E-liquids are e-cigarettes’ consumables. You’ll need e-liquid to be able to vape. E-liquids are generally available in rechargeable 10ml bottles (for the UE) with different aromas and nicotine content.

E-liquids are made of 6 main components: vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, aromas, nicotine, water and alcohol. However, water and alcohol are not mandatory and their use is becoming more and more limited.

The base

80 to 90% of the e-liquid is made of 2 elements: vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). The split between those ingredients can change. VG and PG are food components that have the specificity of converting into vapor at a very low temperature. Vegetable glycerin is a thick liquid that will make the blend viscous. The more VG there is in the e-liquid, the bigger the vapor cloud. E-liquids with a high VG content will feel softer and rounder. But the e-liquid will be more viscous and therefore the devices will tend to clog more easily. Propylene Glycol will intensify the aroma taste and will increase the ‘hit’, sensation that is usually sought after by former smokers. The vapor generated by PG is fine and light.

Aromas

Food aromas generally represent 3 to 15% of the composition. Those aromas will bring savor to the e-liquid. The aromas can be synthetic or natural or possibly a combination of those two.

Nicotine

Nicotine is obtained through the extraction of tobacco leaves and their transformation in a liquid form. It is an alkaloid that will have a stimulant effect when used in low dose but is quickly eliminated. The use of nicotine in e-liquids is strictly supervised. The ‘hit’ is proportional to the nicotine content. Therefore, a higher nicotine content will create a better hit. The nicotine content in e-liquids is generally between 0 and 20mg/ml.

Alcohol and water

Ethyl alcohol may be used to homogenize and liquefy the blend. It will also intensify the action of propylene glycol and therefore improve the flavors of the product. We can also use demineralized water to fluidize the blend. Generally, water plus alcohol combined doesn’t exceed 5%.

Other components

We can find other components in e-liquids, such as diacetyl, propionyl acetyl, acetoine, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, acroleine, etc. We do not recommend the use of such components.

Please also note that e-liquids have a ‘best before’ date. You’ll be able to keep your e-liquids for a 12-month period if it’s stored in a dark and cool place with a perfectly sealed cap. If you notice that the best before date is in the past, it’s not dangerous to vape the e-liquid. But flavors will certainly have faded a little bit.