We know e-cigs don’t have actual tobacco or the other harmful ingredients (tar, carcinogens, etc.) that you find in regular cigarettes. Instead, e-cigs use a liquid nicotine solution known as e liquid or e juice. But what exactly is e liquid? There are four basic e liquid ingredients; water, nicotine, flavorings and a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine base (or sometimes a mixture of PG and VG). Let’s break down the e liquid ingredients in detail.
E Liquid Ingredients:
- Propylene Glycol (PG) – this is used as a base or carrier for the nicotine and flavors. PG is widely used as a food additive and can be found in many things that we regularly eat. PG can also be found as an additive in some medicines.
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG) – also used as a base or carrier for the nicotine and flavors in e-liquid. VG is a plant based substance and is sometimes made from coconut or palm oil. VG is also widely used as a food additive.
- Water – no explanation needed
- Flavorings – food flavorings are added to create a specific taste
- Nicotine – most brands offer anywhere from 0mg of nicotine to 24mg of nicotine in their e-liquid
In choosing an E-Liquid, some people opt to go organic. This means that the e-juice going into your e-cig is only made from natural, “certified” organic flavors and nothing artificial. Also, it uses a vegetable glycerine or ethyl alcohol base, as opposed to the propylene base.
E-liquid either comes in a pre-filled cartridge (cartomizer) or in a separate e-liquid bottle which is then poured into a reusable cartridge. An e-cig works by heating up the e-liquid solution with a battery. This produces the cloud of vapor that you inhale like a real cigarette.
Have more questions? Check out our in-depth E-Liquid Ingredients guide.
Now take a look at our list of the best e-liquids.
