What is e-liquid?

Illustration of vape mouthpiece with e-liquid

Published Aug 31, 2022

E-liquid is an essential part of the vaping experience. It is the liquid used in e-cigarettes or vaping devices. When the e-liquid is heated, it produces an aerosol, also commonly referred to as vapor. E-liquid is often flavored and may contain nicotine, which is addictive, as well as Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). The combination of these ingredients varies on a product-by-product basis. All the ingredients and their quantities must be stated on the pack, so you can check this information.

Vaping is not risk-free and many e-cigarettes provide nicotine, which is addictive. Smoke-free products are intended for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use nicotine products and are not intended as cessation devices. The best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. However, for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to vaping could be a better choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes.

Adult vapers looking for a simple way to approach the selection of e-liquids may explore pod-based vape systems, where e-liquid comes pre-filled in capsules that are designed specifically to be used with the e-cigarette. Swapping out flavors or refilling e-liquid into pod-based vape systems is easy as it only requires changing the pod. Some vapers prefer to mix liquids and use e-liquid calculators. But we would advise to choose the flavor among the pre-filled pods as the manufacturers must follow the safety requirements when making e-liquid for pods.

Can vape liquid be made without PG and VG?

E-liquid for vaping is most usually made with PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin), though other compounds can also act as aerosol formers. PG and VG are the most common ingredients to form the e-liquid base, which is an essential component in all e-liquids for vaping. Nicotine and flavor are added to the e-liquid base.

How is nicotine measured in e-liquid?

Nicotine in e-liquid is typically measured in mg/ml, with bottles or packaging commonly indicating the amount of nicotine there is, in relation to the total amount of e-liquid in the bottle. 

Nicotine is addictive. Minors should never use nicotine-containing products under any circumstances. Nicotine-containing products should not be used by people who have or are at risk of heart disease, are diabetic, or are epileptic. Nicotine-containing products should not be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

How are flavors added to e-liquid?

Flavorings are added to e-liquid and are subject to safety standards. They are usually specifically designed to be added to a PG and VG base with nicotine to create e-liquid. Often, flavorings are ready-mixed to be directly added to unflavored e-liquid. Ready-made e-liquid will have flavorings already mixed in, such as in pre-filled pods, meaning there is no need to add additional flavor.

Should I avoid mixing my own e-liquid?

One can find a lot of information online about DIY e-liquid or how to make vape liquid, but following this information is not advised. All aspects of vaping, such as the e-cigarette itself and the e-liquids used, are complex considerations that work best when designed by regulated companies who should be following safety standards when making the e-liquid. 

Pod-based vaping systems provide a wide range of flavors to choose from. The pods come pre-filled with e-liquid that has been specifically designed to work with the vaping device. Especially for those adults who have recently switched from smoking to vaping, it is easier to use ready-made e-liquid by a reputable brand, made to be paired with specific branded devices or vaping kits

 

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Important Information: This product is not risk free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

IQOS are only for adult smokers who otherwise wish to continue to use tobacco or nicotine containing products.

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.

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