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What is an e-liquid and what is in it?

If you are new to vaping, the thought of e-juice and shortfill e-liquids may be an alien concept. What are they? What is in them? Why are they flavoured? Are some of the questions we have come across over the years so we are here to help explain what e-liquids are for you.

E-liquid / vape juice is the flavoured fluid which you fill your vape tank with. When heated with a coil vaporises to produce vapour. This e-liquid vapour is then inhaled as part of the process of vaping.

Your e-liquid is made from 3 main ingredients:

Propylene glycol (PG) - Propylene Glycol or PG is a synthetic organic compound, and is essentially there to help the whole liquid mix together properly. As it is flavourless it makes a great base for e-liquid as it will have little to no effect on the taste. The higher the amount of PG the thinner the liquid will become when mixed with VG. High PG e-liquids also provide minimal ‘cloud’ production. You’ll be happy to know that PG is also used as a food additive and preservative.

Vegetable glycerine (VG) - Vegetable Glycerine or VG is an organic compound usually derived from; Palm, Soy, Coconut or Rapeseed oils. It is commonly found in foods, cosmetics and medicines. VG is there to give the e-liquid some thickness and smoothness, and also to help create that cloud of vapour that is produced.

Natural and artificial flavourings - All flavourings that we use are classed as GRAS, or “Generally Recognised As Safe” for human consumption. This is what gives the liquids their unique tastes; Bakery, Fruit, Tobacco, whatever it is that you are looking for, there is probably an e-liquid to suit your tastes!

And one ingredient which is optional:

Nicotine - Nicotine is the part of the cigarette or e-cigarette that you’re actually addicted to. Nicotine on it’s own has been shown to be one of the least harmful parts of a cigarette. In basic terms, Nicotine first acts as a stimulant, then a mild relaxant. We offer our e-liquids in a range of different strengths to suit a variety of needs. However nicotine is a completely optional component, we also stock a HUGE range of Nicotine free e-liquids online and in all of our VPZ stores.

E-liquids do not necessarily need to be flavoured, however, I don’t imagine vaping a blend of unflavoured VG and PG would be a very pleasant experience! This is why there is such a large variety of e-liquid flavours available on the market. Menthol e-liquid, bakery e-liquid, fruit e-liquid and even tobacco flavoured e-liquid, you name it and there is a high chance that it is out there! By providing such a large variety it enables both advanced and new vapers to really home in to a selection which is enjoyable as everyone has their own preference.

If you are looking for e-liquids containing a high PG content make sure to check out our UK, V Premium and VO ranges.

For e-liquids containing a high VG content, we have a wide selection of Premium 10ml e-liquids and Shortfills available! 

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