In a constantly changing world, smokers are tending to healthier alternatives. Enter vaping devices, which stormed the nicotine consumption market and brought a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes.
The innovation of the e-cigarette has led to debates on the substances present in e-liquids.
If you are starting your vaping journey or are simply curious about what is in your favourite e-liquid, you have come to the right place.
This article will look in-depth into what is in your e-liquid.
E-liquid, commonly known as juice or vape juice, is the liquid used in electronic cigarettes. An e-cigarette is a battery-powered device that uses the heating liquid into vapour, which the user inhales. Vaping simulates the act of smoking without combustion.
The e-liquid should be stored properly, as it is poisonous when directly ingested.
All e-liquids are usually made up of four ingredients: propylene glycol (PG) for the flavouring, vegetable glycerine (VG) for vapour production, liquid nicotine, and food-grade flavourings. However, many vape users also use e-liquid with no nicotine at all. Some brands of e-liquid can use some other safe chemicals to enhance the taste or increase vape production.
The ingredients in e-liquid can be used with different ratios, creating different vaping experiences. Different PG to VG ratios lead to increased vapour production or to an increased sense of flavour – keep reading to know more.
Propylene Glycol (PG) is an organic, clear, and slightly viscous liquid without any characteristic smell. This lack of taste or smell makes it perfect to be used alongside food-grade flavourings used in e-liquids. PG also functions to dilute the e-liquid for easier movement through the vape tank and vape coil.
Vegetable glycerine (VG), also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a plant-based oil that produces dense vapour. It is a thick and clear fluid. Like PG, it is also odourless and sweet. This material is used in medications, suppositories, and beauty products such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and low-fat foods.
While this isn’t present in all e-liquids, we believe nicotine should be mentioned as an important component of e-liquids. Nicotine is a naturally occurring substance in some plants, such as eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, and cauliflower.
Contrary to popular opinion, nicotine is not one of the causes of lung cancer. It has a stimulating effect on the body, promoting alertness and sharpness or relaxation and calmness. Nicotine is a toxin believed to be highly addictive and should be stored properly.
The distinct tastes and smells of different e-cigarettes are obtained from their flavouring. E-liquid flavourings are the main reason smokers stick to vaping after making the switch. Flavourings come in PG concentrates. Some popular vape juice flavours include Tobacco Flavours, Fruity Flavours, Drink Flavours, Candy Flavours, Minty Flavours, and many others.
These flavours are also used in the food industry. The food flavouring used in vaping doesn’t contain diacetyl. There are hundreds of flavours out there to choose from.
The flavourings used in vape juices are also used in food preservatives, healthcare, and skin beauty products.
As stated earlier, PG and VG are the two dilatants present in e-liquid. The consistency of these two products determines your vaping experience. With its thinner consistency, PG produces a much stronger throat hit than VG, mimicking the sensation of smoking. However, liquids with too much PG can become too harsh on the throat. However, PG, often regarded as a flavour carrier, also boosts the intensity of the flavours added to it.
On the other hand, VG produces more vapor than PG and has a smoother throat hit because of its thicker consistency. VG ratio higher than 80% causes the e-liquid to become extremely thick and can clog up the vape’s resistance.
Now that we know what our vape juice is made of, an important inquiry would be how soon it takes before it gets bad.
E-liquids are shelf-stable substances, meaning that it will take a long time before they reach a point where they aren’t safe to vape. Its two main dilatants naturally prevent degradation over time. However, vape juices usually have a 2-to-3-year expiration date, depending on the brand.
Sale prohibited to minors. Product that may contain nicotine, an addictive substance. Use by non-smokers not recommended.
