7 Interesting Facts You Should Know About E-Liquids

Thinking about kicking the smoking habit? You’re in good company. Nearly 7 out of 10 smokers express a strong desire to quit. We all know that quitting smoking is one of the best decisions for your health, given that smoking adversely affects virtually every part of your body, with smoking-related diseases being a major contributor to heart-related fatalities.

In this article, we’ll uncover 7 intriguing facts that delve into the world of vaping, specifically focusing on e-liquids and what you need to know before taking that first puff.

What is E-Liquid?

E-liquid, also known as vape juice, is an essential component of the vaping experience. It’s composed of three primary ingredients, and sometimes a fourth if you choose to include nicotine. 

Let’s break down these key constituents and their roles:

Propylene Glycol (PG):

• PG is an odorless, thin liquid with a crucial role in e-liquids. It serves as a flavor carrier, ensuring that the taste of your vape juice is rich and satisfying.
• One distinctive feature of PG is its ability to deliver that familiar “throat hit” sensation reminiscent of traditional cigarettes. This aspect makes it a popular choice among those transitioning from smoking to vaping.
• Due to its thinner consistency compared to VG, PG is more straightforward to vaporize, contributing to the efficiency of your vaping device. You can find PG in various products, such as ice cream and food enhancers, where it’s employed to maximize flavor delivery.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG):

• VG, in contrast, is a thick and slightly sweet liquid. Its primary function is to generate the clouds of vapor that you enjoy while vaping.
• VG offers a smoother inhale, making the overall experience more comfortable for vapers. Its thick consistency enhances vapor production.
• Beyond vaping, VG has a diverse range of applications, from adding a caramel note to your favorite dessert to appearing in everyday products like soap and toothpaste.

Flavoring:

• The world of e-liquids offers an astounding variety of flavors, ranging from delectable desserts to classic bubblegum, fresh fruits to invigorating menthol. Flavorings are where creativity flourishes in the vaping industry.
• The primary purpose of flavorings is to deliver a delightful and personalized vaping experience. It’s the flavorings that make each e-liquid unique and enjoyable.

Nicotine (Optional):

• Nicotine, the addictive substance found in cigarettes, is an optional ingredient in e-liquids. If you’re in vaping purely for pleasure and not as a smoking cessation aid, you can opt for e-liquids without nicotine.
• For many individuals transitioning from smoking to vaping, nicotine is an essential component. The nicotine strength indicated on the e-liquid bottle represents the amount of nicotine you receive per 1ml of the juice, helping you tailor your vaping experience to your preferences.

Which Nicotine Strength Should I Choose?

When it comes to choosing the right nicotine strength for your e-liquid, your previous smoking habits are a key factor to consider. Let’s break it down:

Social Smokers (1-2 Cigarettes Weekly):

• If you fall into the category of social smokers, those who indulge once or twice a week, a low nicotine option like 3mg is typically suitable.
• In fact, for many individuals who have successfully quit smoking and no longer require a substantial nicotine hit, 3mg often serves as the final step in their journey. If you enjoy the sensation of vaping without the need to satisfy cravings, you can even opt for nicotine-free (0mg) e-liquids.

Light Smokers (Less Than 10 Cigarettes Daily):

• Light smokers, who typically consume fewer than ten cigarettes a day, usually find 6mg nicotine strength e-liquid. This strength is considered on the lower end of the scale.
• It caters to individuals who enjoy vaping but still desire a mild nicotine buzz.

Average Smokers (Up to a Pack Daily):

• For those with an average smoking habit, roughly up to a pack of cigarettes daily, a 12mg e-liquid is a good starting point. This strength closely mimics the nicotine intake you’d get from traditional cigarettes, making it an ideal choice for transitioning and substituting.

Heavy Smokers (Over a Pack Daily):

• If you’re a heavy smoker, consuming more than a pack of cigarettes daily, higher nicotine strengths are more appropriate. You should consider 18mg or even 24mg e-liquids.
• These strengths are designed for individuals with a significant nicotine dependency, ensuring that they receive a substantial dose to satisfy cravings effectively.

How Do I Choose an E-Liquid Flavor?

Selecting the perfect e-liquid flavor is a deeply personal decision because the world of vaping offers an extensive array of flavors and brands to explore. Here’s how to navigate this flavorful journey:

Personal Preference:

• The cornerstone of choosing an e-liquid flavor is your personal preference. With hundreds of e-liquid flavors available, the choices are nearly endless.
• Traditionally, vapers transitioning from cigarettes would often start with mango or menthol e-liquids to maintain a familiar taste and sensation. However, an increasing number of people are now beginning their vaping journey with fruity or dessert flavors.
• The key to a successful transition is discovering a flavor that resonates with you and one that you genuinely enjoy compared to the taste of cigarettes.

Sampling Options:

• One of the best ways to explore flavors is to visit a vape store where you can sample various e-liquids. This hands-on experience allows you to try different varieties and find the ones that truly satisfy your taste buds.
• As you become more experienced with vaping, you can even experiment by blending different e-liquids to create unique flavor combinations.

Affordable 10ml Bottles:

• If you’re eager to explore a wide range of flavors from the comfort of your home, many e-liquids are available in affordable 10ml bottles. This allows you to try multiple options without breaking the bank.

Short Fills for Favorites:

• Once you’ve identified your favorite flavors, you can consider purchasing them in a short fill format. Short fills are larger bottles of e-liquid that typically contain 0mg nicotine. To achieve your desired nicotine strength, you can mix them with a nicotine shot.
• Opting for short fills is not only convenient but can also save you money in the long run.

How Does the Blend of PG/VG Work? Which One Should I Choose?

Understanding the blend of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) in e-liquids is crucial as it significantly influences your vaping experience. Let’s explore how this blend works and how to choose the right one for you:

PG (Propylene Glycol):

• PG is responsible for carrying the flavor in your e-liquid, ensuring you enjoy a satisfying taste with each inhale. It also provides the “throat hit” sensation that resembles traditional cigarettes.
• Due to its thinner consistency, PG is easy to vaporize, contributing to the efficiency of your vaping device.
• If you prioritize flavor intensity and a strong throat hit, a higher PG content is ideal for your e-liquid.

VG (Vegetable Glycerin):

• VG, on the other hand, is the component that produces the thick clouds of vapor you appreciate when vaping. It offers a smoother, less intense inhale compared to PG.
• VG’s thicker consistency enhances vapor production, making it an excellent choice for cloud chasers and those who prefer a milder throat hit.
• If you favor larger vapor clouds and a smoother inhalation experience, opt for an e-liquid with a higher VG content.

Choosing the Right Blend:

• The decision between PG and VG, or a blend of both, ultimately depends on your personal vaping preferences.
• A common starting point is a 50/50 PG/VG blend, offering a balance between flavor and vapor production.
• If you enjoy robust flavors and a pronounced throat hit, lean towards a higher PG content. Conversely, if you prioritize voluminous vapor and a gentle inhale, opt for higher VG content.
• It’s essential to experiment with different PG/VG ratios to discover the blend that best suits your vaping style.

How Do I Choose a Kit To Go With the Strength and Ratio I Need?

Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice:

Beginners and Balanced Ratios:

• If you’re new to vaping, we recommend starting with a 50:50 VG:PG ratio. This balance provides an excellent all-around vaping experience, combining flavor and vapor production.
• Pair this ratio with a pod or vape pen starter kit. These kits are user-friendly and perfect for those just beginning their vaping journey.
• As a beginner, it’s wise to avoid excessively high nicotine levels to prevent an overwhelming nicotine hit. Stick with a simple kit to ensure a smoother transition.

Exploring Advanced Options:

• After gaining some experience and identifying your preferences, you can consider exploring different combinations of PG/VG ratios.
• If you find that you prefer a milder throat hit and enjoy creating substantial vapor clouds, consider using a sub-ohm vape kit in combination with a higher VG e-liquid.
• Sub-ohm kits are designed for higher VG e-liquids because VG is thicker and requires a more powerful vape to produce the voluminous clouds you desire.

How Does E-Liquid Break Down When I Vape It?

Vaping e-liquid is not about producing steam; it’s about creating an aerosol that consists of water vapor (the visible exhaled vapor) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which you naturally exhale as a part of your regular respiratory process.

Here’s how it works:

• When you use your vape device correctly, the e-liquid in your device vaporizes into a fine aerosol. This aerosol is primarily composed of water vapor.
• Unlike the hot smoke from a cigarette, the vapor produced during vaping is typically cool or, at most, a little warm. It lacks the intense heat associated with burning tobacco.

Can My Vape Liquid Go Off?

Vape liquid, like many products, can experience changes over time, but it doesn’t exactly “go off” as food might.

Here’s what you need to know:

Oxidation and Shelf Life:

• When you open a bottle of vape liquid, air can gradually seep in, causing the e-liquid to oxidize. However, this process unfolds at a slow pace.
• Unless you plan to store your e-liquid for an extended period (we’re talking over a year), it typically remains suitable for use. You might notice slight changes, such as a darker color and a subtly sweeter flavor.
• E-liquids with higher nicotine content tend to degrade faster and may lose some of their potency. This can result in a less pronounced nicotine hit.

Storage Tips:

• To maintain the freshness of your e-liquid, store it in a place away from heat and direct light. This practice helps extend its shelf life, allowing you to enjoy it for an extended duration.
• If you haven’t used your vape for a while and notice a change in the e-liquid’s color, it’s due to the fibers in your coil. These fibers can absorb smaller particles more readily, while darker components may remain behind. As a result, your tank may develop a slightly darker appearance over time.