What is e-liquid? Analysis of the ingredients of e-cigarette liquid
E-juice, also known as e-liquid, is a liquid product used in atomizers and e-cigarettes to produce vapor. The atomizer heats the e-liquid to between 200 and 400 degrees Celsius, turning it into vapor. Inhaling this vapor gives you the desired flavor.
E-liquids come in a variety of flavors to suit different consumer preferences, including nicotine and nicotine-free options. However, not everyone understands the specific ingredients of e-liquids.
If you’re wondering, “What is e-liquid made of?”, we’ve broken down its ingredients in detail below.
What are the ingredients of e-liquid?
E-cigarette users need to understand what they are inhaling, including the composition of the e-liquid.
The main ingredients of e-liquid include:
- Propylene glycol (PG)
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
- A mixture of PG and VG
- Nicotine (optional)
- Food grade flavor
Propylene glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol is one of the main ingredients in e-liquids. It is a laboratory-synthesized substance used to evenly distribute the flavors in the e-liquid. PG is an alcohol with a slightly sweet taste, but it is not sweet enough to be used as a sweetener. It is a colorless and odorless humectant and a key ingredient in forming a strong vapor. PG is also widely used in pharmaceutical and food products to keep them moist.
In e-liquids, PG can enhance flavor and leave a strong taste in the back of the throat.
Some people mistakenly believe that e-liquid contains antifreeze, which is a misconception. Although PG is one of the ingredients of antifreeze, it is only used for its versatility and is non-toxic and safe around children and pets.
Because PG liquid is thinner, it is easier to fill and refill the atomizer. Its thin nature also reduces carbon deposits on the coils of electronic cigarette devices. In addition, PG absorbs heat quickly, allowing the device to produce steam quickly after turning on, providing a warmer steam experience.
Although a small number of users may be allergic to PG-based e-liquids, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers PG to be a "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) ingredient. PG-based e-liquids generally produce less smoke and are suitable for those who do not like obvious vapor. For a small number of people who are sensitive to PG, they can choose e-liquids with a higher proportion of VG.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is similar to PG in that it is a non-toxic, colorless and odorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. Unlike PG, VG is very viscous, so high-VG e-liquids are generally not suitable for older atomizers. VG is also a common sweetener in the food industry and is widely used in various medicines.
In e-liquid, VG can produce a lot of smoke while being less irritating to the throat. However, the sweetness of VG makes the final product taste sweeter and the flavor intensity is weaker. Its disadvantages include being more likely to accumulate carbon on the device coil and requiring higher power to reach the optimal temperature.
Overall, vegetable glycerin (VG) is generally considered safe, but people who are allergic to VG should still choose it with caution.
PG/VG ratio in e-liquid
After understanding PG and VG, consumers can choose the PG/VG ratio that suits them. Most e-liquids use a mixture of PG and VG, which can achieve a balance between throat hit, flavor intensity and smoke concentration.
When choosing a ratio, consider the following factors:
- If you are sensitive to PG, choose e-liquid with a high VG ratio.
- If your atomizer is an older model or smaller, avoid choosing e-liquids with a high VG content.
For example, a 70% PG e-liquid is suitable for a standard e-cigarette for beginners, while a 50/50 PG and VG mixture is suitable for high-performance e-cigarettes, where you can enjoy a balance of smoke and flavor.
If you're not sure about the right ratio, trying a blend of e-liquids can help you find the best option.
nicotine
Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which can be extracted from tobacco plants or synthesized artificially. Nicotine can enhance the flavor of e-liquids without using tobacco leaves. However, it is addictive.
There are different options for nicotine content in e-liquids, usually expressed in milligrams (mg) or volume percentage. For example, 3 mg/g of nicotine is equivalent to 0.3% nicotine. Nicotine content should be accurately marked on the product label.
Users can choose different nicotine concentrations or even nicotine-free e-liquid.
Food grade flavor
Flavors usually make up 1% to 10% of the total e-liquid. They make the e-liquid more attractive and provide a diverse and delicious experience. Flavors are highly concentrated and only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired effect.
The source of the flavor is very important. It is recommended to choose a reputable brand of e-liquid, because some DIY homemade flavors may contain unsafe ingredients. In addition, the FDA allows manufacturers to hide some proprietary information (such as formulas), so consumers cannot fully understand the ingredients of the flavor through the label.
Recommended flavors
For beginners, the classic mint flavor is a good choice, fresh and cool, suitable for newcomers to try.
Another popular flavor is vanillin, which is widely appreciated for its sweet properties, while limonene is a strong flavor that masks bitterness and is loved by many.
Everyone has different taste preferences, so it is recommended to try different flavors to find your favorite.
in conclusion
As an e-cigarette user, it is very important to understand the composition of the e-liquid. Knowing the composition of the e-liquid, nicotine concentration, and the optimal ratio of PG/VG can help you get a better e-cigarette experience.