Learn more about e-liquid before you Buy E Liquid Online at our Vape Shop

Before you buy e liquid online at our vape shop, it is important to know what e-liquid is and its functions. E-liquid is commonly known as e-juice, juice, vape sauce (more so in the United States). E-liquid is comprised of vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycol (PG), nicotine and flavourings. Some e-liquids may contain vodka or distilled water to thin it down or to provide a more intense throat hit.

A throat hit refers to the feeling at the back of the mouth / throat. Nicotine inside e-liquid is responsible for the throat hit. Some vapers like a more intense throat hit, whereas others prefer a smoother throat hit. The higher the nicotine content inside the e-liquid, the greater the throat hit. Therefore, when deciding on the e-liquid, you should take into consideration the nicotine content and proceed on the basis of “the more nicotine there is in the liquid, the more intense the throat hit”.

Let’s now turn to the ingredients found e-liquid and examine their properties.

PG or propylene glycol is a clear and odourless liquid that is a flavour carrier. The FDA deems PG as safe for use as a preservative in food, healthcare and beauty products that are commonly found in our households. According to the UK medical regulators, PG is safe to use in inhalers and nicotine replacement products. Medical research has shown that PG does not have an effect on arteries or the heart cells. It should be noted that some people are allergic to PG where the allergy usually manifests itself either as a skin rash or through breathing difficulties. Those with allergies to PG usually switch to higher VG e-juice.

Vegetable Glycerine or VG is made from plants and has a sweet smell and a viscous form. VG is responsible for the vapour clouds and high VG e-liquid is especially popular with cloud chasers. VG is used in many products such as medicines, shampoos and other household products. More advanced vapers and Sub Ohmers lean towards higher VG e-liquid since it helps to generate larger vapour clouds. It is a misnomer that an e-liquid cannot achieve enough flavour with a high VG content. Whilst PG is a flavour carrier, there is VG based nicotine and flavourings that can carry flavour as well.

Nicotine is typically found in e-liquid and is the substance responsible for the throat hit and a nicotine rush. Nicotine is a natural substance that is found in plants a bit like caffeine is found in coffee beans. Vegetables like potatoes and cauliflower actually contain large levels of nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant that promotes relaxation, a sense of calm and alertness. Nicotine also reduces appetite and is being examined as a possible tool for fighting obesity.

Whilst nicotine is generally perceived as evil and addictive, it has its benefits. For example, medical research has shown that nicotine helps to prevent certain illnesses such as bowel ulcers, allergic asthma and kaposi’s sarcoma. Currently, medical research is being undertaken into the benefit of nicotine in preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease, nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy seizures. Nicotine can be an effective cure to depression.

When taken in excess, nicotine is a toxin, which means that it can be especially dangerous to children and pets. Ensure that all of your e-liquid comes in child proof caps and is stored out of the reach of children and pets.

Flavourings are added to e-liquids during the manufacturing process to give the e-liquid its flavour profile. There are many manufacturers of flavourings such as Capella, The Flavour’s Apprentice, Cup Cake World, Flavourahh and many others. Flavourings used in the e-liquid production process are generally food grade. Oil-based flavourings are dangerous and should not be used to produce e-liquid. Some flavourings, especially the creamy ones contain diacetyl. Diacetyl is dangerous and should be avoided. You will notice that an increasing number of flavour manufacturers actually indicate whether their flavours contain diacetyl. In fact, most e-liquid contains diacetyl, but mostly in trace amounts that are generally safe for human consumption. It is practically impossible to achieve a desert flavour without using a flavouring that contains absolutely no diacetyl. When buying your e-juice, we advise that you check the manufacturer’s data sheets and clinical reports to ensure that the e-liquid is safe for consumption.

When choosing your e-liquid nicotine strength, you need to think about your current vaping habits, your device and personal preferences. If you are a Sub Ohmer or an advanced vaper, you may want to opt for the lowest nicotine content such as 0mg, 0.15mg or 3mg. More advanced vapourisers such as RDAs, RTAs and Sub Tanks produce large plumes of vapour and which are responsible for a greater lung hit. If, on the contrary, you are using a basic starter kit, you may want to up the nicotine content. There is no litmus test to choosing your nicotine strength and you should think carefully about your aim of vaping as well as your preferences.

Choosing your VG:PG mix is similar to choosing your nicotine strength and in essence boils down to your personal vaping preference. It is important to take onboard the properties of VG and PG before deciding on your ideal VG:PG ration. Most e-liquids will have the VG:PG proportion at the back of the label. Higher VG liquids in the ratio of 70:30, 90:10 and 100% VG are more suited for advanced vapers who use mechanical mods, RTA’s and Sub Tanks as not every e-cigarette will take higher-VG e-liquid. For example, a higher VG e-liquid will not work on basic starter kits because the wick will become clogged. If you have an allergy to PG, then opting for VG-based e-liquids is a wise option.

We hope that this user guide has given you a good overview of e-liquid. You can browse premium e-liquid profiles at our vape shop and buy e liquid online. When buying your e-liquid at our online vape shop, be sure to choose your nicotine strength and flavour profiles that you will enjoy vaping. When choosing your e-liquid flavour, be sure to read up on each brand separately and possibly watch some youtube e-liquid reviews. If you have any questions about our e-liquid, please do not hesitate to contact us.