E-Liquid

What are the ingredients used in e-liquids?

There are various ingredients used to make up an e-liquid. Here's a breakdown of the composition:

1. Propylene Glycol (PG): A synthetic organic compound commonly used as a food additive. In e-liquids, PG carries flavourings and creates a satisfying 'throat hit' similar to smoking traditional cigarettes.

2. Vegetable Glycerine (VG): Also known as Glycerol, VG is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils. It is responsible for creating thick clouds of vapour and contributes to the overall sweetness of the e-liquid.

3. Flavourings: E-liquids come in many different flavours, from fruit, sweets, and desserts to tobacco and menthol. These flavours are derived from food-grade flavourings similar to those used in the food industry.

4. Nicotine (Optional): Not all e-liquids contain Nicotine, but manufacturers usually add it. Nicotine is an addictive stimulant found in tobacco plants. E-liquids have varying Nicotine content depending on their target audience, ranging from high levels for heavy smokers to Nicotine-free options for those looking to quit.

How e-Liquids work: 

When users activate their vaping device (usually by pressing a button or inhaling), a battery heats a coil immersed in e-liquid. As the coil heats up, it vaporises the e-liquid, transforming it into a cloud of vapour that the user inhales. The vapour carries the flavour and, if present, the Nicotine into the user's mouth and lungs.

Use your own e-liquid

Vapers can buy E-liquids individually to refill their vape kits as an alternative to purchasing pre-filled disposable vapes. A diverse range of options means users can choose their own PG/VG or nicotine content instead of being stuck with the fixed choice determined by a disposable vape.

What are the different types of e-liquid?

With so many types available, choosing the right e-liquid can be complicated. It is crucial to select one that suits your vape device and preferences.

Here's a breakdown of the different types available:

Nic Salts

Nicotine Salt e-liquids, or 'Nic Salts', have the Freebase Nicotine combined with an acid, such as Benzoic or Citric acid, to balance the pH levels and create a more neutral nicotine with a milder throat hit. 

Nicotine Salts are the most common type and are ideal for more frequent use.

Freebase

E-liquids containing Freebase Nicotine provide the most similar experience to smoking cigarettes. Freebase Nicotine is Nicotine that has been converted into its purest form. Freebase makes the e-liquid more volatile when heated, resulting in stronger, harsher hits, particularly for first-time vapers.

Since this can be rough on the throat, Freebase e-liquids are better suited to smokers who are used to the sensation or those who prefer to take small puffs throughout the day.

Freebase e-liquids can be blended into more complex and adventurous flavours than other types.

High PG E-liquid (50/50, 60/40 PG/VG)

This type of e-liquid is ideal for lower-powered MTL devices such as pod kits or MTL starter kits with a resistance of 1 ohm or more.

These nicotine-infused vape juices are a favourite choice for beginner vapers since they provide a cigarette-like experience and come in strengths of up to 18mg of Nicotine. 

Regulation in the UK means 50/50 liquids are available to purchase in 10ml bottles only.

High VG E-liquid (70/30 or higher VG)

This product is designed for use with sub-ohm tanks and vape kits with a higher power output. 

VG is a thick, sweet liquid offering denser vapour clouds and more intense flavours. Because of this, high VG liquids are unsuitable for plus ohm (MTL) coils as they cannot absorb the liquid properly, leading to an unsatisfactory vaping experience. 

Sub-ohm liquids typically come in strengths no higher than 6mg of Nicotine.

Shortfill E-liquids

A shortfill is a larger bottle of e-juice, usually 50ml or 100ml, intended to be mixed with a nicotine shot (a 10ml e-liquid containing Nicotine) before use. 

Shortfills are perfect for devices that consume a lot of e-liquid, such as DTL vape kits. 

Adding an 18mg shot to a 50ml shortfill dilutes the Nicotine in the e-liquid, resulting in 60ml of 3mg e-liquid. 

Many vapers compare shortfills to cocktails, with the shortfill serving as the mixer and the nicotine shot as the spirit. They typically have a high VG concentration, but there is now a growing selection of 50/50 shortfills suitable for MTL kits.

Bar Juice E-liquids

E-liquids known as "Bar vape juices" are specially crafted to imitate the taste of disposable vapes and come in 10ml bottles. These juices contain nicotine salt and are best suited to MTL vape kits. 

Bar Juice liquids have gained popularity following the massive growth of disposable vapes. 

These vape liquids boast the unique feature of a double concentration of flavourings, giving users a stronger and sweeter flavour experience.

Popular brands producing Bar vape juices include Elf Bar ELFLIQ, Bar Juice 5000, and Elux.