Cooling Agent Alternatives for Alcohol Spray

Asked by: wipawadee1992 On: March 13, 2022 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

Seeking alternative cooling agents for an alcohol-based spray formulation, as 3% Freeze Me™ did not provide sufficient cooling. Specifically asking about the suitability and usage rates of CoolTouch™ and WS-23 Cooling Agent to achieve a stronger cooling sensation.

Answer

Yes, CoolTouch™ (Menthyl Lactate) and WS-23 Cooling Agent (Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide) are indeed suitable alternatives to Freeze Me™ (Menthone Glycerin Acetal) for creating a cooling sensation in your spray formulation. Both CoolTouch™ and WS-23 can be dissolved in Ethyl Alcohol, which is the base you are using.

Different cooling agents have varying potencies and recommended usage rates. The fact that 3% Freeze Me™ in Ethyl Alcohol did not provide sufficient cooling suggests that you may need to use a higher concentration of Freeze Me™ or consider agents known for stronger cooling effects at lower percentages.

Based on the product information:

  • CoolTouch™ (Menthyl Lactate) is typically used at a rate of 0.1-1%. It provides a cooling sensation that is generally considered gentler than Menthol.
  • WS-23 Cooling Agent (Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide) is typically used at a rate of 0.1-0.5%. WS-23 is known for providing a strong, long-lasting cooling effect without the minty odor or potential irritation associated with Menthol.

You could try using CoolTouch™ or WS-23 within their recommended ranges in your Ethyl Alcohol base. You might find that a lower percentage of WS-23, for example, provides a more noticeable cooling effect than 3% Freeze Me™.

Other cooling agents you might consider exploring include CoCool™ (a blend of Menthol and Menthyl Lactate), Water-Cool™ (a water-soluble option, though your base is alcohol), WS-3 Cooling Agent, Long-Cool™ (Encapsulated Menthol), Cooling Green Beads (Menthol Encapsulation), or Menthol Water Soluble. Each has unique properties regarding cooling intensity, duration, and solubility.

Experimenting with different cooling agents and concentrations is key to achieving your desired cooling sensation.

Answer Update
Updated Review: May 2026

This section was added after reviewing the original answer against current product availability and formulation knowledge at the stated point in time.

Update as of 2026-05-31: CoolTouch™ (Menthyl Lactate) and WS-23 Cooling Agent remain suitable choices for an ethyl alcohol-based cooling spray, since both are listed as soluble in Ethyl Alcohol and are used at relatively low levels: CoolTouch™ 0.1-1% and WS-23 0.1-0.5%. CoCool™ (Menthol + Menthyl Lactate) is another alcohol-soluble option, typically used around 0.1-5%, but it contains menthol and will give a menthol character.

For skin spray use, Lip Cool™ / WS-3 should not be treated as a direct alternative to Freeze Me™, because the current catalog notes it is suitable only for lip products and cannot cool the skin. Water-Cool™, Menthol Water Soluble, and Long-Cool™ are better considered when the formula is water-based or needs water dispersibility/longer release, not as the first choice for a 97% ethyl alcohol spray.

Tags

Spray Cooling Sensation Ingredient Alternatives Solubility Effectiveness