VAPING SUPPORT CENTER

What is e-liquid?

Vape juice, also known by terms like e-liquid or e-juice, is a popular choice for vaping enthusiasts. While the specific ingredients and their ratios can vary depending on the brand, recipe, or flavor, most vape juices are made up of vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine, and food-grade flavor compounds.

Understanding Vape Juice Composition

Vape juice primarily consists of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG), which make up about 90% of the e-liquid. The remaining 10% typically includes flavoring ingredients, and in some cases, nicotine.

Key Ingredients in Vape Juice

By the end of this guide, you'll have a better understanding of:

  • The primary ingredients found in vape juice
  • The purpose of each ingredient
  • How these ingredients impact your overall vaping experience

Let's start by examining the two main components that form the majority of the e-juice mixture: vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) in Vape Juice

What is VG?

Vegetable glycerin, often referred to as VG, is a thick, clear liquid commonly derived from processed soybeans or palm trees. It's a humectant, meaning it helps preserve moisture, and it’s also frequently found in skincare and beauty products.

Due to its thick texture, VG is sometimes mistaken for vegetable oil; however, they are different. VG is water-soluble, whereas oil does not mix with water. It is a colorless and odorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. However, it’s not the best at carrying flavorings.

What is VG Used for in Vape Juice?

VG has its origins in the food industry, where it has been used as a mild sweetener and a moisture-retaining additive. In the context of vaping, VG is known for producing thick, dense vapor clouds due to its viscous nature. Vapers who prefer large vapor production often opt for e-liquids with a higher VG content. Additionally, VG contributes to a softer and smoother vaping experience.

However, VG's thick consistency can lead to slower coil saturation in your vape device, making it more challenging for the device to wick properly, potentially resulting in dry hits. High VG vape liquids can also be more difficult to clean out of your vape tank.

Propylene Glycol (PG) in Vape Juice

What is PG?

Propylene glycol, commonly known as PG, has a syrup-like texture but is less viscous than VG, making it a bit more fluid. Like VG, PG is colorless and odorless with a faintly sweet taste. PG is widely used in the food industry, where it serves various purposes, such as thickening cake frosting for easier application.

What is PG Used for in Vape Juice?

In vape juice, PG acts as a carrier for flavorings, enhancing the overall taste experience. E-liquids with higher PG content generally deliver more intense flavors compared to those with higher VG content. Additionally, PG is associated with a stronger throat hit, which is often preferred by individuals transitioning from smoking cigarettes, as it mimics the sensation of smoking. However, if you are prone to sensitive or sore throats, you may want to avoid the throat hit associated with PG.

Since PG is less viscous than VG, it is easier to clean from your vape tank. However, high-PG e-liquids can sometimes cause leaks, depending on the specific vape device used.

Flavor Concentrates in E-Liquid

What are Flavoring Concentrates Used for in Vape Juice?

The flavoring ingredients in e-liquids are food-grade and can be either artificial or natural. They are also used in carbonated beverages and candies to replicate the taste of other foods or drinks. These ingredients make up less than 10% of the vape juice composition and are included to enhance the vaping experience. Although some companies offer flavorless vape juice options, most vapers enjoy the variety of flavors available, making the experience more enjoyable.

Nicotine in Vape Juice

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is an addictive alkaloid, a naturally occurring chemical compound. It acts as both a stimulant and a depressant to the central nervous system, contributing to its addictive properties. Two types of nicotine are used in vape juices: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine is more common in lower nicotine concentrations, while nicotine salts (nic salts) are used to mimic the sensation of smoking cigarettes without the harsh taste, even at higher nicotine levels.

What is Nicotine Used for in Vape Juice?

Nicotine in e-juice can be beneficial for those looking to quit smoking cigarettes. While there are health risks associated with nicotine consumption, such as high blood pressure, switching from cigarettes to vaping can help avoid the toxic ingredients and harmful substances found in traditional tobacco products. Similar to nicotine gum or patches, vaping e-liquids with nicotine can assist in managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, especially when using an e-cigarette device.

There are also nicotine-free e-liquids available, often serving as a final step for individuals aiming to quit nicotine altogether.

Regulations on Nicotine Levels in Vape Juice

The nicotine content in e-liquids varies, with a maximum concentration of 20mg/mL allowed in Canada. The average cigarette contains approximately 10 to 12mg of nicotine.

What is Lab Direct E-Liquid?

Lab direct e-liquid is our solution to help combat the rising price of e-liquid due to government excise tax hikes. All Lab direct orders can be placed through our website like any other product but once purchased they are sent to our partner lab for production and shipping. Each order is produced fresh for you in sizes 120ml, 250ml, 500ml, and 1 litre. You can select any of our Lab Direct e-liquids in nicotine strengths 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, Salt 10mg, and Salt 20mg.

What is the difference between Salt Nicotine and Freebase Nicotine?

Understanding Salt Nicotine

Salt nicotine is the natural form of nicotine found in tobacco leaves. When extracted and mixed into e-liquid, it provides a smooth and satisfying throat hit, facilitating a more balanced absorption rate into the body compared to traditional nicotine forms. Due to its smoother nature, salt nicotine e-liquids are available in higher nicotine concentrations than their freebase counterparts. However, because of the milder throat hit, it is advised that e-liquids with high nicotine levels are best suited for low-powered, mouth-to-lung devices. This helps prevent the risk of inhaling too much nicotine.

Advantages of Nicotine Salts

The main benefit of nicotine salt e-liquids is their smoothness, even at higher concentrations, making them an excellent choice for those transitioning from traditional nicotine products to vaping. The even absorption rate of salt nicotine delivers longer-lasting satisfaction with fewer puffs, making it easier for users to switch to vaping completely.

What is Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine is the purest and most common form of nicotine found in e-liquids. It is known for producing a stronger, more pronounced throat hit when inhaled. Due to its high purity, freebase nicotine absorbs quickly into the body, leading to a rapid onset of nicotine effects. As a result, freebase nicotine e-liquids are typically offered in lower, more manageable nicotine strengths.

Benefits of Freebase Nicotine

Freebase nicotine was the original type of nicotine used in e-liquids, making it widely available at most vape stores. These e-liquids are generally more suitable for sub-ohm vaping in direct-to-lung devices because of their lower concentrations. Although manufacturers have begun producing low-strength nicotine salt e-liquids for use in high-powered devices, freebase nicotine e-liquids are still highly regarded for their strong throat hit at lower concentrations. This makes them a popular choice among vapers looking to reduce their nicotine intake while still enjoying a satisfying vaping experience.

How do I choose the right nicotine strength and type?

The nicotine concentration in your e-liquid significantly impacts your overall vaping experience. Choosing a nicotine level that’s too low may lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while a nicotine level that’s too high can cause lightheadedness or nausea. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider the nicotine level of your e-liquid before making a purchase to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable vaping experience.

As a general guideline:

  • 0mg-3mg: Ideal for social smokers

  • 3mg-6mg: Suitable for light smokers

  • 6mg-12mg: Best for average smokers

  • 12mg-20mg: Recommended for heavy smokers

If you’re looking for a more substantial nicotine hit, opting for a higher nicotine concentration might be beneficial. However, remember that this can vary based on your personal preference and what feels best for you.

If you’ve recently quit smoking, consider starting with a higher nicotine strength to ease the transition and gradually reduce it as you become more comfortable without the urge to smoke.

How long does e-liquid keep, and how do I store it?

E-liquid can last up to 2 years from it's Born on Date. You can find this on your bottle.

To get the most out of your e-liquid keep in in a dark cool place like a cupboard. You do not need to refrigerate your e-liquid.

Also keep your e-liquid out of the sun and heat. Nothing will ruin a bottle of e-liquid like leaving it in a hot car.

*Please be careful to keep your e-liquid out of reach and sight from children and pets.

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If you have questions that are not answered here please contact us.

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