E-Liquids

E-liquids, also known as vape juice or e-juice, are liquids used in electronic cigarettes and vapes. They typically consist of propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and may include nicotine up to a maximum of 20mg/ml. These are heated by a vape device to produce inhalable vapour. According to NHS, e-liquids usually contain these ingredients to create the vaping experience, regulated under UK law for safety and consistency.

E-liquids are placed in a vape’s tank or pod, where a battery-powered coil heats them to a temperature that turns the liquid into vapour. Users inhale this vapour, with the process activated by drawing on the device or pressing a button. The e-liquid depletes with use, requiring refills in reusable devices, as outlined in technical descriptions from health sources like the NHS.

E-liquids primarily contain propylene glycol (PG) for throat hit and flavour, vegetable glycerin (VG) for thicker vapour, food-grade flavourings, and optional nicotine (0mg to 20mg/ml). PG and VG ratios vary, affecting vaping style—high-PG for mouth-to-lung, high-VG for sub-ohm devices. Nicotine salts, a variant, offer smoother delivery, per general industry knowledge and GOV.UK labelling standards.

E-liquids are popular due to their versatility, allowing users to choose nicotine strength and flavour to suit preferences or quit smoking. They’re cost-effective for refillable vapes (£2-4 per 10ml) compared to cigarettes, and their variety—from tobacco to dessert—appeals widely, supporting their role in harm reduction, as noted by the NHS.

E-liquids are less harmful than tobacco, lacking tar and carbon monoxide, but aren’t risk-free. Vapour may contain trace harmful substances, and long-term effects are still being studied. The NHS states vaping is safer than smoking but advises against use by non-smokers, with nicotine addiction a concern for some users.

Under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, e-liquids are capped at 20mg/ml nicotine, with refill bottles limited to 10ml and single-use cartridges to 2ml. They must carry health warnings and list ingredients, per GOV.UK. Sales to under-18s are banned, ensuring safety and preventing youth uptake.

E-liquids range from 0mg (nicotine-free) to 20mg/ml, the UK legal maximum. Common strengths include 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg, with nicotine salts offering smoother options at higher levels. This range caters to ex-smokers and casual vapers, regulated by GOV.UK standards.

E-liquids offer flavours like tobacco, menthol, fruits (e.g., apple, mango), and desserts (e.g., custard, chocolate), with new options emerging regularly. This diversity enhances user enjoyment but raises youth appeal concerns, though no flavour bans exist yet, unlike disposable vapes, per public health discussions.

Store e-liquids in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, children, and pets, in their original bottles. Avoid heat to maintain quality, and clean spills immediately—rinse skin or eyes with water if contacted, seeking medical help if needed, as advised by GOV.UK.

Propylene glycol (PG) is thinner, giving a stronger throat hit and better flavour carry, while vegetable glycerin (VG) is thicker, producing more vapour with a milder taste. High-PG suits smaller devices; high-VG suits sub-ohm vaping. Most e-liquids mix both, balancing performance, per widespread technical insights.

Match e-liquid to your device: high-PG for mouth-to-lung, high-VG for sub-ohm. Pick nicotine strength based on smoking habits (e.g., 12-18mg for heavy smokers, 3-6mg for light) and flavour by preference. Check device manuals to avoid coil damage, aligning with general vaping guidance.

Yes, carry e-liquids in 100ml or smaller bottles in a clear plastic bag in hand luggage, per UK airline rules. Check destination laws—some countries restrict nicotine content or ban vaping. Refill limits apply (10ml max per bottle), as per GOV.UK.