If you’re new to vaping, you’ve probably wondered: “What exactly is in e-liquid?” Also known as vape juice or e-juice, e-liquid is the substance that fuels your vape and creates the vapour you inhale. But unlike cigarettes, there’s no mystery here – just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients designed to deliver flavour, vapour and in many cases, nicotine.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you’re putting in your device (and your body).
The Four Main Ingredients in E-Liquid
Most e-liquids are made from just four core ingredients – all of which serve a specific purpose:
1. Propylene Glycol (PG)
PG is a colourless, odourless liquid with a thin consistency. It’s used to carry flavour and provide a sharper throat hit (similar to smoking), which many ex-smokers find satisfying. PG is commonly found in food, cosmetics and medicine – even in asthma inhalers.
Key features:
- Stronger throat hit
- Helps carry flavour
- Thinner consistency (ideal for mouth-to-lung vaping)
2. Vegetable Glycerine (VG)
VG is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid that helps create big, dense clouds of vapour. It’s smoother on the throat than PG and is often used in higher amounts for cloud chasing or direct-to-lung vaping. Like PG, it’s widely used in food and pharmaceuticals.
Key features:
- Smoother inhale
- Thick vapour clouds
- Slight sweetness
- Thicker consistency (used in sub-ohm liquids)
3. Flavourings
This is where e-liquid gets its taste. Flavourings in e-liquids are usually food-grade concentrates similar to those used in sweets, drinks and baked goods. Whether you’re into fruity blends, menthol, desserts or tobacco-style flavours, the choices are nearly endless.
Popular flavours include:
- Strawberry, blueberry, mango
- Mint, menthol, icy blends
- Caramel, vanilla, coffee
- Classic tobacco or mixed fruits
4. Nicotine (optional)
Not all e-liquids contain nicotine – but many do, especially those designed to help smokers quit. Nicotine strength is typically measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml), with common options being 3mg, 6mg, 10mg and 20mg.
There are two main types:
- Freebase nicotine – delivers a stronger throat hit, found in lower strengths (3–12mg)
- Nicotine salts (nic salts) – smoother on the throat, fast-acting, found in higher strengths (10–20mg)
Nicotine is optional, so you can vape with 0mg if you’re just after the flavour or clouds.
Are There Any Other Ingredients?
Occasionally, some e-liquids may contain distilled water or ethanol in very small amounts to adjust viscosity or enhance flavour. These are safe for vaping in the quantities used, but the vast majority of quality e-liquids stick to the core four ingredients.
What’s NOT in E-Liquid?
When you vape high-quality, TPD-compliant e-liquid (as required in the UK), you won’t find any of the harmful chemicals associated with smoking, like:
- Tar
- Carbon monoxide
- Formaldehyde (in regulated use and within safe limits, if at all)
- Combustion by-products
Rest assured, reputable vape brands must meet strict safety and labelling standards, so always buy from trusted sources.
Final Thoughts
So, what is e-liquid made with? Simple: PG, VG, flavourings and – if you choose – nicotine. That’s it. Each bottle is carefully balanced to deliver a smooth, satisfying vape tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re chasing clouds, quitting cigarettes or just enjoying new flavours, understanding what’s in your vape helps you make smarter choices.
Looking for your next bottle of quality e-liquid? Explore our full range – from nicotine-free shortfills to smooth nic salts – and find your perfect match.
