Cooling has become one of the defining characteristics of many vape flavor profiles, but the ingredients used to create that sensation are coming under greater scrutiny in Europe. That has put flavor developers in a difficult position: they need to respond to regulatory changes without losing the cooling characteristics that have become central to many fruit, candy, beverage, and dessert recipes.
Mylor is looking to address that challenge with RE-cool, a cooling blend solution developed as an alternative to several established cooling ingredients.
The company showcased the technology at InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, Germany, where visitors could sample the product, compare it with WS-23 and other cooling options, and discuss formulation requirements with Mylor's team.
Why Cooling Matters So Much to Flavor Developers
Cooling may seem like a relatively simple part of a vape recipe, but formulators know that it can dramatically change how a flavor is perceived.
A strong cooling effect can make fruit taste crisper and more refreshing. It can add another dimension to a berry blend or create the chilled character expected from a slush-style beverage flavor.
WS-23 has become particularly familiar in this area because it can provide substantial cooling while having relatively little impact on the flavor itself. That makes it useful when the goal is to add an icy sensation without introducing another dominant taste.
Replacing that function, however, can be more complicated than simply selecting another cooling ingredient.
Finding a Replacement Isn't Always Straightforward
Mylor identifies three major problems that formulators can encounter when looking for alternatives to WS-23.
The first is insufficient cooling. If the substitute doesn't provide enough intensity, a finished fruit or ice recipe may lose some of the crispness that was central to the original formulation.
The second is flavor interference. Some cooling materials can introduce herbal or camphor-like characteristics that weren't part of the original recipe.
The third is the aftertaste. Certain alternatives can become bitter or astringent at higher concentrations, creating an increasingly noticeable issue during repeated use.
For brands, that can create a balancing act between regulatory considerations and sensory performance.
Germany Is Playing an Important Role in the Discussion
The issue has received significant attention in Germany through assessments from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, or BfR.
BfR's 2025 opinion examined WS-23, WS-3, and WS-5 and pointed to gaps in available information about their inhalation toxicity. Its 2026 opinion then examined nine additional cooling substances, including menthol and other compounds used for cooling effects in e-cigarette products.
Those opinions are scientific assessments rather than, by themselves, a complete description of the legal status of every substance. Companies still need to review the specific legislation and market requirements that apply to their products.
Even so, the regulatory discussion is already affecting how flavor developers approach future formulas.
RE-cool Takes a Blend-Based Approach
Mylor says it decided not to treat the problem as a simple one-for-one ingredient replacement.
Instead, its R&D team developed RE-cool as a cooling blend based on what the company describes as sensory signal interaction. Mylor says the product went through hundreds of formulation trials and sensory evaluations during development.
The company says RE-cool excludes WS-23, WS-3, WS-5, and menthol. Mylor also reports that internal testing found cooling intensity comparable to WS-23.
Those claims come from the manufacturer, meaning formulators considering the product should conduct their own testing in the intended recipes and applications.
Designed to Let the Main Flavor Stay in Control
One of the key selling points of RE-cool is its reported neutrality.
Cooling is often supposed to support a recipe rather than become the recipe. In a strawberry ice flavor, for example, the strawberry should remain recognizable. In a watermelon profile, the fruit should retain its juicy character.
Mylor says RE-cool was designed to avoid competing with those primary flavor notes. The company describes it as having an almost neutral flavor profile and says it doesn't introduce the camphor or herbal notes associated with some alternative cooling ingredients.
That could give formulators more room to preserve the character of existing recipes while adjusting the cooling system.
The Finish Matters as Much as the First Puff
Another area Mylor emphasizes is aftertaste.
A cooling ingredient can initially perform well but become problematic if bitterness develops later in the draw or after repeated use. This can be especially important in high-intensity formulas that require greater amounts of cooling.
According to Mylor, RE-cool was developed to limit bitterness within its effective dosage range and maintain a consistent cooling sensation throughout use.
The company says its sensory evaluations showed less buildup of bitterness and astringency during prolonged sessions. As with its other performance claims, these results represent Mylor's reported testing rather than an independent certification.
RE-cool Gets an Industry Showcase
InterTabac 2026 gave Mylor a chance to introduce RE-cool directly to professionals involved in vape flavor development and distribution.
The Dortmund event ran from September 15 through September 17 and featured hundreds of companies from international markets. Its programming addressed issues including regulation, market access, and innovation.
At Booth 1B.A10, visitors were able to sample RE-cool and compare its sensory profile with WS-23 and other alternatives. Mylor also offered formulation discussions for companies working on products intended for changing European regulatory requirements.
A New Chapter for Cooling Technology
The introduction of RE-cool comes at a time when cooling is becoming a more technical part of vape formulation.
The challenge isn't simply finding something that feels cold. Developers have to think about intensity, flavor neutrality, aftertaste, formulation compatibility, and regulatory requirements simultaneously.
Mylor's approach is built around that broader problem. RE-cool is positioned as a way to create a strong cooling sensation without relying on WS-23, WS-3, WS-5, or menthol, while maintaining the character of the surrounding flavor.
Whether the technology becomes a widespread alternative will depend on regulatory developments, independent evaluation, and how it performs across different formulas.
But the growing interest in products such as RE-cool demonstrates that the cooling category is entering a new phase—one where sensory performance and regulatory planning increasingly have to be developed together.
