E-Liquid

What is E-Liquid?

E-liquid, usually referred to as vape juice, is the substance used in electronic cigarettes and vaporizers to create vapour. This liquid is heated by the device to produce an inhalable and exhalable mist.

What is in E-Liquid?

E-liquid typically consist of four key components that together create different flavours and types of inhalation experiences.

Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) form the base.

PG is a thinner liquid that carries flavour effectively and delivers a stronger throat hit, closely resembling the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette.
VG, on the other hand, is thicker and contributes to the production of larger vapour clouds, offering a smoother inhalation.
Food-grade flavourings provide a variety of tastes, from sweet fruits to rich desserts.
Nicotine is an optional component, available in different strengths to cater to those transitioning from traditional smoking to vaping, those reducing their nicotine intake and those who prefer a nicotine-free experience.

Are the Ingredients Used in the E-liquids Safe?

Yes, the ingredients used in e-liquids are generally recognised as safe for consumption. Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), the base components, are widely used in food and pharmaceutical products. Flavourings in e-liquids are carefully selected to ensure they are food-grade and safe for inhalation. Nicotine, where included, is pharmaceutical grade and measured accurately to ensure consistent strength and safety.

In regions with regulatory oversight, such as the UK, e-liquids must comply with specific safety standards, including TPD/TRPR regulations, which further guarantee product safety.

What are PG and VG Ratios?

The PG and VG ratios in e-liquids refer to the proportion of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) in the mixture.

Higher PG ratios, such as 70% PG and 30% VG, result in a stronger throat hit and more pronounced flavours, making them suitable for those who enjoy a sharp inhalation similar to smoking.
50PG/50VG: This balanced ratio provides a moderate throat hit and vapour production. It is versatile and works well with a wide range of MTL vaping devices, making it a popular choice for many vapers who enjoy a comfortable balance of flavour and vapour.
Higher VG ratios, like 70% VG and 30% PG, produce thicker vapour clouds and a smoother hit. VG-heavy e-liquids are ideal for cloud chasers and those who prefer a gentler throat sensation.

The choice of ratio can depend on the vaping device used; for instance, pod systems often work better with higher PG blends, while sub-ohm tanks excel with VG-rich liquids.

How Many Types of E-Liquid Are Available?

Freebase Nicotine E-liquids

These are the traditional form of e-liquids, offering a strong throat hit. It is generally recommended to choose low nicotine concentrations of 3mg, 6mg, and 12mg, because the higher the nicotine concentration, the stronger the irritation to the throat.

Nicotine Salt E-liquids

Known for their smoothness, nicotine salt e-liquids allow for higher nicotine concentrations without harshness, making them ideal for those seeking a stronger nicotine hit.

Shortfills

These are larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid, typically filled short of the top to allow 20% room for a nicotine shot. They are popular among vapers who prefer customising their nicotine levels.

Nicotine Shots

These are concentrated nicotine solutions that can be added to shortfills or mixed with other e-liquids to achieve the desired nicotine strength. They offer flexibility in tailoring the nicotine content to individual preferences.

How do I choose the right nicotine strength for me?

Choosing the right nicotine strength involves considering your previous smoking habits and your desired vaping experience.

If you are a heavy smokers, who consumed a pack or more (10-20 cigarettes) per day, you may want to begin with stronger nicotine levels, such as 20mg nicotine salt or 12 to 18mg freebase nicotine e-liquid, to satisfy cravings effectively.
If you are moderate smokers, generally consuming 5-10 cigarettes per day, you might find 10mg nicotine salt or 6mg freebase nicotine suitable.
If you are light smokers that enjoy no more than 5 cigarettes per day, you may prefer lower strengths, like 5mg nicotine salt or 3mg freebase nicotine.
If you do not smoke or are reducing nicotine intake, 0mg options are available.

Experimentation might be necessary to find the perfect balance, ensuring satisfaction without overwhelming the senses or leading to excessive nicotine consumption. Adjusting strengths gradually can help tailor the experience to your preferences.

How long does a bottle of e-liquid last?

The duration a bottle of e-liquid lasts depends on your vaping habits, the power settings of your device, and the size of the bottle.

In the UK, a 10ml bottle is a legal size, which can refill the standard 2ml pod approximately five times, especially for nicotine-containing e-liquids, due to TPD regulations.

For a moderate vaper, a 10ml bottle might last between a few days to a week, depending on how frequently you vape and how much e-liquid your device consumes per puff. High-powered devices that produce more vapour tend to use up e-liquid more quickly, possibly requiring you to refill your pod more often.

What is TPD compliance on e-liquid?

For e-liquids, TPD compliance involves several key aspects: limits on nicotine strength, which must not exceed 20mg/ml; restrictions on bottle sizes, with a maximum of 10ml for nicotine-containing e-liquids; and specific packaging requirements, including child-resistant and tamper-evident features.

What e-liquid should I use with MTL vape kits?

MTL kits are designed to deliver a vaping experience similar to smoking a traditional cigarette, with a focus on flavour and throat hit rather than large vapour production. As such, e-liquids with a higher propylene glycol (PG) content, such as a 50/50 PG/VG ratio or higher PG, are ideal.

These e-liquids provide a stronger throat hit and carry flavour more effectively, enhancing the overall MTL experience. Nicotine salt e-liquids are also popular for MTL devices, as they offer a smoother throat hit and are absorbed more quickly, allowing for higher nicotine strengths without harshness.

We recommend some MTL devices: Vaporesso XROS 3, Vaporesso XROS 3 Mini, Vaporesso XROS 4 Pod Kit, Vaporesso XROS 4 Mini, Elf Bar ELFX Pod Kit.

How should I store my e-liquids to maintain freshness?

Proper storage of e-liquids is essential to maintain their freshness, flavour, and potency.

To make sure your e-liquids remain at their best, keep them in a cool, dark environment, away from direct sunlight and heat. Light and high temperatures can cause the ingredients to deteriorate, which may alter the flavour and reduce the nicotine strength.

Keeping e-liquids in their original, tightly sealed bottles helps prevent air exposure, leading to oxidation and flavour changes over time. If possible, use a dedicated drawer or cupboard to store your e-liquids, ensuring they are out of reach of children and pets for safety.

Avoid storing e-liquids in the refrigerator, as this can cause condensation within the bottle. Regularly check expiry dates and rotate your stock to use older bottles first.

By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your e-liquids at their optimal quality for a longer period.

Can I mix different e-liquid flavours?

Mixing different e-liquid flavours can be an enjoyable way to customise your vaping experience and discover new taste combinations.

When mixing e-liquids, it's important to start with small amounts to test the resulting flavour before committing to larger quantities. Consider the flavour profiles you wish to combine; complementary flavours, such as fruit and dessert, often blend well together, creating a balanced and pleasant taste.

Be mindful of the nicotine strengths and PG/VG ratios of the e-liquids you're mixing, as these factors will influence the final blend’s strength and consistency. Mixing can also be a way to adjust nicotine levels by combining different strengths to achieve a desired concentration. Always use clean equipment to avoid cross-contamination and ensure a consistent flavour.

What Flavour E-liquid Is Right for Me?

Start by considering what types of flavours you generally enjoy in food and beverages.

If you have a sweet tooth, flavours like gummy bear or bubba might appeal to you, recommending Gummy Bear Nic Salt E-Liquid by Elux Legend.

For those who enjoy fruit, there are numerous options ranging from single fruit profiles like strawberry or mango to complex blends such as tropical fruit medleys. You can try Triple Mango Nic Salt E-Liquid by Bar Juice 5000 and Blueberry Sour Raspberry Nic Salt E-Liquid by Elf Bar Elfliq.

If you prefer a refreshing sensation, menthol or mint flavours can provide an invigorating experience. Fresh Mint Nic Salt E-Liquid by Bar Juice 5000 is worth exploring.

Tobacco flavours are available for those looking for a taste reminiscent of traditional smoking.