Vape e-liquid is composed of five main ingredients, including propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, nicotine, and flavor enhancers. These ingredients play different roles in the formulation of e-liquids, collectively creating a diverse smoking experience.
Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin serve as the primary base components, providing the foundation for vapor production and mouthfeel. Flavorings impart various tastes and aromas to the e-liquid, enhancing the enjoyment of the smoking process.
Nicotine is an addictive substance used to satisfy the nicotine cravings of smokers. Flavor enhancers are used to adjust the mouthfeel characteristics of the e-liquid, making it smoother and more comfortable. Through proper blending and the use of these ingredients, e-liquids can offer a range of personalized options to meet the needs and preferences of different users.
PG (Propylene Glycol), also known as propylene glycol, is a common pharmaceutical and food additive. It is a colorless, odorless, slightly sweet-tasting, and hygroscopic liquid with good flowability. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines PG as “generally recognized as safe” for human consumption.
PG serves as a carrier for flavorings in e-liquids, enhancing the taste and providing a slight throat hit when heated, along with producing a small amount of vapor. It can also be used to dilute VG, reducing the viscosity of the e-liquid for better wicking. PG has good wicking properties and produces “less vapor” and a throat hit similar to smoking.
Although PG is generally safe for human consumption, some individuals may experience minor and temporary side effects such as throat irritation, increased phlegm production, or allergies. These symptoms can disappear by either discontinuing the use of PG-containing e-liquids, switching to e-liquids with lower PG content, or using PG-free e-liquids. E-liquids with higher PG content tend to have a thicker mouthfeel, slightly stronger throat hit, and relatively smaller vapor production.
PG has been classified as a safe additive for consumption by the FDA (only in terms of ingestion). While it is also used as a base material for antifreeze, it is commonly employed in antifreeze and specific food and beverage applications.
The FDA’s statement of “Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)” specifically refers to ingestion, and it does not cover the safety of aerosols produced by the vaporization of e-liquids.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin), also known as vegetable glycerol or glycerol, is a common pharmaceutical and food additive used in the production of cakes, chocolates, and other sweets. It has minimal side effects on the human body, is colorless and odorless, and highly hygroscopic. However, it has a higher viscosity, which slightly increases the difficulty of cleaning the atomizer and reduces the wicking speed of the coil (making it more prone to dry hits or burnt coils). VG can be directly extracted from plant oils, coconut oil, and palm oil, heated to high temperatures, and then distilled for purification. Therefore, reputable e-liquids use USP food-grade vegetable glycerin with a purity of 99.7% and 0.3% water.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) plays a significant role in e-liquids. Here are the functions of VG in e-liquids:
Vapor production: VG is one of the main components in e-liquids and has high viscosity and thickness, contributing to the production of dense vapor. When heated, VG produces a large amount of vapor. Those who have used high-VG or dripping atomizers are aware that to achieve high vapor production, a significant amount of VG needs to be added to the e-liquid.
Throat hit: VG provides a certain level of throat hit, simulating the sensation of traditional cigarettes and satisfying smokers.
Sweetness: Compared to other components, VG has a slight sweetness that helps improve the flavor of the e-liquid, making it more enjoyable.
Increased viscosity: VG has a higher viscosity, which increases the thickness and stickiness of the e-liquid, making it easier to flow in vape devices.
Moisturizing and smooth mouthfeel: VG has moisturizing properties, providing users with a moist and smooth mouthfeel for a more comfortable smoking experience.
Flavorings, or essences, can be considered the soul of e-liquid. The flavor of e-liquid is determined by the flavorings used. The combination and proportion of different flavorings determine the taste of a particular e-liquid. The flavorings used in unique flavors of e-liquid are often complex. Special flavorings, such as “mint,” can also provide a throat hit sensation.
The main functions of flavorings in e-liquid are as follows:
Providing taste and aroma: Flavorings are added to e-liquid to impart various tastes and aromas. They can mimic the taste of traditional cigarettes, such as tobacco or menthol, as well as a variety of fruit, candy, and beverage flavors to cater to different user preferences.
Enhancing vaping experience: Flavorings can provide users with a richer vaping experience. By adding flavorings, e-liquid can exhibit multiple layers of flavor and aroma, making the vaping process more enjoyable and satisfying.
Masking nicotine taste: Nicotine itself has a certain bitterness and irritability. The addition of flavorings can mask the taste of nicotine, making the e-liquid smoother and easier to inhale.
Personalized choices: With a wide variety of flavorings available, users can choose different flavorings based on their taste preferences to customize unique e-liquid flavors and meet individualized needs.
Flavorings, one could say, are the soul of e-liquids. The flavor of an e-liquid is determined by the use of flavorings. The combination and proportion of different flavorings determine the taste of a particular e-liquid. The flavoring formula for e-liquids with unique flavors is often very complex. Certain special flavorings, such as “mint,” can also provide a throat-hit sensation.
Nicotine primarily serves to alleviate cravings and produce a throat-hit sensation. It also plays a role in enhancing the taste of e-liquids. Some people associate nicotine with toxicity, but in reality, the nicotine present in e-liquids is in the form of a solution, and the concentration is not high. In recent years, nicotine, which has long been closely linked to terms like “death” and “cancer,” has gained new attention, and many experts have sought to set the record straight. They believe that nicotine in cigarettes does not pose significant harm; the true culprits of cancer are tar, carbon monoxide, and the 4,000+ toxic and even radioactive substances produced by cigarette combustion.
However, it is important not to overlook the harmful effects of nicotine on the body. It is advisable to gradually reduce the nicotine concentration in e-liquids and eventually quit nicotine dependency. Common nicotine concentrations in e-liquids are 0mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg. A higher number indicates a higher nicotine concentration per milliliter of e-liquid, resulting in a stronger throat-hit sensation, but it can also cause irritation.
High concentrations can lead to coughing, stomachaches, and dizziness. If any of these symptoms occur while using an vape, it is recommended to switch to an e-liquid with a lower nicotine concentration. Most people find that 6mg e-liquids provide the best experience, satisfying their needs with a good throat-hit sensation without irritation.
Additives include sweeteners, souring agents, throat-soothing agents, deionized water (distilled water), etc. Their main function is to improve the taste of e-liquids and compensate for any deficiencies in the flavorings. For example, some e-liquids may have a slightly bitter or sour taste, which can be improved by adding sweeteners for a better taste.
Deionized water is primarily used to dilute VG (vegetable glycerin). Some e-liquids do not contain PG (propylene glycol), and VG is quite viscous, which can cause poor wicking in certain oil storage atomizers. To maintain the desired VG ratio, deionized water is added to dilute VG and improve its flowability. However, purified water, mineral water, and regular tap water should not be added to e-liquids because they contain ions, which are conductive. If added to e-liquids and subsequently used in atomizers, it can cause short circuits and render the device inoperable. Deionized water and distilled water, on the other hand, are non-conductive.
The above information outlines the components of e-liquids. High-quality e-liquids should use food-grade raw materials, meaning they can be used as food ingredients. Some imported or domestically exported e-liquids must pass the certification of the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to prove their safety for human consumption before they can be allowed for sale.
Therefore, when purchasing e-liquids, it is advisable to choose reputable brands and make purchases from trustworthy sellers. It is best to avoid trying unknown e-liquids, as they may be produced in unregulated facilities using substandard and potentially harmful ingredients, compromising both hygiene and health.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the components of e-liquids, there is no need to excessively worry about the toxicity or harmfulness of the ingredients. In the future, when buying e-liquids, you can choose the appropriate ones based on your needs, avoiding the awkwardsituation of not knowing what to choose. Remember to prioritize safety, quality, and personal preferences when selecting e-liquids.
At present, Ravape, an vape manufacturer, offers two top-quality e-liquid options: Mellow and Fullfill. If anyone is interested, they can contact our website’s customer service.
