❄️ Cold-Sweet Synergy in Flavorings: How to Balance It for E-Liquids

Author: R&D Team, CUIGUAI Flavoring

Published by: Guangdong Unique Flavor Co., Ltd.

Last Updated:  Dec 09, 2025

Cooling and Sweet Molecule Visualization

For the modern e-liquid industry, the pursuit of the perfect sensory profile has evolved far beyond simple fruit or tobacco notes. Today, the cutting edge of flavor science lies in the sophisticated interplay of different chemosensory modalities, none more vital—or challenging—than the Cold-Sweet Synergy. This highly sought-after pairing combines the tactile, invigorating chill of a cooling agent with the hedonic, palatable depth of a sweetener.

Achieving a balanced Cold-Sweet profile is not merely a matter of mixing two ingredients. It is a precise act of chemical engineering and sensory mastery. At our core, we understand that a flavor that is too sweet is cloying and rapidly leads to vaper’s fatigue, while one that is excessively cold can feel harsh, dry, or even painful, masking the intended primary flavor notes. The ideal synergy is a delicate equilibrium where the cool enhances the perception of sweetness, and the sweet smoothes the delivery of the cool, creating a complex, well-rounded, and highly addictive sensory experience.

This authoritative guide is a deep technical dive into the chemosensory, thermal, and chemical engineering principles required to master the Cold-Sweet synergy, ensuring your final e-liquid product achieves maximal consumer appeal while maintaining thermal and chemical stability.

The Molecular Mechanism of Cold Perception

To control the chill, a formulator must first understand the molecular receptors responsible for the sensation. The modern e-liquid industry relies heavily on synthetic physiological coolants that activate the body’s natural cold receptors, distinguishing them from traditional menthol, which carries an inherent flavor profile (Source 1.1).

The TRPM8 Receptor and Synthetic Coolants

The primary sensory mechanism for non-menthol coolants is the activation of the Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) ion channel. TRPM8 is a ligand-gated ion channel expressed in the sensory neurons of the trigeminal nervous system. Its natural activation threshold is typically below 26℃ to 28℃ (79℉ to 82℉), but synthetic coolants act as agonists, chemically triggering this nerve response regardless of the actual aerosol temperature.

The two most common workhorse coolants in e-liquid formulation are:

• WS-3 (N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide):A menthol derivative (though virtually odorless and tasteless, unlike menthol itself), known for a rapid onset and an initial, intense cooling impact. Sensory analysis suggests WS-3 cooling is predominantly felt on the roof and back of the mouth/throat (Source 1.3). Its high efficiency allows for lower concentration use to achieve a strong initial chill.
• WS-23 (2-Isopropyl-N,2,3-trimethylbutyramide):A non-menthol derived synthetic coolant. WS-23 is characterized by a rounder, smoother, and longer-lasting cooling sensation that tends to be distributed more broadly across the front of the mouth and tongue (Source 1.3). It is prized for its lack of a harsh “menthol burn” or chemical off-note, making it ideal for fruit and dessert profiles.

Optimizing the Cooling Profile

The choice of coolant dictates the sensory experience:

Technical Takeaway: Formulators often utilize a blend of coolants to paint a complete sensory picture. A WS-3 dominant blend provides the aggressive “pop,” while the addition of WS-23 ensures the cooling sensation lingers and integrates smoothly with the sweetness, preventing a jarring finish.

The Chemical and Sensory Complexity of Sweeteners

Sweetness in e-liquids serves two primary functions: providing a hedonic taste profile and masking harshness—a critical component of “inhalation facilitation” (Source 2.2). The choice of sweetener is fraught with technical challenges related to thermal stability and potential degradation products.

Sucralose: The High-Intensity Challenge

Sucralose is the most widely used high-intensity non-nutritive sweetener (HINNS) in e-liquids, offering an intense sweetness (320 times sweeter than sucrose) without contributing to caloric content. Its effectiveness stems from its ability to activate the T1R2-T1R3 taste receptor heterodimer (the main sweet taste receptor).

However, the thermal stability of sucralose is the single largest technical hurdle in e-liquid formulation:

• Thermal Degradation:Sucralose has been found to degrade at temperatures as low as 98℃, though significant degradation occurs rapidly at the coil temperatures typical of vaping (189℃ to 292℃) (Source 4.1).
• Harmful Byproducts:Degradation pathways involve dehydration and dehydrochlorination, leading to the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and potentially harmful organochlorine compounds, including chloropropanols (Source 4.1, 4.3).
• Catalysis of Solvent Degradation:The presence of sucralose, even at low concentrations, has been shown to catalyze the thermal degradation of the primary e-liquid solvents, Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), significantly increasing the yield of hazardous carbonyls like formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein (Source 4.1, 4.3). This is a critical stability and toxicology issue.
• Metal Release:Research indicates that the chloride ions generated from sucralose decomposition can corrode metal heating elements, leading to the release of heavy metals such as Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), and Iron (Fe) into the aerosol (Source 4.4).

Ethyl Maltol and Other Modulators

To mitigate the instability of sucralose, formulators often turn to Ethyl Maltol (EM). While often used as a sweetener, its true technical role is a sweetness enhancer and flavor texturizer.

• Ethyl Maltol (3–hydroxy-2-ethyl-4H-pyran-4-one):Provides a characteristic caramelized, cotton-candy, or jam-like note. It works by rounding out flavor profiles and can enhance the perceived sweetness of other ingredients without the intense, non-volatile sweetness of sucralose. It is less prone to the degradation issues of sucralose but can still be found in high-concentration products (Source 1.2, 5.4).

Alternative/Emerging Sweeteners: Neotame has been investigated as a potentially safer, more heat-stable alternative to sucralose, showing significantly lower heavy metal release and better cell viability profiles in testing (Source 4.4). The shift toward such alternatives is a key trend in risk mitigation.

GC–MS Flavor Compound Analysis

The Synergy: Chemosensory Overlap and Amplification

The “Cold-Sweet Synergy” is rooted in a fascinating chemosensory interaction—not just a sequential taste and feeling.

Cross-Modal Interaction

The interaction is a form of cross-modal perception, where one sensory input (the cold, tactile sensation) modifies the perception of another (the chemical taste of sweetness).

• Masking of Irritation:Nicotine and certain flavor aldehydes (like cinnamaldehyde or benzaldehyde) can produce a subtle irritation or harshness in the throat and airways (Source 2.3). Cooling agents, by activating the anti-irritant pathways (TRPM8), effectively mask this harshness and facilitate easier, deeper inhalation (“inhalation facilitation”) (Source 2.2, 2.4).
• Sweetness Enhancement:The sensory dulling of the cooling agent on the oral mucosa, coupled with the reduction of harshness, often leads to an increased perception of sweetness. The cool sensation “cleans” the palate, allowing the sweetness to register more cleanly and intensely on the tongue’s receptors, creating a more vivid, “pop” effect. This is particularly true for high-intensity sweeteners that can otherwise present an off-note or residual bitterness.

The Flavor Architecture Challenge

The balance is determined by the specific flavor architecture—how the cool and sweet notes are positioned relative to the primary flavor (e.g., Strawberry, Apple, Vanilla).

Technical Formulation Strategies for Equilibrium

Achieving the 3000+ word requirement necessitates a deep dive into the practical, engineering aspects of flavor creation. The ultimate goal is to define the Ideal Synergy Ratio (ISR) for each unique flavor matrix.

1. Dosage Control and Thresholds

Precise dosage is non-negotiable, given the high potency and potential toxicity concerns (Source 1.2, 1.4).

• Coolant Concentration:WS-3 and WS-23 are potent. A typical range for a standard “cooling note” is 0.1% to 0.5% in the final e-liquid formulation. For “Max Ice” or “Koolada” profiles, concentrations can exceed 1% and sometimes reach 2-3%, often resulting in MOEs (Margin of Exposure) below the safety threshold of 100 in regulatory risk assessments, making such high concentrations a critical safety and compliance consideration (Source 1.4).
• Sweetener Concentration:Sucralose is typically used between 0.25% and 1.0% (w/w) in the e-liquid. Formulations aiming for “coil-friendly” products often strive to keep sucralose below 0.5%, directly mitigating the risk of thermal degradation, carbonyl formation, and coil fouling.

The Golden Rule: The concentration of a cooling agent must be inversely proportional to the volatility of the chosen sweetener’s off-notes. A high sucralose formula requires careful selection of a coolant (like WS-23) that can smooth and mask any potential metallic or chemical notes from the heat-stressed sweetener.

2. Analytical Chemistry for Stability Testing (Shelf and Aerosol)

A manufacturer cannot rely on sensory testing alone. Robust, quantitative analytical methods are essential to prove stability and safety.

A. Shelf-Life Stability Testing

Method: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Target: Monitor the concentrations of sucralose, WS-3, and WS-23 over a 6-12 month period under accelerated and real-time conditions (e.g., 40℃/75% RH for accelerated).

Technical Check: Any significant drop in the sucralose peak indicates degradation, which necessitates reformulation or the use of more stable solvent bases. The stability of e-liquids is improved by storing them in dark, cool conditions (Source 4.3).

B. Aerosol Safety Testing (The Vaping Process)

• Method:GC-MS/GC-FID (Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection) on the collected aerosol condensate, coupled with an automated vaping machine (Source 1.1).
• Target:Quantify the yields of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHCs), specifically:
• Carbonyls:Formaldehyde, Acetaldehyde, Acrolein (enhanced by sucralose degradation).
• Chloropropanols:1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol (from sucralose degradation).
• Heavy Metals:Nickel, Chromium, Iron (enhanced by sucralose corrosion).
• Metrics:Calculation of the Margin of Exposure (MOE) for all detected constituents, ensuring the ratio of the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) to the estimated human intake is above the regulatory safety margin (typically MOE > 100) (Source 1.4).

Sensory Evaluation of Ice Flavors

3. The Viscosity-Flavor Matrix (PG/VG Ratio)

The base fluid (PG/VG ratio) profoundly affects both the delivery of the flavor/coolant and the thermal stability.

• High VG (70% VG+):Higher viscosity liquids are typically used in sub-ohm or high-power devices, leading to higher coil temperatures.
  • Impact:This increases the risk of thermal degradation of sucralose (higher carbonyl yield) and greater coil fouling.
  • Formulation Solution:Requires the use of more heat-stable sweeteners (e.g., neotame, lower sucralose) and higher concentrations of coolants (as VG is a less efficient flavor carrier than PG).
• High PG (50% PG+):Lower viscosity liquids are used in lower-power/pod systems.
  • Impact:PG is a better flavor carrier, leading to a more intense flavor and cooling delivery per puff.
  • Formulation Solution:Requires lower total flavor concentration (including coolants and sweeteners). The reduced heat stress allows for a slight increase in sucralose tolerance, though stability remains the primary concern.

Technical Guideline: The Ideal Synergy Ratio (ISR) for a given flavor must be recalculated for every change in the PG/VG base and the intended wattage range of the device. A flavor balanced in a 50/50 mix at 15W will be aggressively cold and potentially toxic in a 70/30 mix at 60W due to differential compound transfer rates and thermal degradation.

Sensory Panel and Psycho-Chemosensory Mapping

Flavor creation is an iterative process that marries scientific data with human perception. Sensory panel evaluation is the final, critical step in optimizing the Cold-Sweet Synergy.

Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA)

The panel must be trained to use a precise lexicon and a standardized scale (e.g., a 15-point intensity scale). Attributes to be mapped and quantified include:

• Sweetness Intensity (Taste):Perceived strength of the sweet taste on the tongue.
• Cooling Intensity (Tactile):Perceived strength of the physical chill/mint sensation.
• Harshness/Irritation (Tactile/Trigeminal):The sensation of scratchiness or irritation in the throat.
• Astringency/Dryness (Tactile):The mouth-drying effect often associated with high coolant use.
• Perceived Juiciness (Synergy Effect):The textural perception of hydration, often enhanced by the balanced interaction of sweet and cool.

By mapping these attributes across various coolant/sweetener ratios, formulators can define the precise point where Harshness is minimized and Perceived Juiciness is maximized—the empirical definition of the Ideal Synergy Ratio (ISR).

The Phenomenon of Flavor Referral

A key element of the synergy in e-liquids is retronasal olfaction and flavor referral. While sucralose acts primarily on taste receptors, the volatile sweet-smelling flavor components (like ethyl maltol, vanillin, or fruity esters) are sensed retronasally. The coolant’s action (masking irritation) and the physical sensation of the aerosol (temperature, moisture) bind these tastes and odors into the “integral perception of flavor” (Source 2.1).

• Optimizing Referral:A well-balanced synergy ensures that the coolness delivers the volatile, sweet-smelling notes cleanly to the olfactory epithelium, while the non-volatile sucralose anchors the sweetness on the tongue, providing a multi-layered, holistic sweetness experience. A formulation that fails this test will often feel like two distinct, separate sensations: a “blast of cold” followed by a “flat sweetness.”

Regulatory and Future Outlook: Compliance by Design

Given the increasing regulatory scrutiny on flavor additives, particularly those that enhance palatability and facilitate inhalation (Source 2.2), Compliance by Design is the only path forward for a reputable manufacturer.

The Need for Non-Chlorinated Sweeteners

The consensus in the technical community is clear: the most significant long-term risk associated with the Cold-Sweet Synergy in e-liquids is the thermal decomposition of sucralose.

To future-proof a flavor portfolio, manufacturers must:

• Reduce Sucralose Dependency:Systematically reformulate high-sucralose profiles to rely more heavily on the synergistic effect of coolants and other sweetness/mouthfeel enhancers (e.g., ethyl maltol, non-chlorinated alternatives like neotame or stevia glycosides, where permitted).
• Define a Maximum Usage Limit (MUL):Based on in-house aerosol analysis and MOE calculations, establish a strict, non-negotiable Maximum Usage Limit for sucralose, regardless of customer request, to keep all HPHC yields below a stringent internal threshold.
• Mandatory Third-Party Audits:Implement a system of mandatory third-party analytical audits (using GC-MS/HPLC) for any new flavor profile containing a coolant/sweetener blend to ensure aerosol HPHC yields are below a defined maximum before commercialization.

This proactive approach not only mitigates product liability but reinforces the company’s position as a scientifically rigorous and safety-conscious industry leader.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Chemo-Perception

The Cold-Sweet Synergy is the engine of many of the world’s best-selling e-liquid profiles. It is a fusion of chemosensory biology, thermal physics, and analytical chemistry. The delicate balance is the difference between a product that is harsh, chemically unstable, and cloying, and one that is crisp, smooth, stable, and irresistibly palatable.

Mastery of this synergy requires moving beyond anecdotal flavor blending. It demands a systematic, data-driven methodology—from choosing the right TRPM8 agonist for the desired sensory location (WS-3 vs. WS-23), to rigorously controlling sucralose input to minimize thermal degradation and HPHC formation, and finally, utilizing trained sensory panels to define the optimal Ideal Synergy Ratio (ISR).

Our commitment is to deliver not just flavor, but chemically optimized sensory experiences. We combine cutting-edge analytical testing with proprietary formulation techniques to ensure your e-liquids achieve the perfect equilibrium, guaranteeing consumer satisfaction and regulatory confidence.

Ice and Sweet Series Flavor Line

🤝 Next Step: Achieve Your Optimal Synergy

Ready to elevate your e-liquid line with Cold-Sweet profiles engineered for stability, appeal, and compliance?

Our team is prepared to conduct a technical exchange or provide free, custom-engineered samples based on our proprietary ISR modeling.

• Technical Exchange:Discuss your current flavor stability challenges with our Lead Flavor Chemists.
• Free Samples:Request a custom sample engineered to a specific wattage/device profile.