Alternative Finer Cooling Agent for Cosmetic Powder (Replacing Encapsulated Menthol)
Question
In a cosmetic powder formulation containing Long-Cool™ (Encapsulated Menthol), the customer reports that the product has a coarser texture than regular powder because the Long-Cool™ particle size is large, leading to poor flow.
We need to know:
- Is there a finer powder version of Long-Cool™ available?
- Are there alternative cooling agents that provide a long-lasting cooling effect but are finer in particle size to improve the texture and flow of the formula, which also includes menthol crystals, fragrance, thymol, and other ingredients?
Answer
Regarding your cosmetic powder formulation using Long-Cool™ (Encapsulated Menthol) (ID 10993), the issue of coarseness is common. The particle size is a result of the encapsulation process using Hydroxypropyl Beta Cyclodextrin, which is necessary to achieve the prolonged cooling effect.
1. Finer Version of Long-Cool™:
There is no known finer version of Long-Cool™ (ID 10993) available that maintains the same encapsulated structure. For a fine powder formula like yours, the particle size of this encapsulated material will inherently be larger than the base powder, leading to the rough texture and poor flow you described.
2. Alternative Finer Cooling Agents for Powder Formulas:
To achieve a smooth texture and good flow while maintaining a long-lasting cool, we recommend switching to synthetic cooling agents (WS series), which are fine powders and do not rely on large-particle encapsulation.
The best alternative for a fine powder formula is:
- WS-23 Cooling Agent (Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide) (ID 2225):
- Texture: It is a very fine, white powder, making it highly compatible with cosmetic powder bases (talc, starch, etc.) without adding coarseness.
- Cooling Profile: Provides a clean, long-lasting cooling sensation that is less "menthol-like" and less irritating than menthol crystals, making it ideal for enhancing the cooling effect in your formula (which already contains menthol crystals and thymol).
- Solubility: It is oil-soluble but can be easily dispersed and mixed into a dry powder base.
Other Option:
- Lip Cool™ (WS-3 Cooling Agent) (ID 1007): This is another fine powder alternative that provides a strong, long-lasting cool. It is also highly suitable for dry powder applications.
Recommendation Summary:
To resolve the texture issue, replace Long-Cool™ (ID 10993) with WS-23 Cooling Agent (ID 2225). This will ensure a smooth, fine powder texture while still providing a noticeable and long-lasting cooling effect that complements the menthol and thymol already present in your formula. Ensure the WS agent is thoroughly blended into the powder base.
Related Products Mentioned
Lip Cool™ (WS-3 Cooling Agent)
