Why Your Menthol Base Isn’t Working: Cooling Agent Selection Errors Explained

Introduction: The Cooling Dilemma in E-liquid Formulation

Menthol has long been a go-to ingredient for delivering a crisp, icy kick in vape liquids. Yet, formulators frequently face one frustrating challenge: why doesn’t the menthol base deliver the expected cooling effect? The truth is, not all cooling sensations are created equal, and the culprit often lies in improper selection of synthetic cooling agents like WS-3, WS-23, WS-5, and others.

Hierarchy of Cooling Agents

In this technical deep dive, we’ll explore:

• How menthol works and why it’s limited

• The chemistry and characteristics of modern cooling agents

• Common formulation errors and how to correct them

• Comparative analysis: WS-3 vs WS-23

• A professional flavor house’s advice (CUIGUAI Flavoring’s recommendation)

• How to layer cooling effects effectively

• Best practices for formulation

1. Menthol: Benefits, Limits, and Misconceptions

1.1 What Menthol Is (and Isn’t)

Menthol, a natural compound found in mint oils, activates TRPM8 cold receptors in the mouth and throat. However, its:

• High volatility

• Bitter taste at higher dosages

• Low solubility in VG/PG

…make it problematic for high-performance vaping applications, especially when cooling without mint flavor is desired.

1.2 Why Menthol Alone Fails

• Short Cooling Duration

• Flavor Suppression: It often mutes fruit or dessert flavors.

• Physical Texture Issues: Recrystallization in storage.

• Harsh Throat Hit: Not ideal for all users.

2. Enter WS-Series: The Modern Cooling Agents

2.1 What Are WS Compounds?

WS stands for “Water Soluble,” and includes synthetic cooling compounds developed to offer cooling without the flavor of mint. These include:

Comparison Table: WS-3 vs WS-23 vs Menthol

2.2 WS-3 vs WS-23: The Real Comparison

WS-3:

• Gentle, long-lasting

• Suitable for dessert, fruit, and floral vapes

• Great for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping

WS-23:

• Powerful, immediate

• Popular in ice-fruit blends

• Ideal for DL (direct-lung) vaping

Common Mistake: Assuming WS-23 is always better. In reality, it’s not suitable for delicate flavor systems.

3. Common Formulation Errors with Cooling Agents

3.1 Overdosing WS-23

• Creates a “numbing” effect that blocks flavor

• Can cause irritation in the nasal cavity

• Results in user fatigue

3.2 Neglecting Solubility Factors

WS compounds vary in solubility. Improper suspension leads to layering or hot spots, particularly in high VG environments.

3.3 Lack of Cooling Layer Strategy

• Single-agent use gives flat effect

• Ignoring temporal layering(initial hit vs lingering) leads to unnatural profiles

4. Smart Cooling Strategies: Layering for Optimal Sensation

4.1 Temporal Cooling: Fast vs Slow Onset

Combining WS-23 (fast) with WS-3 (slow) can give a multi-dimensional cooling effect that:

• Hits quickly

• Lingers gradually

• Enhances mouthfeel without masking flavors

4.2 Throat vs Mouth Cooling

Think of your user’s goal:

• Refreshing fruit vapes: WS-23 + WS-3

• Creamy desserts: WS-3 only

• Strong ice hits: Add WS-5 with caution

• 

  Cooling Layer Strategy

  5. Solving Real-World Formulation Issues

  5.1 Case Study: Fruity Menthol Vape

  Problem: Apple mint vape feels too harsh and overpowering.

  Diagnosis:

  • Too much WS-23

  • Menthol + WS-23 combo amplifying throat hit

  • No temporal layering

  Solution:

  • Replace menthol with WS-3

  • Add 0.2% WS-23 for kick

  • Optional: add ethyl maltol for smoothness

  5.2 Case Study: “Cool Vanilla” That Isn’t Cool

  Problem: Vanilla flavor feels warm and lacks expected cooling.

  Diagnosis:

  • Incompatible with menthol

  • No cooling agent used

  Solution:

  • WS-3 at 0.4%

  • Tiny amount of WS-12 to brighten mouthfeel

  • No menthol to avoid minty notes

  6. Regulatory & Safety Considerations

  6.1 GRAS Status

  Many WS compounds are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) in food usage, but vaping safety data is limited. Stick to:

  • Purity ≥99%

  • Verified suppliers

  6.2 Avoiding Impurities

  • Poor-quality WS-23 can contain residual solvents

  • Use suppliers with COA, GC-MS verified

  7. CUIGUAI Flavoring’s Professional Cooling Solutions

  CUIGUAI Flavoring offers a refined set of cooling agent pre-blends optimized for vape use, including:

  • WS-3/WS-23 hybrid solutions

  • Menthol-free “cool base” options

  • Trace-compound balanced formulationsthat prevent flavor distortion

  ❄️ Recommended Product: “CUIGUAI ColdCraft™ Base WS Series”
  Optimized for high VG environments, with smooth delivery and lasting chill.

  8. Best Practices for Cooling Agent Use

  8.1 Dosage Guide (for 30mL bottles)

  Agent	Light Effect	Standard	Strong
  WS-3	0.1%	0.3%	0.5%
  WS-23	0.05%	0.2%	0.4%
  Menthol	0.1%	0.4%	0.6%

  Combine agents carefully. Always test small batches before scaling.

  8.2 VG/PG Compatibility

  • WS-23 dissolves quickly in PG

  • WS-3 needs heat stirring in VG-heavy formulas

  8.3 Storage & Handling

  • Store below 25°C

  • Keep in amber glass to prevent degradation

  • Avoid long-term exposure to air

  Conclusion: Fixing Cooling Mistakes for Better Vape Experience

  If your menthol base isn’t delivering, the issue is rarely “not enough menthol.” Instead, it’s an imprecise approach to cooling agent selection and layering.

  To improve your e-liquid formulations:

  • Understand the cooling agents

  • Use them with strategy, not guesswork

  • Partner with professional suppliers like CUIGUAI Flavoring

  • 

    Do’s and Don’ts for Cooling Agent Formulation

    Want to Create a Signature Cool Vape Formula?

    🔬 Contact CUIGUAI Flavoring for custom blended WS formulations designed for your unique brand concept. Your signature chill, scientifically crafted.

    Keywords:  WS-3 vs WS-23, cooling effect vape, menthol alternatives, cooling agent for vape juice, E-liquid cooling guide,CUIGUAI Flavoring
    Author: R&D Team, CUIGUAI Flavoring

    Published by: Guangdong Unique Flavor Co., Ltd.

    Last Updated: Jun 12, 2025