Vaping Liquids

E-liquids, also known as vape juice or e-juice, are specialized mixtures that produce fragrant vapor during the heating process in a vape device.

What is E-liquid Made Of?

Vape liquids consist of several core components: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavorings, and, in most cases, nicotine.

Different types of vape liquids vary by their VG/PG composition. The VG content determines the thickness and volume of the vapor, while PG is responsible for flavor intensity and the “throat hit.” Whether you should use a high-PG or high-VG liquid depends on your device’s components—specifically the coils and pods.

High-PG liquids are used in Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) devices, pod systems, and low-wattage vapes. Conversely, high-VG e-liquids are designed for sub-ohm tanks (vapes with an atomizer coil resistance of less than 1 ohm), box mods, and high-wattage models.

Most vape liquids contain both VG and PG, though the balance varies, typically ranging from 80/20 to 60/40. There are also 100% VG e-liquids available.

The lifespan of your liquid depends on several factors, including the type of device, frequency of use, and the volume of the liquid.

Typically, a 10ml bottle will last an average to high-intensity user about 3–5 days of regular use. However, some e-liquids are intended for 24-hour use, especially when dealing with low-power disposable electronic cigarettes.

Vape longevity is often measured in “puffs” rather than days. For example, disposable electronic cigarettes often specify an estimated puff count on the model (e.g., 600 puffs) to give users a better idea of how long the device will last before the liquid runs out. It is important to note that disposables are not designed for long-term use; if the battery dies, the remaining liquid is usually inaccessible because most models are not rechargeable.

Disposable vapes come pre-filled, but when it comes to refillable electronic cigarettes, users must purchase the liquid and fill the device themselves. Different device specifications require different types of liquids. If chosen incorrectly, the device may fail to vaporize the liquid effectively or may leak.

Currently, two types of e-liquids are in widest use: Pod Salts and Shortfills.

Pod Salts are nicotine salt e-liquids primarily designed for pod systems and low-wattage MTL devices. Generally, Pod Salts have a VG/PG ratio of 50/50 or 60/40, providing a balance of flavor and vapor production. They are standardly available in nicotine strengths ranging from 20mg to 50mg/ml. Despite the nicotine content, the VG concentration ensures the hit is relatively smooth with less throat irritation. Pod Salt is the optimal choice for those who want to maintain a stronger nicotine effect.

Shortfills are a newer innovation in e-liquids. These are nicotine-free vape liquids sold in large bottles that are never completely full. This isn’t a manufacturing error—the space is intentionally left so that users can add nicotine shots according to their preference. Shortfills are traditionally characterized by a high VG content (usually a 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG ratio) and are designed for massive vapor production. They are used in sub-ohm tanks, RDAs, and other high-wattage electronic cigarettes.