Vape Juice – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Vapejuice—also called e-liquid, vaping liquid or simply juice—is the flavoured fluid that electronic cigarettes and vapes turn into vapor. It usually contains a mix of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), optional nicotine and food-grade flavouring. The liquid is stored in a tank or pod, heated by a coil, and inhaled as an aerosol. Its purpose is to deliver flavour, Hit“>throat hit and, if desired, nicotine without the tar and combustion of traditional tobacco.

Technical Details

Composition & Specifications

Standard vape juice ratios are expressed as PG/VG percentages. A 50/50 blend balances flavour and throat hit with moderate vapor; 70/30 VG/PG boosts dense clouds ideal for Wattage (VW)”>variable wattage (VW) or variable voltage (VV)sub-ohm devices. Nicotine strengths in Australia typically range from 0 mg to 20 mg/mL (for nicotine salts) and 0–12 mg/mL for freebase. Viscosity matters: high-VG liquids (>70 %) need larger wicking ports and coils rated below 1 ohm. Flavourings are dissolved in PG, so high-PG liquids carry taste more sharply but produce less vapor.

Types & Variations

  • Freebase nicotine: Standard form, harsher throat hit, best at lower strengths.
  • Nicotine salts: Smoother at higher strengths, popular in pod vapes.
  • Shortfills: 0 mg juice in larger bottles, leaving space to add nicotine shots.
  • High-VG / Max-VG: Designed for cloud chasing and high-wattage mods.
  • 50/50: Suited to mouth-to-lung starter kits and pen-style vapes.

Usage & Safety Tips

  • Priming: Before first use, drip a few drops directly onto the coil and let it saturate for 5–10 minutes to prevent dry hits.
  • Storage: Keep bottles in a cool, dark place away from children and pets; UV light and heat degrade nicotine and flavour.
  • Leak prevention: Close airflow when filling, avoid over-tightening tank parts, and check O-ring integrity.
  • Nicotine handling: Use gloves when mixing DIY liquids; nicotine can be absorbed through skin.
  • Expiry: Most juices last 1–2 years; discard if colour darkens drastically or flavour turns peppery.

Brief History

Vape juice first appeared in 2003 alongside early e-cigarettes invented by Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik. Early liquids were simple PG- or VG-based solutions with tobacco and menthol flavours. By 2010, boutique mixers in the US and Europe expanded flavour palettes, while the 2015 rise of nicotine salts fuelled the modern pod vaping boom. In Australia, legal restrictions on nicotine importation have shaped a market dominated by 0 mg shortfills and regulated prescription nicotine liquids.

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