---
title: "Koolada vs Menthol: Cooling Agents in Shaving Products Explained"
description: "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."
url: https://whollykaw.com/learn/koolada-vs-menthol
published: 2026-06-17T12:00:00Z
updated: 2026-06-17
keywords: ["koolada", "koolada vs menthol", "cooling agent shaving", "what is koolada", "ws-23 cooling agent"]
site: WhollyKaw
---

# 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](/learn/menthol-in-shaving-soap).

About WhollyKaw. WhollyKaw makes small-batch artisan shaving soap. This guide describes cooling agents and their sensory effects , it is general grooming information, not medical advice.

## 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.