Don't know your 'nic salts' from your freebase e-liquids, or wondering what PG and VG mean? In this guide, we'll take a look at the different types of e-liquid, how to choose the right strength and correct e-liquid for your device, plus much more.

What Is E-Liquid?

E-liquid, or vape juice', are liquids used in electronic cigarettes and vaporisers to create vapour. These liquids are available in various flavours, nicotine strengths, and PG/VG ratios to cater to different vaping preferences and styles.

What Is E-Liquid Made Of?

E-Liquids typically contain just a handful of ingredients:

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Thick, sweet and odourless liquid responsible for producing vapour clouds.

• Propylene Glycol (PG): Thin, odourless petroleum by-product delivers a throat hit.

• Flavour Concentrates: E-liquid gets its flavour from artificial or naturally derived ingredients.

• Nicotine: An optional ingredient, typically found in strengths ranging from 0mg to 20mg in the UK.

Read More: PG vs VG In E-Liquids

How Does E-Liquid Work?

E-liquids work with your vape device to create the vapour you inhale. Your device's battery powers a coil that heats the e-liquid, making it evaporate into an aerosol or vapour. This vapour is then inhaled through the mouthpiece of your vape device. The process is similar to boiling water on a stove, where the e-liquid is heated until it evaporates. When the vape device's coil heats the e-liquid, it turns into a vapour, which the user inhales. This mimics the act of smoking but without the combustion of traditional tobacco products.

Types of E-Liquid

Broadly speaking, there are a few types of e-liquids you're likely to come across:

Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids

Many e-liquids contain freebase nicotine, which is the purest form of nicotine. These e-liquids are a suitable option for users who prefer a stronger throat hit, similar to that of traditional cigarettes. Freebase e-liquids are widely used in different types of vape devices, including starter kits and sub-ohm devices.

Nicotine Salt E-Liquids

Nicotine salts were invented as a way to make higher concentrations of nicotine more palatable for adult nicotine consumers. E-liquids containing nic salts provide a smoother throat hit at higher nicotine strengths, making it suitable for those seeking a higher nicotine strength without discomfort. They are often used with low-power devices and pod systems due to their ability to vaporise at lower temperatures.

Shortfill E-Liquids

Shortfill e-liquids are nicotine-free e-liquids that come in larger bottles than those containing nicotine. The reason for the name 'shortfill' is that these bottles have extra space left at the top for adding nicotine shots. Shortfill e-liquids have gained popularity among vapers who are looking for more flexibility in terms of nicotine strength and value for their money.

Are E-Liquids Legal in the UK?

E-liquids are legal in the UK, but regulations govern their sale and distribution. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and quality of e-liquids being sold and protect consumers. For instance, e-liquids must comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) and be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before they can be sold. Additionally, e-liquids must not contain certain harmful substances, and they must be packaged in child-resistant containers.

Other regulations include:

• Selling a nicotine-inhaling product to anyone aged under 18 is a criminal offence.

• Nicotine-containing e-liquids are restricted to a maximum volume of 10ml per container.

• E-cigarette tanks are restricted to a capacity of no more than 2ml.

• Nicotine strength in e-liquids is limited to 20mg/ml (2%).

If you plan to travel with e-liquids somewhere outside the UK, check the laws and customs of your destination before jetting off. For example, some countries prohibit the use and sale e-liquids, while others limit how much you can bring.

How Do I Choose The Right Strength?

It's important to choose the right strength by matching your current nicotine intake to the corresponding strength. In e-liquids, this is measured in milligrams (mg) or as a percentage (%). Both are a measure the concentration of nicotine per milliliter (mL) of e-liquid. Here at Vuse we use milligrams:

Read More: E-Liquid Nicotine Strengths Guide

What type of e-liquid does your device need?

A common mistake made by beginners is choosing an e-liquid that is incompatible with their device. Just like the engine in a high-end sports car needs a synthetic oil that can withstand high temperatures, while regular cars are fine with everyday oil, your device is no different. For example, some devices are designed to produce bigger clouds of vapour, which requires thicker e-liquid, while low-powered devices are happy with a traditional 50/50 PG/VG ratio.

FAQs

Which vape juice is best for beginners?

If you're just starting out, we recommend using a 50/50 blend e-liquid, which is equal parts PG and VG. This blend is a versatile and designed for users of all experience levels, while delivering a balance of flavour, vapour and compatibility with a range of devices. Here at Vuse, we use this same 50/50 blend in our e-liquid pods that are compatible with the Vuse Pro device.

Are there any e-liquids without nicotine?

Yes, you can buy 0mg, or nicotine-free e-liquids and disposable vapes from most online vape store retailers including right here on Vuse.

Does E-liquid Expire?

Like food products, e-liquids also have best-before dates that indicate how long it will maintain its optimal quality. When stored under ideal conditions, e-liquid can have a shelf life of around 2 years.

* These products are not risk-free and contain nicotine, an addictive substance.