Abstract: To prevent unacceptably high smoke temperature from heated tobacco products, "cooling and low retention" filter rods for heated tobacco sticks were designed and prepared. The effects of cooling carrier and cooling material on the cooling performance of the filter rods were studied, and the influences of the rod forming process on the physical properties of the filter rods were investigated. The results showed that: 1) Cellulose paper was the optimal carrier material and the combination of polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG600) and polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG4000) was preferred for achieving both cooling and low retention. 2) The roundness and hardness of the filter rods were significantly improved by combining double press roller with groove forming. 3) The smoke temperature of heated tobacco products with the "cooling and low retention" filter rods was reduced by 10 ℃ compared to a commercial control (iQOS), and the retention rates and the transfer ratio to mainstream smoke of aroma components and nicotine were basically the same as those of iQOS. The results of this study provide insights for the development and optimization of heated tobacco products.