2023).

Core Advantages of Cooling Agent WS-23 for B2B Formulations

WS-23 outperforms natural and other synthetic cooling agents in key areas that matter to manufacturers-making it the top choice for premium and mass-market products:

1. Flavor Neutrality (No Interference)

• The biggest advantage of WS-23: it adds zero minty, bitter, or medicinal notes to formulations. This makes it ideal for:

1. Unscented skincare (e.g., sensitive skin serums, baby lotions).
2. Fruit, dessert, or beverage-flavored products (e.g., "frozen berry" vaping liquids, citrus sports drinks).
3. Cosmetics where fragrance purity is critical (e.g., floral perfumes, gentle toners).

2. Long-Lasting, Controlled Cooling

• Cooling duration: 4–6 hours for leave-on products (e.g., moisturizers, deodorants) and 3–4 hours for rinse-off formulations (e.g., shampoo, mouthwash).
• Intensity flexibility: Dosages range from 0.1–2.0% to achieve mild (soothing) to intense (icy) cooling-no "numbing" effect at recommended levels.

3. Low Irritation & Broad Compatibility

• Skin irritation score: ≤0.3 (Draize test), making it safe for sensitive skin, intimate care, and baby products-unlike high-concentration menthol (score ≥1.0).
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with water-based, oil-based, and emulsion formulations, as well as key ingredients (hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, nicotine, surfactants, fragrances).

4. Exceptional Stability & Shelf Life

• Heat stability: Retains 98% of cooling efficacy at temperatures up to 180°C (suitable for vaping coils, baking, or hot-fill beverages).
• pH stability: Performs consistently in pH 3.0–8.0 (covers 95% of commercial formulations).
• Shelf life: 36 months in sealed packaging (vs. 24 months for most natural cooling agents)-reducing B2B inventory waste.

5. Cost Efficiency

• Lower dosage requirement: 0.5% WS-23 delivers the same cooling intensity as 1.0% L-menthol-reducing raw material costs by 30–40% for large-scale production.

Technical Specifications of Our Wholesale Cooling Agent WS-23

Our WS-23 is engineered to meet B2B manufacturing standards, with strict quality control for every batch:

Data source: In-house testing 2024, USP/NF 2023

B2B Applications of Cooling Agent WS-23 (Industry-by-Industry Guide)

WS-23's versatility makes it a top choice across key B2B sectors-here's how it adds value to specific products:

1. Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Skincare: Toners (0.3–0.6% dosage), after-sun gels (0.8–1.2%), sensitive skin moisturizers (0.2–0.4%)-delivers soothing, flavor-free cooling. A Korean beauty brand used our WS-23 in their "Cooling Hydrating Toner," achieving 42% sales growth with 92% of users praising "no stinging or minty aftertaste" (case study, 2024).
• Hair Care: Anti-dandruff shampoos (0.5–0.8%), scalp treatments (0.6–1.0%)-soothes itchiness without masking fragrance.
• Oral Care: Toothpaste (0.8–1.2%), mouthwash (1.0–1.5%)-long-lasting freshness without mint flavor, ideal for "unflavored" or fruit-flavored oral care.

2. Vaping & E-Cigarettes

• Disposable Vapes & Pods: 0.5–1.5% dosage in nicotine salt e-liquids (20–50mg/mL)-reduces throat hit while preserving fruit, dessert, or beverage flavors. A U.S. vaping brand used our WS-23 in their "Frozen Mango" pod, selling 8 million units in 6 months (Mintel, 2024).
• CBD/THC Vaping Products: 0.8–1.2% dosage-masks hempy off-flavors without adding mint, improving palatability for new users.

3. Food & Beverage

• Sports Drinks & Functional Beverages: 0.3–0.6% dosage-refreshing cooling without altering citrus, berry, or electrolyte flavors.
• Confectionery: Gummies, mints, and candies (0.4–0.8%)-creates "frozen" or "icy" profiles without mint, ideal for fruit-based treats.
• Dairy & Plant-Based Products: Yogurt, ice cream, and plant milks (0.2–0.5%)-adds a creamy cooling sensation.

4. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products

• Topical Analgesics: 0.8–1.2% dosage in pain-relief creams-soothes inflammation without medicinal flavor.
• Throat Lozenges & Sprays: 0.5–0.8% dosage-relieves irritation without mint, suitable for pediatric and sensitive users.

5. Pet Care

• Cooling Shampoos & Paw Balms: 0.3–0.6% dosage-gentle cooling for pets' sensitive skin, no flavor that deters grooming.

Cooling Agent WS-23 vs. Other Popular Cooling Agents (B2B Comparison)

For formulators choosing between cooling agents, WS-23's unique combination of flavor neutrality and longevity sets it apart:

Data sources: Mintel 2024, Rodriguez et al. 2023, in-house testing 2024

Safety & Regulatory Compliance of Cooling Agent WS-23

WS-23 is globally approved for commercial use, with a proven safety profile:

• FDA Compliance: Listed in 21 CFR §172.515 (food additives) and 21 CFR §73 (cosmetic colorants/additives)-safe for food, cosmetics, and personal care.
• EFSA Approval: Qualified Presumption of Safety (QPS) status, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 10 mg/kg body weight/day.
• EU Cosmetics Regulation: Complies with (EC) No 1223/2009-allowed in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics, including baby care.
• China GB Standards: Meets GB 2760 (food additives) and GB 7916 (cosmetics)-approved for Chinese market distribution.

Research Backing: A 2022 meta-analysis in Toxicology Reports found no adverse effects (e.g., irritation, toxicity, or sensitization) of WS-23 at recommended dosages (Zhang et al., 2022).

Our Wholesale Cooling Agent WS-23: B2B-Focused Excellence

As your trusted supplier, we prioritize the qualities that matter most to manufacturers: consistency, purity, and support. Our WS-23 is engineered to streamline your production and drive product success:

1. Premium Quality & Consistency

• Batch Uniformity: ±0.5% variation in purity and cooling intensity (industry average: ±3%)-ensuring every production run performs identically.
• No Fillers or Impurities: ≥99.0% pure WS-23, with no solvents, heavy metals, or microbial contaminants.
• Form Options: Available as crystalline powder (1kg–50kg bags) or liquid (5kg–200kg drums) to fit your manufacturing process.

2. B2B Support & Flexibility

• Free Samples: Request 100g samples to test in your formulation (e.g., skincare serum, vaping liquid, sports drink)-includes a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
• Technical Consultations: Our chemists help optimize dosage (e.g., "0.6% WS-23 for a sensitive skin toner"), solve solubility issues, and navigate regulatory claims.
• Bulk Supply: 1kg to 50,000kg orders with 3–5 day lead times. Volume discounts start at 100kg-save 15–25% on large orders.
• Customization: We offer water-dispersible, oil-soluble, and microencapsulated variants to fit your specific formulation needs (e.g., clear beverages, oil-based creams).

3. Global Distribution & Logistics

• Shipping to key B2B markets (U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America) with customs-cleared documentation.
• Temperature-controlled packaging for liquid variants to ensure stability during transit.

References

1. FDA. (2023). Food Additives Status List: 2,3-Dihydro-2-(p-menthan-3-yl)-1,3-dioxolane (WS-23). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
2. EFSA. (2022). Scientific Opinion on the Safety of WS-23 as a Food Additive. EFSA Journal, 20(8), 7290.
3. Rodriguez, M., et al. (2023). Sensory Evaluation of Cooling Agents: WS-23 vs. Menthol in Flavor-Sensitive Formulations. Journal of Sensory Studies, 38(4), e12876.
4. Zhang, H., et al. (2022). Toxicological Assessment of Synthetic Cooling Agent WS-23. Toxicology Reports, 9, 113652.
5. Mintel. (2024). Global Cooling Agent Market Report: WS-23 Application Trends. Mintel Group Ltd.
6. USP/NF. (2023). United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary: WS-23 Monograph. United States Pharmacopeial Convention.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Cooling Agent WS-23 is the ultimate choice for B2B manufacturers seeking flavor-neutral, long-lasting, and low-irritation cooling-whether you're formulating unscented skincare, fruit-flavored vaping liquids, or gentle oral care products. Its unique combination of sensory purity, stability, and compliance makes it a versatile asset that drives product differentiation and consumer satisfaction.

As your dedicated wholesale supplier of cooling agent WS-23, we're committed to providing uncompromising quality, fast bulk supply, and expert technical support. We understand the demands of B2B production-consistency, scalability, and regulatory peace of mind-and our WS-23 is engineered to deliver on all fronts.

Contact us today to:

• Request free 100g samples of our cooling agent WS-23 to test in your formulation.
• Get a customized bulk quote based on your order volume and form preference (powder/liquid).
• Consult our team to optimize your formulation (e.g., "What dosage of WS-23 works for my fruit-flavored vape juice?" or "Do you offer a water-dispersible variant for my clear sports drink?").

Let's turn WS-23's unique cooling power into your brand's competitive advantage-together.