Lifestyle

The Ultimate Guide to Vape Liquid Ingredients

Karen Donovan

Have you ever wondered what is in vape liquid? Most people don’t worry too much about it because they are happy to eliminate toxic materials like carbon monoxide smoke and tar when transitioning from smoking to vaping. In its place, though, are several ingredients brought together for your enjoyment.

For all vape juices, there are only five ingredients:

    • Water
    • Nicotine
    • Propylene Glycol 
    • Vegetable Glycerine
    • Flavourings

Some vape juices carry no nicotine, and PG/VG ratios vary, with some juices combining the two. The fun with e liquid Canada is that you can experiment with different combinations to get the best possible flavours.

Let’s learn more about the five vape liquid ingredients.

Vape Liquid Ingredient #1: Water

We all know what water is: H2O or two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and there are billions of water molecules in a single drop of water. Our body needs water to sustain life, but don’t calculate the amount in your vape juice to your total water count for the day.

Some people add a little distilled water to make their juice go longer or to tone down the nicotine. Be sure not to add too much, as it may change the flavouring and consistency. 

Vape Liquid Ingredient #2: Nicotine

Nicotine is an alkaloid extracted from tobacco plants and is an addictive substance used in vape liquid. It is there to help people transition from smoking cigarettes, and because there is no burning of tobacco leaves, it is not harmful. Nicotine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing dopamine levels in the brain and raising blood pressure, heart rate and respiration.

Nicotine levels vary in vape juice from:

    • 36mg
    • 18-24mg
    • 12mg
    • 6mg
    • 3mg
    • 0mg

Higher nicotine levels tend to have a harsher throat hit, and you can get either freebase nicotine (regular) or nicotine salts (higher nicotine content without the harsh taste.) Vaping is ideal for cutting back on nicotine and eventually going off completely, and you will still enjoy your juice.

Vape Liquid Ingredient #3: Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a derivative of petroleum made in a lab to ensure it is food safe. It is used in food and drugs like:

    • Cake mixes
    • Ice cream
    • Soft drinks
    • Salad dressing
    • Food colouring
    • Mouthwash
    • Toothpaste
    • Deodorant
    • Shampoo
    • Cosmetics

It also provides the artificial smoke you see in fog machines. PG has a slightly sweet taste while having syrup consistency and retains moisture, thickens and bonds other ingredients. 

Vaping acts as a carrier for flavourings; when it is at a higher ratio, you get a sharper flavour. It is similar to smoking tobacco with a stronger throat hit, and because it is thinner than VG, it is easier to clean off your device. People trying to give up smoking do their best on PG-based juice.

Vape Liquid Ingredient #4: Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin, or VG, is a thick liquid from soya beans, palm trees, and animal fat. It is water soluble, unlike vegetable oil and is used by the food industry to sweeten, thicken and retain moisture. Products with VG include:

    • Toothpaste
    • Soap
    • Hand cream
    • Eye drops
    • Deodorant
    • Yogurt
    • Cheese
    • Processed food
    • Baked goods

VG used in vaping juice provides the thick clouds that many users enjoy. Cloud chasers opt for high VG ration juices to produce the best effects. VG gives you a much smoother throat hit, but its thickness makes it harder to clean your tank as it gets thick and goopy. 

While it is processed from oil, like PG, VG is alcohol, making it safe to inhale. VG-based liquids have lower nicotine strengths but big clouds, so it is a preference.

For most vape juices, there is a mixed ratio of VG and PG; over time, you get to know what works best for you.

Vape Liquid Ingredient #5: Flavourings

Water-soluble flavourings are a big part of the draw to vaping. This ingredient is a host of combined chemicals manufactured to give you a pleasing and memorable taste. They come from natural and artificial sources but are food-grade, so they are safe to inhale and only take up around 10% of the total vape juice content. Flavours come in a wide variety with thousands to pick from and generally fit into these categories:

    • Candy Flavours like gummy bears, bubble gum and licorice.
    • Dessert Flavours like lemon tart, cinnamon buns and ice cream sandwiches.
    • Drink Flavours like milkshakes, slushies, champagne, whiskey and brandy.
    • Tobacco Flavours like most cigarette brands, sweet tobacco, cigar, spiced and menthol.
    • Menthol Flavours with a cool sensation combined with fruit, candy, peppermint and spearmint.

Many flavour concentrates are made by fragrance and food flavouring manufacturers, and most juices contain sweeteners like sucralose.

These five above ingredients go into vape juices. Understanding the contents of your juice help ease your mind because knowledge is power. These ingredients have been tested, and long-term use is monitored to keep people safe while giving them a product to enjoy.