Vape Juice Ingredients: What’s Inside Your E-Liquid?

The beauty of vapes is that they come in different flavors that appeal to many who want to quit smoking. However, do you know what they are made of and what ingredients bring each taste? 

Let’s talk about everything that goes into making e-liquid. 

This way, you will stay well-informed of what you are vaping daily!

What is Vape Juice?

E-liquid, also called vape juice, is the liquid that is burnt to produce vapor in vapes. It is primarily made from propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine. 

Vape juice can be bought separately or pre-filled in disposable vapes. 

How Does Vape Juice Work?

Vape juice is heated in a vape that transforms it from liquid to vapor. This is done through a coil made from metal or stainless steel that heats up through power from the battery. 

The e-liquid is soaked into a wick made of cotton, and the coil heats. The balance of VG and PG in vape juice plays a role in how much cloud is produced. 

High VG products provide thick vapor, while high PG gives the best flavors and throat hit.

Know Your Vape Juice Flavors!

Here's a list of common vape juice flavors that are popular among users:

Core Ingredients of Vape Juice

Vape juice has a few core ingredients that play a specific role in how the liquid vaporizes.

1. Propylene Glycol (PG)

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a colorless liquid that is one of the base ingredients in vape juices. It's a synthetic formula used in food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals as it can absorb water. 

In vape juice, PG helps to carry flavor and give a "throat hit" like cigarettes that vapers prefer. 

Is Propylene Glycol Safe?

In terms of safety, propylene glycol is generally regarded as safe when used in food products. However, you can expect some mild irritation in the throat or lungs when vaping PG-heavy liquids. 

Studies indicate that while PG is generally safe for ingestion, the effects of inhaling it over time need more research. Some misconceptions link PG to antifreeze; however, the compound used in antifreeze is chemically different. 

2. Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

What is Vegetable Glycerin?

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a thick liquid that is extracted from vegetable oils. In vape juice, VG is used to produce the vapor you exhale. VG is smoother compared to PG, which makes it great for those who prefer a mild throat hit with a sweet aftertaste.

Is Vegetable Glycerin Safe?

VG is also considered safe for consumption as it is commonly used in food. Similar to PG, the long-term effects of VG need to be researched. It is great to know that no major health risks have been confirmed till now. Side effects include mild irritation in the throat but cases are very rare. Research shows that VG's use in vaping doesn't carry significant health concerns. 

3. Nicotine

What Role Does Nicotine Play?

Nicotine is a substance found in tobacco that can be addictive. It mimics the experience of smoking, which helps smokers transition from cigarettes to vaping. In vape juice, nicotine comes in two forms: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase ranges from 0 to 24 mg, whereas nicotine salts range from 20 to 50 mg. 

4. Flavorings

What Types of Flavorings Are Used?

You can find vape juices in many flavor options. They come in fruit, dessert, tobacco, and menthol. These can be naturally derived from plant or fruit extracts or artificially created in a lab. 

Are Flavorings Safe?

Flavorings in vape juice are approved for use in food, however, their safety when inhaled is a topic of debate. Some studies conclude that certain flavoring chemicals, such as diacetyl, can be risky, including lung irritation or damage. However, most manufacturers have now stopped using diacetyl to find safer alternatives.

3 Common Additives in Vape Juice

1. Sweeteners

Vape juices can have additional sweeteners like sucralose or ethyl maltol. They make fruity or dessert flavors taste as good as they do. However, these can affect how long your coils last as they leave residue. While these artificial sweeteners are safe for use in regular amounts. 

2. Cooling Agents

For the icy flavors, cooling agents like menthol or WS-23 are added to vape juice. These additives are usually found in mint or fruit-flavored vape juices. Menthol is safe for use, but too much can irritate the throat. 

3. Preservatives

Preservatives can be found in some vape juices, too. They are usually added to increase the shelf life of vape juice. Potassium sorbate and benzoic acid are some common preservatives that can be used to keep them fresh. 

How Do Ingredients Affect Your Vaping Experience?

When combined, these ingredients play a big role in how much you enjoy vaping. 

Throat Hit

The throat hit is the feeling you get when smoking a cigarette. It is usually felt at the back of the throat when inhaling smoke or vapor. How strong or weak this sensation can be is influenced by two factors: Propylene Glycol (PG) and nicotine levels.

• PG's Role: Higher concentrations of PG deliver a stronger throat hit 

• Nicotine Levels: High nicotine concentrations in freebase nicotine hit a high throat.

Vapor Production

VG plays a role in how much cloud your vape produces. 

• VG's Role: A higher VG content means more vapor. Juices with a 70% or higher VG ratio produce large clouds.

• Other Factors: The device's wattage, the coil's resistance, and airflow settings can also play a hand in vapor production. 

Flavor Strength

The flavor intensity in vape juice depends on the balance of flavorings and sweeteners.

• Flavorings: Natural or artificial flavors dictate how strong or mild the flavor will be. Vape juices with high PG content have sharper flavors, while VG-heavy blends can slightly mute flavors. 

• Sweeteners: Sweeteners enhance the flavor, especially in dessert or fruit flavors. 

Health Impacts of Vape Juice Ingredients

While vaping is often seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking, concerns about the safety of inhaling vape juice ingredients persist.

Inhalation Safety

Studies on the Long-Term Effects of Inhaling Vape Juice Ingredients

There is a lot of research done on the long-term health effects of vaping. Current studies show that vaping is likely less harmful than smoking cigarettes. However, some concerns include:

• PG and VG: Inhaling PG can lead to minor respiratory irritation. On the other hand, VG may cause a build-up of lipid particles in the lungs.

• Flavorings: Flavoring chemicals like diacetyl can be harmful in the long run however, it is great to note that most manufacturers no longer use this.

Potential Risks of Nicotine

• Addiction: Vaping can lead to nicotine dependence, which can be bad for those who never smoked but now vape. 

• Health Impacts: Nicotine can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. It can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Using nicotine for a long time can also increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. 

Are Flavorings Harmful?

• Chemical Concerns: Some flavorings may have chemicals that are safe to eat but are harmful when inhaled. Diacetyl has been associated with severe lung damage. 

• Lung Issues: Certain flavors, particularly sweet or creamy ones, have been linked to an increased risk of lung irritation and inflammation. 

DIY Vape Juice: Making Your E-Liquid

If over-the-counter vape juices are not too appealing, you can also try your hand at DIY vape juice. 

Common Ingredients in DIY Vape Juice

DIY vape juice recipes use the same core ingredients as commercial ones. You can find PG, VG, nicotine, and flavorings from vape shops and make your concoction. 

• VG/PG Ratios: You can experiment with different VG/PG ratios to see what works for you. 

• Nicotine: Nicotine of your desired strength can also be found with kits.

• Flavorings: You can use food-grade flavorings to make unique blends and combinations that regular manufacturers do not sell. 

Safety Considerations When Making DIY E-Liquid

When making vape juice, make sure you take the following into account: 

• Nicotine Safety: Nicotine can be very toxic in high concentrations. So make sure you wear gloves and protective gear. 

• Mixing: You need to be precise with measurements to avoid an unbalanced mix. Use a reliable nicotine calculator for accurate measurements. 

• Storage: Use locking containers when storing liquids for steeping. Make sure it is kept away from direct sunlight. 

Regulated vs. Unregulated E-Liquid Ingredients

Understanding E-Liquid Regulations

Unregulated Ingredients

Unregulated e-liquids can be harmful as they can have unwanted chemicals, inconsistent nicotine levels, or mislabeled ingredients.

What to Look Out For:

• Unknown Ingredients not listed on the label

• Contaminants found in cheap black market vapes like those found in Thailand

• Inconsistent Nicotine Levels 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Propylene Glycol (PG) safe to vape?

PG is generally safe when consumed in small doses. You may feel irritation in the throat or allergic reactions. However, there are no major incidents reported.

Can nicotine-free vape juice still be harmful?

Nicotine-free vape juice can be equally harmful as those with nicotine. The chemicals used to make them are still the same just without the addition of nicotine. 

What is the safest vape juice ingredient?

VG is the safest ingredient in vapor as it is derived from plants. 

How can I tell if vape juice contains harmful ingredients?

It is difficult to say what ingredients are in a vape unless you buy verified products. However, look out for label inconsistencies and printed certifications on the box to make sure you buy the right vapes. 

Are there vegan or organic vape juice options?

There are vegan and organic vape juice options available that are made from VG only.

Closing Thoughts

Vaping has grown in popularity to a point where people no longer look at smoking cigarettes the same way. It is appealing to both the younger population as much as it is to the older ones. So knowing what ingredients they are made of can help you make an informed decision of whether vaping is right for you!