What Are E-Liquids?
E-Liquid (also known as vape juice, e-juice, vape fluid or vape liquid) is the liquid mixture that is used in vapes. When heated by an atomiser coil inside the vape tank or pod produces flavour, vapour and nicotine (nicotine is optional).
E-Liquid is used in vape kits (also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs) to simulate the act of smoking, but unlike traditional cigarettes which burn tobacco, e-liquids produce a vapour or aerosol mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. E-liquids do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke.
What are the Ingredients in E-Liquids?
E-Liquids are made up from four main ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerine, Nicotine (optional) and Flavourings.
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Why is Propylene Glycol (PG) Used in E-Liquids?
PG is a common base ingredient used in e-liquids. PG is a thin, odourless and colourless liquid that is used in vape liquids to carry flavour, nicotine and provide a ‘throat hit’, a similar sensation to the feeling at the back of your throat when smoking tobacco.
Why is Vegetable Glycerine (VG) Used in E-Liquids?
VG is a common base ingredient used in e-liquids. VG is a clear, odourless, syrup-like liquid used in e-liquids to produce thicker clouds of vapour, provide a smoother inhale, and to add a sweet taste.
Nicotine
Nicotine is an optional ingredient in e-liquid which helps manage nicotine cravings after making the switch from smoking to vaping.
The nicotine content is displayed on each bottle of e-liquid represented as a number followed by mg/ml (6mg/ml) or as a percentage of nicotine by volume (0.6%), this shows how much nicotine is present per one millilitre of e-liquid.
The lower the number followed by mg/ml, the lower the nicotine concentration in that e-liquid.
For example 3mg/ml is lower than 12mg/ml, and so on.
Vape liquids are available in a choice of nicotine strengths to cater to all vapers at every stage of their quit smoking journey.
- 0mg/ml or 0% (nicotine free)
- 3mg/ml or 0.3%
- 5mg/ml or 0.5%
- 6mg/ml or 0.6%
- 10mg/ml or 1.0%
- 11mg/ml or 1.1%
- 12mg/ml or 1.2%
- 15mg/ml or 1.5%
- 18mg/ml or 1.8%
- 20mg/ml or 2.0% (high strength)
Nicotine is a highly addictive ingredient in e-liquids and should only be used by those over the age of 18 who are ex-smokers and already addicted to nicotine.
Is Nicotine Harmful?
The NHS Says… “While nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes, most of the harm from smoking comes from the thousands of other chemicals in tobacco smoke, many of which are toxic.”
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/
Natural and Artificial Flavourings
Natural and artificial flavours are used in e-liquids to provide distinct flavours and aromas like menthol, tobacco and fruity flavours. The high-quality flavourings used to create taste profiles in e-liquid are food-safe and are safe to consume.
In the UK e-liquids are regulated under the TRPR/TPD (EU Tobacco Products Directive) which came into effect in May 2016.
How Does E-Liquid Work?
Propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, nicotine and flavourings in e-liquid are added to a vape tank or pod. When the fire button is pressed (or auto-draw activation) on your e-cigarette, power is sent to the heating element within the coil to heat the e-liquid and turn it into a vapour (not steam) that can be inhaled into the lungs.
Depending on what e-liquid nicotine concentration you choose a nicotine dosage is delivered in that particular strength. The PG brings throat hit, the VG brings vapour clouds, the flavourings bring e-liquid flavour profiles and aromas, and the nicotine levels in e-liquid bring a satisfying throat hit nicotine delivery to help curb nicotine cravings.
What Types of E-Liquid are Available?
There are a wide range of e-liquid styles available which all bring something new to the party. The choice comes down to personal preferences and the type of vape device you are using.
80PG/20VG: High PG e-liquids are best suited to low powered MTL vape kits including pen kits, pod system vape kits and entry level vape starter kits. Available in a selection of nicotine strengths from 0mg (nicotine free) up to 18mg in nicotine increments.
High PG vape liquids offer incredible flavour and a satisfying throat hit. PG heavy e-liquids provide an excellent entry point for vaping beginners, as the draw closely resembles a real smoking sensation.
80/20 PG/VG liquids contain a higher ratio of PG (propylene glycol) to VG (vegetable glycerine) resulting in a stronger feeling on the back of the throat (throat hit) with intense flavour and subtle, small clouds of vapour for discreet vaping.
PG heavy e-liquids are thinner in consistency when compared to VG heavy e-liquids and will work well in clearomisers, MTL vape tanks and refillable vape pods.
Choose from a wide selection of 80% PG vape flavours from; Menthol, Tobacco, Strawberry, Watermelon, Vanilla, Blueberry and USA Mix.
60PG/40VG: These e-liquids are made from 60% PG (propylene glycol) and 40% VG (vegetable glycerine), ideal for use in low wattage devices and MTL starter kits.
60/40 PG/VG liquids offer a stronger throat hit sensation than 50% PG juices, with lower vapour production.
This vape fluid ratio wouldn’t work well in sub-ohm tanks as the liquid consistency would be too thin, instead is best used in MTL tanks and refillable vape pods. Thinner e-liquids require less power to vaporise them and higher vaping temperatures could result in the coil burning the e-liquids.
60%PG/40%VG vape juices are available in a wide selection of vape flavours including Heisenberg, Pinkman, Ice Menthol and Blackcurrant.
Choose from nicotine free (0mg), 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg nicotine content in e-liquid. Favoured by new vapers looking for strong throat hits with delicious flavour to help satisfy nicotine cravings.
50PG/50VG: These e-liquids are an affordable option, designed for use classic starter kits, pen style vapes and pod vapes. Equal ratios of PG and VG in e-liquid makes the liquid thinner than VG-heavy juices and therefore wouldn’t work with high power outputs above 40W.
50/50 e-liquids offer a balanced mix of PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) in equal parts to deliver great flavour, throat hit and a medium amount of vape clouds, offering vapers the best of both worlds. Making 50% PG e-liquids the most popular choice for new vapers and experienced vapers looking for a cigarette-like puff.
50% PG/50% VG vape juices provide a satisfying throat sensation from the PG in the e-juice, and the vape clouds from the VG in the vape liquid for a harmonious balance when heated. Expect bold flavour, smooth throat sensation with a medium level of rich clouds.
Choose from a range of nicotine levels to align with your nicotine tolerance including 3mg, 5mg, 6mg, 10mg, 12mg, 18mg and 20mg e-liquid nicotine strengths.
Available in all your favourite e-liquid flavours including Tobacco if you are quitting smoking, Menthol for a refreshing blast of flavour, Desserts and fruity vape flavour profiles.
70VG/30PG: This is the most popular e-liquid ratio for sub-ohm vapers, made with a blend of 70% VG (vegetable glycerine) and 30% PG (propylene glycol) often referred to as high VG e-liquids or sub ohm e-liquids.
Sub-ohm e-liquids are thick and resemble a syrup-like consistency, designed for use with low resistance coils in sub-ohm tanks that feature wide wicking channels to accommodate for the viscosity of these heavy liquids. High temperatures are required to achieve enough heat to vaporise thicker consistency liquids and require a DTL (Direct to Lung) style draw for the denser clouds of vapour produced.
High VG ratio e-liquids are often vaped at lower nicotine strengths, as high wattages send more power to the atomiser coil resulting in hotter temperatures and large amounts of vapour cloud. High VG e-liquids are most often consumed in 3mg and 6mg nicotine strengths, as anything above would be too harsh on the throat.
Available in some of the best e-liquid flavours available including; Desserts, Fruits, Sweets, Drinks, Soda’s, Menthol’s and Tobacco e-liquid flavours.
VG-heavy e-liquids are available in 10ml bottles, but more commonly available in large capacity shortfill bottles that can be blended with a nicotine shot to reach your desired strength of nicotine.
Nic Salts: Salts are a relatively new way to vape. They are made by taking classic freebase e-liquid and adding benzoic acid to the mix to help neutralise the pH which brings a host of benefits.
Salt nicotine e-liquids are smoother and gentler on the throat (less throat irritation), offer quicker nicotine absorption, faster acting nicotine delivery, longer-lasting nicotine satisfaction, higher dose of nicotine per puff, they enter the bloodstream at a faster rate, and provide pleasant throat hits even at high strengths and deliver epic flavours.
Nicotine salts are quite thin liquids (usually 50/50 PG/VG) which are heated and turn into a vapour at lower temperatures, designed for use in low wattage MTL vape devices including pod system vape devices and starter pen vape devices.
Nic salts are the go-to e-liquid option for beginner vapers who are searching to closely replicate the strength and throat feeling of traditional cigarettes. Salt nic e-liquids are available in a selection of nicotine doses including 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg strengths. With 20mg being the highest strength nicotine legally allowed in the UK.
High nicotine containing traditional freebase e-liquids can be quite harsh on the throat, but high strength nicotine salts offer a quick nicotine hit (usually delivered in 6 seconds), without the scratchy throat sensation.
These innovative high concentration nicotine salt e-liquids are served in 10ml bottles in a wide range of vibrant vape flavours including; Mango flavours, Blueberry flavours, Cherry flavours, Grape flavours, Strawberry flavours, Watermelon Flavours and Menthol e-liquid flavours.
Bar Salts: The name ‘Bar Salts’ originated from the unique flavours used in disposable vape bars (Vape ‘Bar’ and Nic ‘Salts’ = Bar Salts). Disposable vape flavoured e-liquids are designed to replicate the taste and mouth feel of popular disposable vape brands like; Lost Mary, Elf Bar, Elux, Gold Bar, IVG, SKE and Hayati.
Bar salts feature the same base mixture as nicotine salts, most commonly available in a 50/50 PG/VG mix, but the flavours are amplified with additional flavour concentrate to closely resemble disposable vape flavours for use in refillable pod vapes and MTL devices. Making the switch from disposable vapes to reusable vape kits is important as they offer a more eco-friendly vaping alternative that’s more cost-effective, with the same satisfaction.
Like with nicotine salt-based e-liquids, bar salts are made with benzoic acid to neutralise the alkalinity of the e-liquid. This makes bar salt e-liquids provide a silky-smooth inhale, fast absorbing nicotine, available in high nicotine concentrations, and helps you save money by using less juice.
One 10ml bottle of vape juice provides the equivalent puffs to five disposable vapes, resulting in up to 3000 puffs at a fraction of the cost of single-use disposable vape devices.
Bar salt nicotine e-liquids are available in a variety of nicotine strengths including 5mg, 10mg, 15mg and 20mg. With 10mg (1%) and 20mg (2%) being the most popular choices available in a wide range of bar salt flavours.
Choose from a wide choice of best-selling disposable vape flavours including; Blue Razz Lemonade, Kiwi Passion Fruit Guava, Mr Blue, Fizzy Cherry, Lemon & Lime, Menthol, Triple Mango, Watermelon Ice, Tiger Blood, Apple Peach, Rainbow and Blueberry Sour Raspberry e-liquid flavours.
Shortfills: These are larger bottles of nicotine free (0mg, 0%) e-liquid which are partly filled or “short-filled” to only 80% capacity leaving room to add a nicotine shot (or two). Adding a nicotine booster shot to non-nicotine e-liquid enables you to create your desired nicotine concentration.
Shortfill e-liquids are most commonly served in 50ml, 100ml and 200ml bottles with room to add nicotine shot(s). Short-fill liquids are particularly favoured by sub-ohm vapers and cloud chasers, as they consume larger volumes of high VG e-liquid. Larger e-liquid bottles reduces the amount of smaller bottles you need to carry around with you in your pocket, minimising the amount of plastic packaging, and provides a money-saving vaping solution for those who use large quantities of e-liquid.
VG-based shortfill e-liquids are most commonly blended with a 70% VG to 30% PG base mixture, with extra flavourings to accommodate for the flavourless nic shot to be added. You can enjoy shortfills as they come with no nicotine, but they are mainly intended to be accompanied with nic shots to add nicotine to e-liquids.
Shortfills are best paired with sub-ohm vape kits and sub-ohm vape tanks, this is due to the VG/PG ratio in the e-liquid. Thicker VG-based e-liquids are more easily vaporised with higher wattages.
Shortfills are available from popular e-liquid brands including; Wick Liquor, IVG, Nasty Juice, Vampire Vape, Doozy Vape, Zeus Juice and Riot E-Liquids.
Nicotine Shots: Nic shots are a TPD compliant way of adding concentrated nicotine to larger bottles of non-nicotine shortfill e-liquids to increase their nicotine strength. Served in 10ml bottles of nicotine mixed with PG and VG in a flavourless nicotine liquid.
Nic shots are not intended to be vaped on their own, as the unflavoured nicotine e-liquid wouldn’t taste too pleasant.
Nicotine e-liquid boosting shots are most commonly available in 18mg and 20mg strengths, blended with either a freebase or nicotine salt for a smoother on the throat hit.
Pre-Filled Vape Pods: These pods offer a simple-to-use, convenient and hassle-free way of vaping with no prior vaping experience required. Compatible with prefilled vape kits, these built-in coil pods come filled with nic salt e-liquid in a diverse range of juice flavours and strengths.
Prefilled e-liquid pods are compatible with counterpart batteries, attach the pod to the battery, a magnetic connection will seamlessly hold the pod in place, and you’re ready to go. When the pod runs out of juice, remove the pod and replace it with a new one, no filling, no cleaning or replacing atomiser coils required.
Prefilled kits work with rechargeable batteries, allowing you to move on from single-use devices to more environmentally friendly and cost-effective vaping options.
How Should I Store My E-Liquid?
To get the most out of your e-liquids, you want to store them correctly. Keep your e-liquids out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Always keep your bottles in an upright position, in a cool, dark place.
Too much exposure to heat and light may cause e-liquid to oxidise and deteriorate at a faster rate. If the flavours of your e-liquid taste muted, or the colour of your e-liquid turns thick and brown, and starts to separate (with thicker liquids sinking to the bottom), this could be an indication your liquids need replacing.
Does E-Liquid Expire?
E-Liquids generally last two years after the manufacture date. A best before date is supplied on all e-liquid bottles and the juice should not be used after this date. This timeframe can be reduced if the e-liquid bottle has been opened exposing it to oxygen, or stored incorrectly.
The two main base mixtures used in the production of e-liquid PG and VG are stable and slower down the degradation of e-liquids, but nicotine mixed into the solution causes e-liquid to eventually degrade after approximately after 2 years.
Is E-Liquid Safe?
The NHS Says… “In the UK, e-cigarettes are tightly regulated for safety and quality.
Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is not completely risk-free, but it poses a small fraction of the risk of smoking cigarettes. The long-term risks of vaping are not yet clear.
E-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful elements in tobacco smoke.
The liquid and vapour contain some potentially harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke, but at a much lower level.”
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/
Are E-Liquids Illegal?
E-Liquids are legal if they comply with the TPD (Tobacco Products Directive), which regulates the vape industry in the EU and UK.
The maximum volume of nicotine containing e-liquid for sale in one refill container can’t be above 10ml in volume
- The maximum nicotine strength in the UK can’t exceed 20mg/ml
- E-Liquids can’t contain colourings, caffeine and taurine
- All e-liquids must include up-to-date labelling requirements and warnings
- All e-liquids and vape kits must be notified to MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) before going on sale
- The maximum capacity of vape tanks and vape pods can’t exceed 2ml
If e-liquids being sold in the UK follow TPD regulations, they are fully legal.
Are Vapes More Harmful Than Cigarettes?
The NHS says… “Evidence shows that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. Vaping exposes users to far fewer toxins and at lower levels than smoking cigarettes.
Switching to vaping significantly reduces your exposure to toxins that can cause cancer, lung disease, and diseases of the heart and circulation like heart attack and stroke. These diseases are not caused by nicotine, which is relatively harmless to health.
However, vaping is not risk-free. Non-smokers and young people under 18 should not take up vaping.”
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/
What are PG/VG ratios in e-liquid?
PG E-Liquids
VG E-Liquids
50/50 E-Liquids
Shortfill E-Liquids
What vape juice flavour should I choose?
What are the best e-liquid flavours?
What are the best vape juice brands?
What nicotine strength is right for me?
Heavy Smoker
Regular Smoker
Light Smoker
Occasional Smoker
Non-Smoker
What do the numbers on vape juice mean?
What PG VG ratio is best?
Is 70 30 or 50 50 better?
Is 50 50 vape juice better?
What e-liquid is best for my device?
MTL
DTL
What are the best e-liquids for a smooth inhale?
What are the best e-liquids for a cigarette-like inhale?
What are the best e-liquids for vapour clouds?
What vape juice should I choose for MTL vaping?
What vape juice should I choose for DTL vaping?
How do I know which vape juice to buy?
What vape juice should I use in my vape?
What is the most popular vape juice?
Can I put any e-liquid in my vape?
Should vape juice be thick or thin?
How many cigarettes is 600 puffs?
