What is an e-liquid?

A term well known to vapers, e-liquid is one of the components an electronic cigarette needs in order to work. Available in various flavours, with or without nicotine, it deserves a closer look.

What e-liquid is made of

As its name suggests, e-liquid is a liquid, viscous substance poured into the tank of the electronic cigarette, where it is heated by the coil before turning into vapour. Put simply, without e-liquid the e-cigarette would not work.

The product is built on a PG/VG base that varies according to users’ tastes and needs. That base is made up of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. Food flavourings, natural or otherwise, may then be added, along with nicotine depending on the product.

How to choose your e-liquid

For products containing nicotine, the usual advice is to choose your e-liquid according to your usual level of consumption, as well as the type of device you own. People smoking between 5 and 10 cigarettes a day may go for an e-liquid of 3 to 6 mg/ml. Those smoking between 10 and 20 cigarettes will need an e-liquid of 11 to 12 mg/ml, and those smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day tend to prefer a higher strength, namely 16 mg/ml.

What about the PG/VG ratio?

That ratio is dictated by the type of device you have. The more powerful your e-cigarette, the higher the VG content needs to be. For a more fluid liquid, the PG level has to be higher. It is also one of the factors that determine the hit, that familiar tingling sensation in the throat.

How to store your e-liquid

An e-liquid can be kept for 2 years if it has never been opened. The shelf life of PG and VG is indeed 2 years, while that of nicotine is 5 years. Flavourings, however, last 18 months at most, which is why an e-liquid inevitably loses some of its taste beyond 2 years. Once opened, an e-liquid should be used within 6 months at the latest.