What is in a Vape?
As an adult smoker looking to switch from cigarettes to a smoke-free alternative, vaping could be an option for you. A vape, also known as an e-cigarette, is a device that typically uses an e-liquid to produce vapour instead of smoke. The e-liquid usually consists of nicotine and flavourings.
If you’ve only just started considering vaping over smoking cigarettes, you might be wondering about the vape components and ingredients of the vapour it produces. These can be important factors to think about before starting your smoke-free journey, and could help you make a more informed decision about using a vape.
So what’s inside a vape? What are the vape liquid ingredients? And can the components differ in rechargeable vs disposable devices? Learn more about what is inside a vape through this article.
What is Inside a Vape Device?
There can be a number of different components inside a vape. Typically, you’ll find the following elements in these devices:
- A battery : used to power the atomizer in the vape. These are internal batteries that are usually rechargeable (in reusable vapes) or single-use (in disposable vapes).
- An atomizer: made up of a wick and a coil heating element. The atomiser heats the e-liquid and turns it into vapour.
- E-liquid: the liquid that, when heated, produces a vapour. Usually containing nicotine as an active ingredient, different flavourings, and made from propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerine (VG).
Discovering what is inside a vape device, what vapes are made of, and how these components work together could help you ensure that you’re using your device properly and making the most out of your vaping experience.
Generally, when a vape is working, the battery powers the atomizer, which then heats up the e-liquid and produces the vapour you consume. The atomizer will typically consist of a wick and coil, and there are different types of atomizers and coils available for different vapes. If you’d like to learn more about vape coils and how they work, read our article ‘The Different Types of Vape Coils’. All this said, exactly what’s in a vape and how these parts work together will all ultimately depend on the product in question.
What is in a VEEV ONE Vape?
The inside of a vape device may differ between products. Therefore, when you’re wondering what’s inside a specific vape you’re looking at, it’s best to consult the manufacturer's guidance for further information on this.
For example, our pod based vape VEEV ONE comprises of two main components - the device body and its compatible pods, which are pre-filled with e-liquid. There’s a new mini ceramic heater in every VEEV ONE pod, and a new mouthpiece with every flavour capsule for a more hygienic vaping experience.
The VEEV ONE device body is moulded from a single block of aluminium, and the device features a distinctive combination of technology features including compact ceramic heater and low liquid detection system.
With a powerful battery providing 6.5W heating power, the VEEV ONE Vape charges in less than 45 minutes. Each VEEV ONE Pod delivers up to 1000 puffs*, too.
* Up to 1000 puffs on a single pod, based on a 1 sec puff duration. May vary depending on individual usage patterns.
What is in a Disposable Vape?
Generally, disposable vapes are a single-use product and can’t be recharged. As of June 2025, they are no longer available for purchase within the UK.
However, the most common components you find inside a disposable vape you can also find inside a reusable vape. This can include an atomizer, a battery and e-liquid.
In a disposable vape, you generally don’t need to replace certain parts, such as the battery. Once the device battery runs out - or you use up the e-liquid inside - the product should typically be responsibly discarded.
If you’re looking for an alternative to disposable vapes, rechargeable vapes may be better suited to you. Some rechargeable vape options include cigalikes, mods, vape pens and pod systems. For a full breakdown on each type of rechargeable vape, read our helpful guide, ‘How Do Vapes and E-Cigarettes Work?’
What is in Vapour?
As well as exploring what is in a vape, it can also be useful to consider what is in vapour. Common vape liquid ingredients in vapour include nicotine, flavourings, Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG). Discover more about e-liquid with our article on vape liquid ingredients.
Remember that e-liquids are available in numerous different flavourings, and their PG versus VG ratio can also differ. E-liquids with a high content of PG typically offer a stronger flavour. On the other hand, e-liquids with a greater amount of VG usually have a more subtle flavour but may produce more vapour.
Besides understanding what’s in a vape and e-liquid ingredients it’s also important to know how to properly care for your device. This can help you to make an informed choice about switching to vaping from continued smoking. If you’d like to read further, the article ‘Is Vaping Safe?’ offers a detailed explanation on vaping as an adult user.
Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.
