Vape juice (also called e-liquid or e-juice) is what creates the vapor in refillable vaping devices. Understanding vape juice helps you get the best experience from your device. This guide covers everything from basics to advanced knowledge.
What is Vape Juice?
Vape juice is a liquid heated by your vape device to create inhalable vapor. It typically contains:
- Propylene Glycol (PG): Thin liquid that carries flavor well
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Thick liquid that creates clouds
- Nicotine: Optional, various strengths available
- Flavorings: Food-grade flavoring concentrates
Understanding PG/VG Ratios
What is PG (Propylene Glycol)?
- Thin, runny consistency
- Carries flavor more effectively
- Provides stronger throat hit
- Produces less vapor
- Better for smaller devices/MTL
What is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?
- Thick, viscous consistency
- Produces bigger clouds
- Smoother throat hit
- Slightly muted flavor
- Better for sub-ohm/DTL devices
Common Ratios Explained
| Ratio | Clouds | Throat Hit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 PG/VG | Moderate | Strong | MTL devices, pod systems |
| 70/30 VG/PG | Large | Moderate | Sub-ohm tanks, balanced vaping |
| 80/20 VG/PG | Very Large | Light | Cloud chasing, drippers |
| Max VG | Maximum | Very Light | Competition, RDAs |
Nicotine Levels
Freebase Nicotine
Traditional vape juice nicotine. Available in various strengths.
| Strength | Best For |
|---|---|
| 0mg | Nicotine-free vaping, those who quit nicotine |
| 3mg | Light smokers, sub-ohm vaping |
| 6mg | Moderate smokers, sub-ohm vaping |
| 12mg | Heavier smokers, MTL devices |
| 18mg+ | Heavy smokers, MTL devices only |
Nicotine Salt (Nic Salt)
Modified nicotine that's smoother at higher strengths.
- Common strengths: 25mg, 35mg, 50mg
- Smoother throat hit than freebase
- Faster nicotine absorption
- Designed for low-power pod devices
- NOT for sub-ohm vaping
Learn more: Nic Salt vs Freebase Guide
Vape Juice Flavor Categories
Fruit
The most popular category. Single fruits, fruit blends, and tropical combinations.
Dessert/Bakery
Cakes, cookies, custards, and pastries. Often creamy and sweet.
Menthol/Mint
Cooling sensations from subtle mint to ice-cold menthol.
Tobacco
For those who miss tobacco flavor. Ranges from mild to bold.
Candy/Sweet
Candy replicas, gummy flavors, and sweet treats.
Beverage
Coffee, energy drinks, sodas, and cocktail flavors.
Choosing Vape Juice for Your Device
Pod Systems / MTL Devices
- PG/VG: 50/50 or 60/40
- Nicotine: Nic salts (25-50mg) or freebase (12-18mg)
- Thinner juice for small wicks
Sub-Ohm Tanks / DTL Devices
- PG/VG: 70/30 or higher VG
- Nicotine: Freebase only, 3-6mg
- High VG for clouds
RDAs / Drippers
- PG/VG: Max VG or 80/20
- Nicotine: 0-3mg typically
- Best flavor from dripping
Vape Juice Quality Indicators
Signs of Quality
- Child-resistant packaging
- Clear ingredient listing
- Lot numbers and expiration dates
- Consistent color and viscosity
- Established brand reputation
Red Flags
- Unclear or no ingredient list
- Extremely cheap pricing
- Strange colors or particles
- No manufacturing information
Storing Vape Juice
- Keep away from direct sunlight
- Store in cool, dark place
- Keep bottles sealed when not in use
- Shelf life typically 1-2 years
- Nicotine can oxidize over time (turns darker)