Vape juice, also called e-liquid or vape liquid, is a solution used in electronic cigarettes, which creates vapor when heated. Vape juice contains a few main components, and each component plays a role in taste, throat sensation, and vapor production. Knowing these components helps vapers make informed decisions for safety, flavor, and performance.
If you care about your health, it probably influenced your choice to switch from smoking to vaping and stop using tobacco. However, quitting cigarette smoke does not mean you can ignore other substances you inhale. You should know exactly what vape juice ingredients are entering your lungs when you vape.
So, what actually is in vape e-juice?
E-liquid is simpler than cigarette tobacco. Ingredients used to make vape liquids include four primary ingredients:
- Propylene glycol (PG)
- Vegetable glycerin (VG)
- Nicotine
- Flavorings
Let’s explore each flavoring ingredients to understand what you are actually inhaling when you vape.
Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable Glycerin, or VG, is a thick, plant-based liquid used as a main ingredient in vape juice. VG has a slightly sweet taste and a smooth texture. VG helps create large, dense vapor clouds, which makes it popular with vapers who enjoy cloud chasing.
VG is compatible with most vaping setups, but e-liquids with higher VG levels work best in sub-ohm or advanced devices that can handle thick liquids. Liquids with lower VG levels flow more easily through standard or smaller devices. VG carries flavors well and adds mild sweetness without extra sugar. Because VG is thick, e-liquids with higher VG may leave more residue in tanks and coils, so cleaning devices regularly is important.
- Example: A 70% VG e-liquid produces large clouds and smooth hits, ideal for a sub-ohm tank, while a 50% VG e-liquid flows more easily and works well in a standard vape pen.
Do all vapes have vegetable glycerin?
No, not all vapes contain vegetable glycerin (VG). Some vape liquids use only propylene glycol (PG), which is thinner and gives a stronger throat impact and better flavor. Many e-liquids combine VG and PG, where VG makes a thicker vapor and a smoother inhale. The exact VG content varies by product, so while VG is common, it is not present in every vape.
Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a thin, colorless liquid used as a main base in vape juice. It has a neutral taste and is excellent at carrying flavors, which makes it a key ingredient for flavor-focused vaping.
PG affects vaping by providing a stronger hit. E-liquids with higher PG content feel sharper and more pronounced when inhaled, similar to the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. This makes PG popular among vapers who enjoy a firm throat hit. In contrast, e-liquids with lower PG content feel smoother and less intense.
PG works best for flavor lovers and people who prefer mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. MTL devices and standard vape pens handle PG easily because its thin consistency flows well through coils and wicks. High-PG liquids produce less vapor than high-VG liquids, but they deliver more concentrated flavor.
- Example: A 70% PG e-liquid delivers a strong throat hit and intense flavor, ideal for MTL vaping, while a 50% PG e-liquid balances flavor and vapor production for a smoother experience.
Understanding VG/PG Ratios in Vape Juice
Vape juice contains two main bases: Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol. The ratio of VG to PG affects vapor production, throat hit, flavor intensity, and device compatibility. Below is a comparison of common VG/PG ratios:
Key Notes:
- Higher VG = bigger clouds, smoother throat hit, slightly muted flavor, works best in advanced devices.
- Higher PG = stronger throat hit, more flavor, easier for standard MTL devices, produces less vapor.
Flavor Concentrates in E-Liquid
Flavor concentrates are the ingredients in vape juice that provide taste. They can be natural, derived from real fruits, herbs, or other sources, or artificial, created through chemical processes to mimic flavors. Both types are safe for vaping when used in proper concentrations.
Vape flavors fall into several popular categories. Fruit flavors include strawberry, mango, and watermelon, offering sweet and refreshing tastes. Menthol flavors provide a cooling sensation and are often combined with fruit or tobacco for added complexity. Dessert flavors replicate tastes like vanilla, custard, or chocolate, giving a sweet and creamy vaping experience. Tobacco flavors mimic the taste of traditional cigarettes and are preferred by former smokers.
- Example: "Strawberry Kiwi" by Naked 100 is a fruit-flavored e-liquid using both natural and artificial flavor concentrates to achieve a balanced taste.
Flavor concentrates allow vapers to customize their experience. By blending flavors or adjusting concentrations, you can achieve the exact taste and intensity they prefer.
Nicotine in Vape Juice
Nicotine is a natural compound added to vape juice to satisfy the cravings of former smokers. It stimulates the brain in ways similar to traditional cigarettes, helping you transition from smoking to vaping. Nicotine is not necessary for vaping, but it plays a key role for those looking to reduce or replace cigarette use.
E-liquids come in different nicotine strengths. Nicotine levels in vape include 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, and 20mg per milliliter of liquid. Lower strengths, such as 0mg or 3mg, are ideal for vapers who want minimal or no nicotine intake while still enjoying flavor and vapor. Medium strengths, like 6mg or 12mg, provide a moderate throat hit and are suitable for most casual vapers. Higher strengths, such as 18mg or 20mg, deliver a strong hit and are typically used in MTL devices or for heavy smokers transitioning to vaping.
- Example: "Classic Tobacco 6mg" by Vape Wild provides a balanced nicotine level for a satisfying MTL experience.
Nicotine levels help vapers control their intake and gradually reduce dependence if desired, making it an important aspect of customizing the vaping experience.
Understanding Nicotine Strength in Vape Juice
Nicotine in vape juice comes in different strengths to suit varying preferences and smoking habits. The strength affects throat hit, satisfaction, and the transition from smoking to vaping.
Key Notes:
- Lower nicotine (0–6mg) = smoother hits, suitable for sub-ohm or cloud-focused vaping.
- Higher nicotine (12–20mg) = stronger throat hit (for freebase or nic salt), better for MTL devices, replicates cigarette sensation.
Why does vape juice change color or oxidize when it contains nicotine?
Vape juice with nicotine darkens or oxidizes because nicotine reacts with oxygen, light, and heat. This reaction slowly changes the liquid’s color from clear or light to amber or brown. Oxidation can also slightly reduce nicotine strength and affect flavor, but it does not always make the juice unsafe.
Salt Nic vs Freebase E Juices
Nicotine in vape juice comes in two main forms: freebase nicotine and salt nicotine (nic salt). Each type behaves differently in the body and affects the vaping experience.
Salt Nicotine (Nic Salt):
Nicotine salt e-liquids are formulated to provide a smoother throat hit even at higher concentrations. They are absorbed faster by the body, which helps satisfy cravings quickly. Nic salts are ideal for beginners, former smokers, or anyone using pod systems and low-wattage devices. They allow higher nicotine strengths, such as 20mg, without the harshness typical of freebase nicotine.
Freebase Nicotine:
Freebase nicotine is the standard form found in most traditional e-liquids. At high concentrations, it can feel harsh on the throat, but it is effective at lower strengths for those seeking a stronger hit sensation. Freebase nicotine absorbs more slowly, making it suitable for vapers who prioritize flavor, large clouds, or sub-ohm vaping.
Comparison Chart:
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Vape Juice
When selecting vape juice, it is important to check a few key factors:
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VG/PG Ratio: Look at the ratio to determine cloud production, throat hit, and device compatibility. High VG is best for cloud chasers, while higher PG is better for flavor and mouth-to-lung vaping.
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Nicotine Type and Strength: Decide between salt nicotine or freebase nicotine. Choose a strength that suits your cravings. Nicotine salts are a great choice for beginners or casual users, while sub-ohm vapers often prefer lower-strength freebase nicotine.
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Flavor Preference: Consider whether you prefer fruit, dessert, menthol, or tobacco flavors. Some vapers mix flavors to create a customized taste.
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Brand Quality: Buy from reputable brands to ensure product safety, consistent quality, and accurate labeling.
Where to Buy Vape Juice in Canada
If you are in Canada, Fraser Stop N Go is your go-to destination for high-quality vape juice you can trust. We stock a wide range of e-liquids from trusted Canadian brands, giving you everything from freebase nicotine or nicotine salts, with multiple VG/PG ratios and nicotine strengths to perfectly match your taste and vaping style.
Shopping with us is simple, where you can easily purchase from our website. Order online for fast and Canada-wide shipping. If you are in Surrey, BC, visit our smoke shop on Fraser Highway in Fleetwood. Need a vape right away? Take advantage of our same-day delivery across the entire Surrey area within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
