Following California’s December 2022 menthol ban, RJ Reynolds (BAT) and ITG (Imperial Brands) introduced non-menthol cigarettes offering “a new fresh twist” and “a taste that satisfies the senses”. The records of ingredients show that the Camel Crisp and the Newport EXP contain a synthetic cooling agent called WS-3. In a recent study1, Duke University researchers found that the added amounts of synthetic cooling agent robustly activate the cold/menthol receptor and are sufficient to produce robust cooling sensations (- in some cases, even more than the menthol cigarettes).
WS-3, or N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide, is one of the most used cooling agents in the food and beverage industry. Unlike menthol, WS-3 is virtually nonvolatile, odorless and tasteless – thereby, providing a cooling sensation without affecting the taste or aroma of the final product. It’s known for its clean, immediate cooling impact and has been found to cool primarily the roof of the mouth, the back of the mouth and the back of the tongue.
WS-3 is commonly used in gums/candies/mints, carbonated & alcoholic beverages, toothpastes and mouthwashes. WS-3 is considered safe for consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). However, its safety for inhalation is unknown.
In an earlier study2, Yale University researchers found that the European version of JUUL Mint pods contained WS-3 (- presumably, to keep the cooling effect and lose the distinct minty odor of menthol). The substance was absent in the US/Canadian JUUL Mint pods.
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