Hey folks, Bob here—product manager for a vape brand who’s spent way too many days testing “ice level 10” prototypes (my tongue is still recovering from that one 
). Let’s cut to the chase: That refreshing, “brain freeze in a good way” chill in your favorite vape juice isn’t magic—it’s science (and a little flavor art!). As someone who’s tweaked cooling agents to balance “cool” and “tasty,” I’m spilling the tea on how icy e-juice is made, plus the brands nailing the perfect chill (no numbing your throat or masking flavor—promise!).
First: The Science of Chill—Cooling Agents 101 
Icy e-juice relies on cooling agents—ingredients that trigger cold receptors in your mouth/throat (same ones that make mint feel fresh). The big players:
- Menthol: The OG. Derived from mint, it’s bold, familiar, and gives that classic “minty blast” (think toothpaste, but way tastier). Pro tip: Too much = tongue numbness (we’ve all been there
). - WS-23: The “smooth operator.” Synthetic but gentler than menthol—delivers a crisp, clean chill without the “burn.” Perfect for fruit flavors (won’t overpower mango or strawberry).
- Koolada (TK-10): The “long-lasting hero.” Creates a cooling “wave” that lingers—great for dessert or tobacco blends (adds depth without harshness).
- Menthyl Lactate: The “creamy chill.” Mixes coolness with a subtle sweetness—ideal for creamy flavors like vanilla or yogurt.
As a PM, my golden rule: Never use more than 2 cooling agents. Mixing menthol + Koolada + WS-23 = “winter in your lungs” (not fun for 30-second puffs!).
Top Icy E-Juice Brands Nailing the Chill 
These brands get the “cool vs. flavor” balance right—no sacrificing taste for a cold hit:
1. VAPORESSO Lush Ice (WS-23 + Menthol) 
Our team tested 12 iterations of this, and the final blend? 3% WS-23 + 1% menthol + watermelon flavor. The WS-23 delivers a smooth, initial chill, while menthol adds a subtle “zing”—tastes like biting into a frozen watermelon on a hot day. No numbing, no chemical aftertaste—just juicy, refreshing vapor. It’s our bestseller for a reason: 80/20 VG/PG keeps hits smooth, and the chill lasts from inhale to exhale.
2. Juice Head Mint (Pure Menthol) 
For menthol purists, Juice Head nails it. They use 4% natural menthol (no synthetics!) paired with a hint of peppermint. It’s bold but not brutal—like sipping a cold mint tea. I tested this with a DTL setup (ARMOUR MAX + iTank T) and the chill was evenly distributed—no “hot spots” or sudden brain freeze. Perfect for former smokers craving that familiar mint kick.
3. Nasty Juice Ice Cool Tobacco (Koolada + Menthyl Lactate) 
Tobacco + ice sounds risky, but Nasty Juice pulls it off. They mix 2% Koolada + 1% menthol lactate with rich tobacco flavor—creating a “cool campfire” vibe. The Koolada keeps the chill going, while menthol lactate softens the tobacco’s harshness. I recommended this to a friend who hates “harsh tobacco” and he’s hooked—says it’s like “smoking a cigarette on a winter porch” (in the best way).
4. Pachamama Strawberry Watermelon Ice (WS-23) 
Pachamama uses 3% WS-23 to complement their fruity blend—no menthol overpowering the berries. The chill is bright and crisp, like frozen fruit popsicles. As a PM, I envy how they balanced flavor intensity with coolness—you taste strawberry first, then a subtle chill hits (not the other way around). Great for all-day vaping (no tongue fatigue!).
Product Manager Pro Tips for Icy Juice Lovers 
- Avoid “ice level 10”: Anything over 5% cooling agent = numbed taste buds (you’ll miss the flavor!).
- Match cooling agent to flavor: Fruit + WS-23 (smooth), dessert + menthyl lactate (creamy), tobacco + Koolada (lingering).
- Test VG/PG ratio: High VG (70/30) = smoother chill (low VG can make menthol feel harsh).
Icy e-juice is all about balance—cool enough to refresh, but not so cold it masks the flavor. These brands get that, and as a PM, I salute them (no more testing prototypes that make me feel like I’m licking a snowcone 
).
Have you found an icy e-juice that nails the chill? Or tried one that was way too cold? Drop a comment below—I’m always hunting for inspiration for our next blend. Happy (chilly) puffing! 