Guide to E-liquid
E-liquid, which may also be known as vape juice or e-juice is the flavoured fluid that you fill your vape tank with. E-liquid is the substance that gives vapour its flavour and nicotine. E-cigarette vapour is created when the e-liquid is heated by the coil inside the cartridge. When heated, the liquid transforms into vapour.
What are the ingredients in e-liquids?
There are three main ingredient components in e-liquids, these include propylene glycol (PG), Vegetable glycerine (VG) and natural and artificial flavourings.
PG and VG are colourless components that are combined to create e-liquid, Propylene glycol (PG) is a base component in e-liquid, it has no colour or flavour. The main use of PG is to provide a 'throat hit' which some users claim is similar to the sensation experienced when smoking tobacco.
The TPRP has guidelines in place that regulate the quality and safety of e-liquids. These guidelines ensure that e-liquids must not contain certain ingredients such as colourings, taurine and caffeine.
Vegetable glycerine (VG) is a natural substance that comes from plant-based sources like palm oils, coconuts or soybeans. VG is more viscous than PG, as Vegetable glycerine is used to produce a dense flavour, it can add sweetness to the liquid but also produces a much larger vapour cloud. A higher VG ratio can make it a lot easier on the throat, as it does not have a strong 'throat hit' that PG gives.
The last component in e-liquids is natural and artificial flavourings. Both artificial and natural flavourings are safe to consume. This is what gives the liquids their distinctive flavours, like menthol, fruity, and tobacco. Whichever flavour you want, there probably is an e-liquid that will suit your preferences!
What do the different ratios mean with e-liquid?
The ratios identified in e-liquid refer to the ratio of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG), for example, an e-liquid may read the ratio of 50% PG and 50% VG.
To put it simply, the main use of PG is to carry flavour and provide a 'throat hit'. A high PG ratio will provide a potent throat hit, making it ideal for individuals who want the simulation of a normal cigarette while also enjoying a strong flavour profile.
On the other hand, VG can give e-liquids more density without changing their flavour. Thus, VG is responsible for the generation of vapour. This means that a greater VG ratio will result in larger, more dense vapour clouds.
Is e-liquid safe?
Although some potentially toxic chemicals, like nicotine, are present in e-liquid, it has much fewer harmful substances that are present in cigarettes.
E-liquids must be compliant with TRPR before they may be sold or licenced. These regulations ensure that the maximum e-liquid bottle volume is 10 ml and the maximum nicotine content is 20 mg.
To lessen the risk of these liquids falling into the wrong hands, e-liquids must also include childproof tops and nozzles that restrict liquid flow. When buying e-liquids, customers should also receive information and warning leaflets. To ensure that those who purchase e-liquids are aware of the risks and the ingredients in the liquids, warning stickers should be placed on bottles that contain nicotine.
What types of E-liquids are there?
You should be aware of the many e-liquids that are available for purchase while searching for the right e-liquid for you, and you should know what liquid will be most appropriate for your vaping needs.
10ml
10ml e-liquids are those that come in smaller volumes, typically already pre-mixed with nicotine. 10ml e-liquids are great for those looking for something stronger than 3mg nicotine, 10ml liquids also offer a fantastic wide range of flavours to choose from. If you are looking for a mouth-to-lung vaping experience, then 10ml e-liquids are ideal for you.
Shortfill
Shortfills are nicotine-free bottles of e-liquid, the term 'short-filled' means there is enough space in a bottle to add a nicotine shot of your wish. Shortfills are larger bottles that come in a capacity of 50ml and 100ml bottles.
Our very own S-Elf Juice shortfills, recommend for Direct to Lung (DTL ) style vape devices. Our S-elf Juice shortfills are 60ml-sized bottles that include 50ml of 0 nicotine e-liquid, leaving you with 10ml to add your preferred nicotine shot to make a 3mg shortfill e-liquid.
Nic salt
Nic salt e-liquids offer a higher strength of nicotine and provide a much smoother hit on the throat. Our nic salt e-liquids come in the strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. Our very own Elf Juice 10ml Nic Salt is recommended for MTL (mouth to lung) style vape devices, this e-liquid will meet your nicotine cravings while also offering a sweet flavour.
CBD e-liquid
CBD originates from the abbreviation of Cannabidiol, found in the hemp plant. CBD acts as a non-psychoactive, non-addictive substance that will not get you 'high'. CBD comes in the form of oil and drops. CBD strengths can vary, the strength of CBD is in the form of milligrams, for instance, our CBD comes in strengths of 500mg, 1000mg and 2000mg.
CBD e-liquid is available in flavours that can disguise its taste, like fruity flavours like strawberry. CBD without a flavour is said to have a very earthy taste. Our very own CBD line, V+, is available in seven different flavours with three different strengths. some of these flavours include apple, blueberry, strawberry and menthol.
All of our 10mls and nic salts contain nicotine. Our shortfills are nicotine-free bottles that come with enough space for a nicotine shot. CBD does also not contain nicotine.
what e-liquid types can be mixed?
Shortfill e-liquids are intended to be mixed with a nicotine shot. Shortfills are made to be mixed with the nicotine shot of your choice; our own 18mg Nicotine Booster Nic Shot pairs perfectly with our S-elf Juice shortfill.
When combining e-liquids, it's crucial to combine liquids with comparable flavour profiles. For instance, the PG/VG ratios must be similar, therefore an e-liquid with a 50PG/50VG ratio should be mixed with another 50PG/50VG to ensure the combination is effective. Although it is possible to mix e-liquids, doing so is not recommended.
Which liquid should I use with what vape device?
When there are hundreds of flavours and multiple nicotine strengths to choose from it can be extremely daunting to know what liquid to consider. Depending on the vaping experience you desire, there are a variety of nicotine strengths and ratios available.
E- liquid types
Shortfills are suited to those using a sub-ohm vape kit. Sub-ohm vape kits are much more high-powered, larger devices that are designed to obtain lower nicotine levels and higher VG ratios. Our very own S-elf Juice shortfill has a ratio of 70VG/30PG that is suited for sub-ohm vape kits to generate larger clouds and a stronger flavour.
If you are using an MTL device, a 10ml e-liquid is the most suited option. This includes high PG 10ml, including our VO line, which has a 70PG/30VG ratio. This is great because it will provide new users who are converting from cigarettes to vape devices with a "throat hit" that is similar to smoking cigarettes.
Nic salts are a great option if you use an MTL device and want a high nicotine level without the harsh throat hit. Our own Elf Juice 10ml is a 50PG/50VG e-liquid that offers a high nicotine intensity but far less throat hit.
Ratios
The device you use and the coils that go with it will determine what e-liquid is best suited. The ratios of the e-liquid will change depending on whether you are using a sub-ohm or MTL device.
The type of e-liquid you should use depends on the resistance of the coil you're using. It is advised to use a higher VG liquid with coils that have a lower resistance, such as those below 1 ohm, as this will produce the greatest results. For instance, our S-elf juice shortfills contain a ratio of 70VG/30PG that goes hand in hand with a sub-ohm device.
It is advised to use a 50PG/50VG ratio for coils with resistance between 0.5 and 1 ohm because anything with a greater PG content may result in burnt-out coils. Our VO Asalted e-liquid is a great option, as it has a ratio of 50PG/50VG that goes great with an MTL device.
Lastly, if you are using coils with a high resistance such as 1.5 to 2.5 ohm, then a high PG ratio is recommended, for example, a 70PG/30PG will give the best vaping results, as it will produce a stronger throat hit and less vapour. This ratio is advised for those who are initially transitioning to vaping after quitting smoking, as it had cigarette-like characteristics with the throat hit.
What vape liquid flavour (s) should I choose?
Everyone has a unique, individual flavour preference. The variety of flavours available to vapers now is greater than ever before, and it is expanding daily. There are flavours for everyone, from fruit to dessert. Below is a list of some of the flavours so you can decide which ones are best for you.
What are the most popular choices?
For those switching to vaping, tobacco offers a familiar and traditional taste of the classic cigarette. It's no surprise it's a popular flavour amongst vapers.
Another popular flavour is menthol, which is particularly favourable for menthol cigarette smokers who want to make the move to vaping. Others may like vaping with a much sweeter flavour, such as some fruity or dessert flavours, where they may fully explore the variety of unique vaping flavours that are available.
what are the different flavour groups?
There is a flavour to suit everyone's tastes and preferences as there are so many flavour variations available! You can select a flavour that meets your preferences from the variety of flavours available, which include classic tobacco, sweet desserts, fruity favourites, classic drinks, and minty menthol.
Here at VPZ, we have a range of sweet and satisfying flavours sure to please any sweet lover! Our well-known Elf Juice range brings together favourite fruity tastes such as Watermelon Ice, Red Grape Ice, Blueberry Bubblegum and more. Enjoy a more classic approach to vaping with our selection of delicious VO flavours, from the classic tastes of tobacco and menthol to our refreshing menthol and crisp mint.
Feeling unsure about what flavours to try? Look no further – come into one of our VPZ stores or visit our website for all the advice you need!
How to store e-liquid
To guarantee you get the most out of your e-liquids, treat them with the utmost care. E-liquids do, of course, have a shelf life, therefore it is crucial to handle them properly to give them the longest shelf life possible.
Our liquids should be stored in a cool well ventilated place, out of sunlight and extreme temperatures such as in a car during the summertime. The best place would be to store your e-liquids away in a cupboard, ensuring it is not in direct sunlight.
cover off best practice storage
cover off minor and major spills highlighting the need to use cleaner for larger sills if you have kids, cats or dogs.
How long does e-liquid last?
E-liquids can provide long-lasting, flavorful satisfaction; when cared for properly they have a potential shelf life of up to three years. While exposure to air over time may cause some oxidation - the overall taste remains satisfyingly intact!
Naturally, it is hard to entirely keep your e-liquid out from air exposure when you open and close your e-liquid. Although, once you have opened your e-liquid, it is still perfectly fine to use from that three-year mark.