What is E-Liquid?
E-Liquid, also known as vape juice or vape liquid, is the fluid used in vapes devices also known as electronic cigarettes to create vapor. It primarily consists of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), food-grade flavouring, and nicotine. The E-Liquid is heated within the device to produce vapour.
What is Propylene Glycol (PG)?
Propylene glycol (PG) is a colourless and odourless liquid that is used in a wide variety of products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It’s also one of the primary ingredients in many e-cigarette liquids or vape juices.
PG in vape juice is used as a carrier for nicotine and flavours. It’s responsible for delivering the taste of the E-Liquid and also contributes to the “throat hit”—the sensation you feel at the back of the throat when inhaling vapor. This sensation can be similar to that experienced when smoking traditional tobacco products, which can make e-cigarettes a popular alternative for people trying to quit cigarettes.
What is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?
Vegetable glycerin (VG), also known as glycerol, is a natural chemical derived from vegetable oils. It’s colourless, odourless, and has a slightly sweet taste. Similar to propylene glycol (PG), VG is used in a variety of products including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, and it’s one of the primary ingredients in e-cigarette liquids or vape juice.
In the context of vaping, VG is used for several reasons:
- Vapor Production: VG is a thicker, more viscous liquid than PG and it produces more vapor. Vapers who prefer a lot of vapor (“cloud chasers”) often prefer a higher VG ratio in their e-liquid.
- Sweetness: VG is slightly sweet, which can enhance the flavour of E-Liquid.
- Smoothness: VG contributes to a smoother feeling on the throat compared to PG, which provides a harsher “throat hit.” Those who find PG too irritating often prefer a higher VG ratio.
Like PG, VG is generally recognized as safe for consumption by the FDA, and is even used in food and medicine.
What is Nicotine Salt?
Nicotine salt vape juice, often referred to as nic salt, is a type of processed nicotine used in E-Liquids and vape juice. It’s produced by adding an acid (usually benzoic acid) to nicotine, which results in a salt nicotine solution. This process makes nicotine more bioavailable, allowing it to be absorbed into the body more quickly and providing a more intense nicotine hit to satisfy your nicotine cravings quickly.
Nic salt E-Liquids are particularly popular among new vapers, recent ex-smokers, and those looking to quit smoking cigarettes as they’re ideal for use in low-powered, pod-style vape kits and vape pens due to their higher concentration of nicotine.