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Physcool®

Q: Is Physcool® natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Fully synthetic. Highly stable compound suitable for a wide range of applications..

GREENS, HERBS AND FOUGERES / fresh · green · fruity

Physcool®

Category	GREENS, HERBS AND FOUGERES
Subcategory	fresh · green · fruity
Origin
Volatility	Top Note
Botanical	N/A — synthetic molecule (menthyl lactate derivative)
Appearance	Colorless to pale green liquid
Odor Strength	High
Producing Countries	Switzerland (a Swiss fragrance house captive molecule)
Pyramid	Top

Cooling without mint. A physiological chill that touches the back of the throat without any menthol flavor.

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Nearly odorless. Physcool's contribution is physiological, not olfactory -- it makes the skin or mouth feel cold without adding any scent. At high concentrations, a very faint, clean, almost mineral note can be detected, but this is marginal. The value is in what you feel, not what you smell.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Nearly odorless; cooling sensation begins after 30 seconds

After a few hours

Faint clean mineral note, cooling persists

After a few days

Cooling effect fades, no residual scent

The Full Story

Unlike menthol, which triggers both cooling receptors and mint olfactory pathways simultaneously, Physcool isolates the thermal signal -- creating cold without flavor.

The compound activates TRPM8 cold receptors in the mouth and on skin, producing a late-hitting, deep cooling sensation that is perceived at the back of the throat and palate rather than at the tongue tip. This delayed, deep-cooling profile distinguishes it from menthol's immediate surface chill.

In perfumery and cosmetics, Physcool is used to create 'cold' effects in fragrances and skincare products -- a physiological sensation that complements olfactory freshness. It is chemically stable across a wide pH range, making it adaptable in formulations from oral care to fine fragrance.

This note in Première Peau. Simili Mirage · Gravitas Capitale. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

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Related: Acronychia Pedunculata · Adoxal · Agave · Algae · Aloe Vera · Aromatic Notes · Asparagus · Avocado

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Physcool hits the cooling receptors about 30 seconds after application -- much later than menthol's instant chill. This delayed onset, concentrated at the back of the throat, creates a distinctly different sensory experience from any mint-based coolant.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Fully synthetic. Highly stable compound suitable for a wide range of applications.

Molecular Formula	C₁₃H₂₄O₃
CAS Number	61597-98-6
Botanical Name	N/A — synthetic molecule (menthyl lactate derivative)
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	Physcool
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	High
Lasting Power	24 hours
Appearance	Colorless to pale green liquid
Boiling Point	~280 °C @ 760 mm Hg (est)
Flash Point	> 200 °F (> 93 °C)

In Perfumery

Physcool functions as a sensory modifier rather than a traditional fragrance ingredient. It adds a cooling tactile dimension to compositions -- useful in sport fragrances, aftershaves, and 'icy' accords where the cold sensation reinforces the olfactory impression of freshness. Also used in oral care and cosmetics for a mint-free cooling effect.