Menthyl Lactate vs Menthol and Other Coolants
Menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0) is one of several cooling agents (“coolants”) used to give products a fresh, cold sensation. This page compares it with menthol and with the synthetic WS-type coolants.
What a coolant is
A coolant (or freshness agent) activates the TRPM8 cold-sensing receptor, producing a perception of coolness with no real temperature change. Different coolants differ in strength, onset, duration and odour – the four things a formulator balances.
The main coolants
| Coolant | CAS | Type | Odour | Cooling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menthyl lactate | 59259-38-0 | Menthol + lactic acid ester | Weak | Mild, long-lasting |
| L-Menthol | 2216-51-5 | Natural monoterpene alcohol | Strong mint | Strong, sharp |
| WS-23 | 51115-67-4 | Synthetic (menthyl-type amide) | Very low | Strong, fast |
| WS-3 | 39711-79-0 | Synthetic amide coolant | Low | Strong |
| Peppermint oil | – | Essential oil (menthol-rich) | Complex mint | Moderate |
Head-to-head
| Property | Menthyl lactate | Menthol | WS coolants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odour | Weak | Strong mint | Very low |
| Onset | Slower | Fast | Fast |
| Duration | Long | Short | Medium-long |
| Source | Menthol-derived | Natural | Synthetic |
| Typical role | Long, smooth cooling | Mint flavour + cooling | Maximum cooling, minimal odour |
How to choose
- Want a mint flavour as well as cooling? Menthol.
- Want smooth, long-lasting cooling with little odour? Menthyl lactate.
- Want the strongest cooling with almost no odour? A WS-type coolant.
- Want a natural essential-oil profile? Peppermint oil.
In practice the choice is a blend: a fast, strong coolant for the initial hit, plus menthyl lactate for a long, gentle cool, tuned to the flavour and the product type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is menthyl lactate the same as menthol?
No – menthyl lactate is the ester of menthol with lactic acid; it cools more mildly, for longer, and smells much less.
Is menthyl lactate a “WS” coolant?
No – WS coolants (WS-23, WS-3) are synthetic amides; menthyl lactate is a menthol-derived ester. They are used alongside each other.
Which coolant is strongest?
The WS-type coolants are typically the strongest per unit; menthol is strong but odorous; menthyl lactate is milder.
Can they be combined?
Yes – blending is standard, to combine a fast hit with a long cooling tail.
Which is most natural?
Menthol and peppermint oil are natural; menthyl lactate is menthol-derived (an ester); WS coolants are synthetic.
Related reading
- Menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0): properties, production and applications
- Menthyl lactate in oral care and personal care
- L-Menthol vs peppermint oil and synthetic coolants
- Menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0) – product page
PolyBlueChem supplies menthyl lactate (CAS 59259-38-0), with per-batch COA and SDS. Contact us with your application and tonnage.