What Is in Vape Juice?

Vaping has become a widely accepted alternative to smoking across the UK, yet many users still find themselves wondering about the exact composition of the liquid they inhale. At its core, e-liquid is a relatively simple mixture composed of four primary ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), food-grade flavourings, and optionally, nicotine. Unlike traditional tobacco cigarettes, which contain thousands of harmful chemicals and carcinogens, what is in vape juice is a transparent and regulated formula designed to deliver nicotine and flavour without the combustion of plant material. Understanding these components is essential for any vaper looking to make informed choices about their health and vaping experience.

What Ingredients Are Actually in E-Liquid?

The transparency of ingredients is one of the main reasons many smokers make the switch to vaping. In the UK, strict TPD (Tobacco Products Directive) regulations ensure that every bottle of legal e-liquid has been tested and notified to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency). This means that the "mystery" often associated with vaping products is largely a myth when purchasing from compliant retailers.

Most e-liquids are comprised of a base mixture of PG and VG, which accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of the total volume. The remaining percentage is dedicated to flavour concentrates and nicotine, if selected. This simple formulation allows for a consistent experience, whether you are using a starter kit or a more advanced sub-ohm device.

When you browse a reputable Vape Shop, you will notice that ingredients are clearly listed on the packaging. This level of transparency ensures that consumers know exactly what they are putting into their bodies. It also helps those with specific sensitivities, such as an intolerance to PG, to select products that suit their physiological needs.

What Is in Vape Juice: The Four Core Components

It is crucial to break down the specific roles of each ingredient to truly answer what is in vape juice comprehensively. Each component serves a distinct purpose, from carrying flavour to producing vapour.

Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene Glycol is a colourless, odourless liquid with a thin consistency. It is a synthetic organic compound that is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, including in asthma inhalers. In the context of vaping, PG acts as the primary flavour carrier because it does not have a taste of its own to interfere with the concentrates.

High-PG liquids are favoured by those seeking a strong "throat hit," which mimics the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. Due to its thinner viscosity, PG is easily absorbed by the cotton wicking in your atomiser. This makes it less likely to clog your Vape Coils, ensuring they last longer and perform efficiently in smaller, low-powered devices.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

Vegetable Glycerin is a thicker, syrup-like liquid derived from vegetable oils, typically palm, soy, or coconut. Unlike PG, it has a slight natural sweetness, which can enhance certain flavour profiles like desserts or fruits. Its primary role in e-liquid is to produce density and volume in the vapour.

If you see a vaper exhaling large, thick clouds, they are likely using a juice with a high VG content. Because VG is much more viscous than PG, it requires more power to vaporise effectively. It provides a much smoother inhale, significantly reducing the throat hit, which makes it popular for direct-to-lung vaping styles.

Food-Grade Flavourings

The vast array of tastes available in the vaping market is down to food-grade flavour concentrates. These are the same types of flavourings used in sweets, sodas, and processed foods. However, reputable manufacturers ensure that these concentrates are inhalation-safe.

For example, ingredients like diacetyl, which caused concern in the past (associated with "popcorn lung"), are strictly banned in UK-regulated e-liquids. This ensures that the flavouring component remains safe for heating and inhalation. Whether you prefer tobacco, menthol, or complex fruit blends, the flavouring usually makes up just a small percentage of the overall bottle.

Nicotine (Optional)

Nicotine is the addictive substance found in tobacco, but in vaping, it is an optional addition. You can purchase Vape Juice in various strengths, ranging from 0mg (nicotine-free) up to 20mg, which is the legal limit in the UK.

There are two main types of nicotine used: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase provides a slower release and a stronger throat hit, while nicotine salts are chemically altered to have a lower pH, allowing for a smoother inhale and faster absorption into the bloodstream.

Are There Hidden Chemicals in UK Vape Products?

One common concern is the presence of hidden or harmful chemicals. In the UK, the regulatory framework is among the strictest in the world. Ingredients known to be harmful when inhaled, such as Vitamin E acetate—which was linked to lung injuries in the US illicit market—are prohibited here.

It is vital to distinguish between regulated products and black-market goods. A compliant product will never contain oils, which can cause lipid pneumonia. Sometimes, vapers worry about the safety of older products they might have found in a drawer. If you are wondering can expired vape juice kill you, the short answer is no, it is not lethal, but the degradation of nicotine and flavourings will result in a terrible taste and lack of satisfaction.

How PG and VG Ratios Affect Your Experience

The ratio of PG to VG changes the vaping experience dramatically. A 50/50 ratio is considered the industry standard for starting out, offering a perfect balance between flavour clarity and vapour production.

If you are using high-powered hardware, you might need different Vape Accessories to handle thicker liquids. High VG liquids (70% or more) are too thick for small starter pens and can cause "dry hits" because the liquid cannot saturate the wick fast enough. Conversely, putting thin high-PG liquid into a powerful sub-ohm tank can lead to leaking.

Battery Safety and Device Maintenance

While knowing what is in your liquid is vital, understanding your device is equally important for safety. The chemicals in e-liquid are stable, but the battery that powers the heating element requires respect and proper care.

Incidents involving devices are almost always due to user error or improper battery storage. Questions often arise regarding battery safety, such as can vapes explode, and while extremely rare, this usually happens when loose batteries are carried in pockets with keys or coins, causing a short circuit. Always use the correct charger and keep batteries in protective cases.

Conclusion

In summary, what is in vape juice is a specific blend of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and nicotine. This formulation is designed to offer a safer alternative to smoking, regulated strictly by UK law to ensure consumer safety. By understanding these ingredients and how they interact with your device, you can tailor your vaping journey to suit your preferences perfectly. For the highest quality ingredients and fully compliant products, Grey Haze offers a curated selection to ensure your vaping experience is both safe and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is vape juice made of oil? 

No, legitimate vape juice does not contain oil. Inhaling oils can be extremely dangerous and lead to lipid pneumonia. The "oily" texture of e-liquid comes from Vegetable Glycerin, which is a sugar alcohol, not a lipid fat. Always buy from regulated UK suppliers to ensure your products are oil-free.

Does vape juice contain antifreeze? 

This is a common myth. Propylene Glycol (PG) is used in antifreeze to make it less toxic, but it is not the toxic component itself. PG is a non-toxic substance used in food, cosmetics, and medicines. The harmful chemical in old antifreeze is Ethylene Glycol, which is never used in vape juice.

Is there sugar in vape juice? 

Generally, e-liquids do not contain table sugar (sucrose) because it would burn on the coil, destroying the coil and creating a bad taste. The sweetness in vape juice comes from the natural sweetness of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and acceptable artificial sweeteners like Sucralose or Ethyl Maltol.

What is the safest vape juice to use? 

The safest vape juice is one that is TPD compliant and purchased from a reputable retailer. Look for e-liquids that have been tested and registered with the MHRA. Avoiding ingredients like diacetyl (which is banned in the UK) and ensuring you buy authentic brands is the best way to ensure safety.

Can I make my own vape juice? 

Yes, many vapers mix their own e-liquid (DIY) using the four main ingredients: PG, VG, nicotine shots, and flavour concentrates. However, it requires precise measuring and knowledge of ratios. It is recommended to start with "Shortfills"—bottles of flavour and base that just require a nicotine shot—before attempting to mix from raw ingredients.