What is koolada, and how is it different from menthol?
What koolada is, how it differs from menthol as a cooling agent in shaving soaps and aftershaves, and when each is used, no minty smell vs a bracing chill.
Koolada is a synthetic cooling agent that produces a cold sensation like menthol, but with almost no scent and a smoother, less “sharp” feel. The name is a trade term for compounds such as WS-23 and WS-3. It is used in shaving soaps, aftershaves and other products when a maker wants the cooling without menthol's minty smell or bite. Here is how the two compare.
What is koolada?
Koolada is the common name for a family of synthetic cooling agents (notably WS-23 and WS-3) developed as menthol alternatives. Like menthol, they activate the body's cold-sensing pathway to create a cooling feel, but they are largely odourless and tend to feel smoother and longer-lasting, without menthol's characteristic mint aroma or the occasional harsh edge. (This describes the sensory effect, not a medical benefit.)
Koolada vs menthol: what's the difference?
| Attribute | Menthol | Koolada (WS-23 / WS-3) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural (from mint) | Synthetic |
| Smell | Minty | Essentially odourless |
| Cooling feel | Sharp, bracing | Smoother, rounder |
| Effect on scent | Adds a mint note | Lets the intended scent shine |
| Eye/sensitive-area sting | Pronounced | Generally milder |
Why would a maker use koolada instead of menthol?
- To cool a non-mint scent. Menthol's smell clashes with, say, a citrus or woody fragrance; koolada cools without changing the scent.
- For a smoother chill. Some shavers find menthol too sharp; koolada's effect is gentler and often longer.
- To layer. Makers sometimes combine a little menthol (for the instant hit and aroma) with koolada (for a long, smooth cool).
Which should you choose?
If you love the minty, bracing classic cool, menthol is it. If you want cooling without the mint smell (or you find menthol too harsh near the eyes) a koolada-cooled product is the smoother option. Neither affects the actual shave quality; both are sensory extras on top of the soap's cushion and slickness. For the menthol side in depth, see what menthol does in shaving soap.
Frequently asked questions
What is koolada?
Koolada is the common name for a family of synthetic cooling agents (notably WS-23 and WS-3) used as menthol alternatives in shaving soaps, aftershaves and other products. Like menthol it creates a cold sensation, but it is essentially odourless and feels smoother and longer-lasting, without menthol's minty smell or sharp edge.
What is the difference between koolada and menthol?
Menthol is natural (from mint), smells minty, and gives a sharp, bracing chill that can sting near the eyes. Koolada is synthetic, essentially odourless, and gives a smoother, rounder, often longer cooling that doesn't alter the product's intended scent. Both create cooling by activating the body's cold-sensing pathway.
Why do makers use koolada instead of menthol?
To add cooling to a non-mint scent without menthol's smell clashing, to give a smoother chill for people who find menthol too sharp, or to layer a little menthol (instant minty hit) with koolada (long, smooth cool). It lets the intended fragrance come through while still feeling cold.
Is koolada better than menthol?
Neither is better, it's a preference. Choose menthol for the classic minty, bracing cool; choose koolada for cooling without the mint smell or for a gentler feel near sensitive areas. Neither changes the actual shave quality, which comes from the soap's cushion and slickness.