Freshness effect in e-liquids: What is the difference between Mint, Menthol, and Cool?

Summer is approaching. You’re feeling hot and craving freshness. Good news, fresh-effect e-liquids are made for you. In the vaping world, fresh-effect e-liquids appeal to a very wide audience. Whether it’s an icy fruit, a strong mint, or a refreshing tobacco, these sensations of freshness don’t all come from the same ingredients… and don’t always translate to the same mouthfeel!

So, how do you differentiate a mint, menthol, or simply fresh e-liquid? What causes that icy sensation? And how do you choose the freshness effect that suits you? We explain everything.

❄️ Where does the fresh effect in an e-liquid come from?

The sensation of freshness in an e-liquid can be caused by two main families of ingredients:

1. Menthol
A substance extracted (or synthesized) from peppermint essential oils, menthol is responsible for that intense and immediate freshness felt on the tongue, palate, and airways. It has a very characteristic flavor, similar to what you find in chewing gums or strong mint lozenges.

2. Cooling agents like Koolada (WS-23, WS-3)
Unlike menthol, these molecules are almost odorless and tasteless. They are used to create a pure cold sensation without affecting the flavor profile of the e-liquid. Very popular in fruity recipes, they allow you to freshen a liquid without adding a mint taste.

🧊 Three concepts not to confuse

1. Mint Flavor
A “mint” e-liquid refers to the vegetal taste of the plant. It can be spearmint, peppermint, sweet mint, etc.
👉 It is not necessarily fresh: some recipes reproduce mint as an aromatic note, without adding menthol or Koolada.

Example: a mint tea e-liquid, soft and herbal, without an icy sensation.

2. Fresh Flavor
A “fresh” or “ice” liquid contains a neutral cooling agent (often WS-23).
👉 It refreshes without taste: the sensation is comparable to a very cold drink, but without mint. Widely used in fruity e-liquids (apple, mango, red fruits, etc.).

Example: a “dragon fruit fresh” that stays true to the fruit’s taste while providing an icy hit.

3. Menthol Flavor
Here, we talk about a liquid containing pure menthol, often used in “menthol tobacco” or “strong mint” recipes.
👉 It provides both an intense cold sensation and the characteristic menthol taste, more peppery and stronger than simple vegetal mint.

Example: a classic “menthol tobacco” or a very refreshing “extreme mint.”

🔍 Summary of differences

💡 How to choose the right fresh effect for your vape?

It all depends on what you’re looking for:

• You like soft vegetal mint, like an infusion? Choose a mint e-liquid without an icy effect.
• You prefer pure freshness, without mint taste? Choose a fresh, ice, or koolada version.
• You want a strong, intense, and very fresh hit? Menthol is what you need.

📝 Conclusion

Mint, menthol, or cooling agent: behind these terms lie very different sensations! To choose your e-liquid well, consider the desired taste and the level of freshness you want. Whether you are a fan of icy fruity flavors or loyal to a classic menthol tobacco, you will surely find the fresh effect that suits you.