What is WS-23 Cooling Agent?-cnherbflavor.com

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What is WS-23 Cooling Agent?

January 10 , 2025

Cooling agents have become essential components in various industries, especially in food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. Among the most widely used and effective cooling agents is WS-23, a compound known for providing a clean, long-lasting cooling sensation without the minty flavor typically associated with menthol. Here we present the properties, applications and benefits of WS-23 cooling agent, giving you a comprehensive understanding of its role in modern product formulations.

1. Understanding WS-23: Characteristics and Mechanism

WS-23 belongs to a class of synthetic cooling agents designed to mimic the cooling effect of menthol without altering the flavor profile of the product. Unlike menthol, WS-23 offers a neutral cooling sensation and is known for its smooth, well-rounded cooling impact.

The key mechanism of WS-23 involves stimulating the cold-sensitive receptors (TRPM8) in the mouth, skin, or other body areas. This stimulation tricks the brain into perceiving a cooling effect, even in the absence of any temperature change. Because WS-23 delivers a non-irritating, gentle cooling experience, it is a preferred ingredient for sensitive applications like lip balms, creams, and flavored beverages.

2. Advantages of WS-23 Over Other Cooling Agents

When compared to other cooling agents such as WS-3, WS-5, or menthol, WS-23 offers several unique advantages:

Flavor Neutrality: One of the biggest benefits of WS-23 is its flavorless cooling effect, which ensures that the original taste of the product remains unchanged. This makes it ideal for flavored drinks, chewing gums, and pharmaceutical syrups.
Smooth Cooling Sensation: WS-23 produces a cooler, smoother sensation compared to WS-3 and WS-5, which tend to provide a stronger, sometimes overpowering cooling effect.
Lower Dosage Requirement: Due to its high cooling efficacy, WS-23 requires a relatively low concentration to achieve the desired effect, making it cost-effective for manufacturers.
Versatility: WS-23 is compatible with a wide range of formulations, including water-based, oil-based, and alcohol-based products.

3. Common Applications of WS-23

Cooling Agent WS 23

1) Food and Beverage Industry

In the food and beverage industry, WS-23 is used to create refreshing products without adding any minty or menthol taste. Popular applications include:

Carbonated drinks: Adds a cooling sensation without altering the flavor.
Confectionery: Enhances the refreshing feel of candies, gums, and mints.
Dairy products: Used in flavored milk and yogurts to enhance the sensory experience.

2) Personal Care and Cosmetics

WS-23 is widely used in personal care products due to its non-irritating cooling effect. Common applications include:

Lip balms and glosses: Provides a gentle cooling effect for a refreshing feel.
Lotions and creams: Used in after-sun products and moisturizers for a soothing effect on the skin.
Toothpaste and mouthwash: Offers a clean, cool sensation without the strong minty taste of menthol.

3) Pharmaceutical Products

In pharmaceutical formulations, WS-23 is used to improve the palatability of oral medications and to create a cooling effect in topical products like analgesic creams and ointments.

4. How to Incorporate WS-23 in Product Formulations

When adding WS-23 to a product, careful consideration of dosage is crucial to ensure the desired level of cooling without any adverse effects. The typical concentration ranges from 0.2% to 1.0%, depending on the type of product and the required intensity of cooling.

For water-based formulations, WS-23 is often pre-dissolved in alcohol or propylene glycol to enhance solubility and ensure uniform distribution throughout the mixture. In oil-based formulations, it can be directly added and blended using emulsifiers to maintain stability.

5. Comparing WS-23 with Other Cooling Agents

There are several other cooling agents available on the market, including WS-3, WS-5, and menthol derivatives. Below is a brief comparison to highlight the differences:
Cooling Agent Cooling Strength Flavor Impact Application Versatility

Cooling Agent	Cooling Strength	Flavor Impact	Application Versatility
WS-23	Medium	Flavorless	High
WS-3	Strong	Slightly minty	Moderate
WS-5	Very strong	Slightly bitter	Moderate
Menthol	Strong	Distinct minty flavor	Low

As shown, WS-23 offers a balanced cooling strength with no flavor interference, making it the ideal choice for applications that require flavor integrity.

As a result, cooling agents such as WS-23 are becoming increasingly popular in the food, personal care and pharmaceutical industries as consumer demand for unique sensory experiences continues to grow. Ongoing research is aimed at improving the stability and environmental sustainability of cooling compounds. WS-23's neutral flavor, smooth cooling effect and versatile compatibility make it a top choice for creating refreshing products, helping manufacturers meet evolving market expectations.

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Cooling agent ( cool feeling )