What is E-Liquid?
E-liquid, also known as vape juice or vape liquid, is the liquid used in all e-cigarettes. It’s contained in vape tanks and disposable vapes and, when heated, transforms into the vapour you inhale. All vape juices are not the same. Some have a different mixture of flavours, from a single flavour note to a more complex 14-flavour fusion Vaping Outlaws Mayhem. There are thousands of amazing e-liquid flavours to choose from, all unique and with their own flavour notes. To learn more, browse through our guides and information on vape juice and nicotine, like our guide on “What nicotine strength should I vape?” Or have a look below at some of the most common vape liquid questions.
10ml E-liquids
10ml e-liquids, as the name suggests, come in a 10ml bottle size and a range of premixed nicotine strengths. Sometimes they’re also referred to as starter e-liquids as they can be the best choice for people trying vaping for the first time or those who want to replicate the feeling of smoking a cigarette.
Main features of 10ml vape liquids:
- Higher PG ratio for a stronger throat hit
- Best for those switching from smoking
- 10ml bottle size
- Nicotine strengths from 0mg to 18mg
Nic Salt E-Liquid
Nic salts are a more recent type of 10ml vape liquid that contain salt nicotine instead of freebase nicotine. The salt nicotine offers a smoother throat hit than freebase nicotine, meaning you can have a higher dose of nicotine without a super harsh throat hit. Nic salt vape juice will also have a faster nicotine absorption rate than freebase vape juice, so you’ll satisfy nicotine cravings quicker, but the effect will last for less time.
Main features of Nic salts:
- Less harsh throat hit
- Come in 10ml bottles
- Max strength of 20mg/ml
- Genrally 50/50 VG PG ratio
Shortfill E-Liquid
A shortfill is e-liquid with no nicotine in a bottle that has extra space for a nicotine shot. Typically, shortfills are available in a 60ml bottle, which has 50ml of e-liquid and enough space for you to add a 10ml nic shot, which will give a 3mg nicotine strength.
Recently, many brands have introduced 100ml shortfill vape liquids, with a few brands even offering 150ml. Usually, shortfills will have a higher amount of VG, which makes them well-suited for sub-ohm vape kits.
Main features of Shortfill e-liquids:
- Ideal for sub ohm vaping devices
- All come without nicotine
- 50ml 100ml or 150ml bottles
- Generally 70/30 VG PG ratio
Nic Shots
A nic shot is a 10ml bottle of flavourless e-liquid with nicotine that’s designed to be diluted into a shortfill vape liquid. A nic shot is not to be vaped without diluting it into more e-liquid – typically, one nic shot bottle goes into a 50ml vape juice to give you 3mg of nicotine.
Main features of Nic shots:
- Only to be used with shortfill vape liquids
- Come in both freebase or salt nicotine
- Flavourless - 10ml Bottles
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nicotine ?
Nicotine is a naturally occurring colourless oily liquid best known for being an active element in tobacco. It’s found in both e-liquids and traditional cigarettes and is the addictive element in both. It acts as a stimulant in small doses and is used for smoking cessation to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
There is a common myth that nicotine is the harmful chemical found in cigarettes, however, this is not the case. According to the NHS, nicotine is relatively harmless, and it’s, in fact, other chemicals that are mainly formed via combustion, like carbon monoxide and tar, that are much more harmful to your health.
What is freebase nicotine e-liquid?
Freebase nicotine is the most common form of nicotine found in vape liquids and most resembles the feeling of smoking a real cigarette. That’s why it’s favoured by those looking to quit smoking.
Freebase nicotine is in its purest form compared to the other nicotine derivatives. In turn, the nicotine is much more potent when heated, therefore giving a stronger throat hit. It takes longer to be released into your system, but will also keep your nicotine cravings in check for a longer period of time.
What is nicotine salt e-liquid?
Nicotine salts are another form of nicotine, they are also derived from tobacco leaves, except compared to freebase nicotine, nicotine salts have Benzoic acid added to them. The result is a smoother throat hit and the ability to absorb more nicotine, in turn satisfying your nicotine cravings faster.
With freebase, as you increase the level of nicotine, the throat hit becomes harsher, but with salt nicotine, you can increase the level without the harsh throat hit. This is ideal for those who may find e-liquids containing traditional nicotine too harsh on their throat.
You can find the same variety of flavours as you find with freebase vape liquids. However, there is a difference in the strengths of nicotine available, with most nic salt vape juices containing 10mg and 20mg, with a select few now available in 5mg.
What is nicotine ?
Nicotine is a naturally occurring colourless oily liquid best known for being an active element in tobacco. It’s found in both e-liquids and traditional cigarettes and is the addictive element in both. It acts as a stimulant in small doses and is used for smoking cessation to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
There is a common myth that nicotine is the harmful chemical found in cigarettes, however, this is not the case. According to the NHS, nicotine is relatively harmless, and it’s, in fact, other chemicals that are mainly formed via combustion, like carbon monoxide and tar, that are much more harmful to your health.
What is freebase nicotine e-liquid?
Freebase nicotine is the most common form of nicotine found in vape liquids and most resembles the feeling of smoking a real cigarette. That’s why it’s favoured by those looking to quit smoking.
Freebase nicotine is in its purest form compared to the other nicotine derivatives. In turn, the nicotine is much more potent when heated, therefore giving a stronger throat hit. It takes longer to be released into your system, but will also keep your nicotine cravings in check for a longer period of time.
What is nicotine salt e-liquid?
Nicotine salts are another form of nicotine, they are also derived from tobacco leaves, except compared to freebase nicotine, nicotine salts have Benzoic acid added to them. The result is a smoother throat hit and the ability to absorb more nicotine, in turn satisfying your nicotine cravings faster.
With freebase, as you increase the level of nicotine, the throat hit becomes harsher, but with salt nicotine, you can increase the level without the harsh throat hit. This is ideal for those who may find e-liquids containing traditional nicotine too harsh on their throat.
You can find the same variety of flavours as you find with freebase vape liquids. However, there is a difference in the strengths of nicotine available, with most nic salt vape juices containing 10mg and 20mg, with a select few now available in 5mg.
Vape liquids are made up of a combination of PG and VG –- these are PG Propylene Glycol (PG ) and VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin (VG). They are the main carrier ingredients in e-liquid, and each of them has its own characteristics, which will affect the final e-liquid.
Here is how they differ:
- Propylene Glycol (PG): This is a lab-made liquid that the FDA generally views as safe in food, drugs, and cosmetics. It’s a thin liquid that carries flavour well and delivers a harsher throat hit.
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG): Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut, or palm oils. It is odourless and has a mild, sweet taste with a syrup-like consistency. It produces large vapour and has a smooth throat hit.
For more detailed information, have a look at our guide on “What is PG and VG in E-Liquid?”
Vape liquids are made up of a combination of PG and VG –- these are PG Propylene Glycol (PG ) and VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin (VG). They are the main carrier ingredients in e-liquid, and each of them has its own characteristics, which will affect the final e-liquid.
Here is how they differ:
- Propylene Glycol (PG): This is a lab-made liquid that the FDA generally views as safe in food, drugs, and cosmetics. It’s a thin liquid that carries flavour well and delivers a harsher throat hit.
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG): Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol or glycerine, is a clear liquid typically made from soybean, coconut, or palm oils. It is odourless and has a mild, sweet taste with a syrup-like consistency. It produces large vapour and has a smooth throat hit.
For more detailed information, have a look at our guide on “What is PG and VG in E-Liquid?”
The most common type of e-liquid for pod kits and starter kits: 50/50 vape juice is made up of 50% VG and 50% PG. This gives it a good flavour without producing huge clouds. It also has a thinner consistency, making it suited for mouth-to-lung vaping. It’s considered a high PG e-liquid.
The most common type of e-liquid for pod kits and starter kits: 50/50 vape juice is made up of 50% VG and 50% PG. This gives it a good flavour without producing huge clouds. It also has a thinner consistency, making it suited for mouth-to-lung vaping. It’s considered a high PG e-liquid.
This is the most common type of e-liquid for sub-ohm vapes. 70/30 vape juice is made up of 70% VG and 30% PG and is often referred to as high VG vape juice. It has a thicker consistency, and when combined with a sub-ohm tank and a high-powered vape, it will produce a large vapour or clouds.
This is the most common type of e-liquid for sub-ohm vapes. 70/30 vape juice is made up of 70% VG and 30% PG and is often referred to as high VG vape juice. It has a thicker consistency, and when combined with a sub-ohm tank and a high-powered vape, it will produce a large vapour or clouds.
Vaping e-liquids are made up of four basic ingredients; water, nicotine, flavourings, and a mix of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin base (most commonly known as PG and VG). PG and VG ratios will differ from e-liquid to e-liquid, depending on the type of consistency the manufacturer is trying to achieve.
Vaping e-liquids are made up of four basic ingredients; water, nicotine, flavourings, and a mix of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin base (most commonly known as PG and VG). PG and VG ratios will differ from e-liquid to e-liquid, depending on the type of consistency the manufacturer is trying to achieve.
All e-liquids with higher VG content are best suited to sub-ohm devices and tanks. All shortfills will work and you can also find a selection of high VG 10ml e-liquids. The higher the VG content, the denser a vape cloud would be.
A rule of thumb would be that any coil rated below 1.0 Ohm is designed for high VG vape juice. It's also best to try a lower nicotine level, such as 3mg nicotine, first in a sub-ohm device, as the throat hit is stronger than in a mouth-to-lung vape. You can find out more in our shortfill mixing guide.
All e-liquids with higher VG content are best suited to sub-ohm devices and tanks. All shortfills will work and you can also find a selection of high VG 10ml e-liquids. The higher the VG content, the denser a vape cloud would be.
A rule of thumb would be that any coil rated below 1.0 Ohm is designed for high VG vape juice. It's also best to try a lower nicotine level, such as 3mg nicotine, first in a sub-ohm device, as the throat hit is stronger than in a mouth-to-lung vape. You can find out more in our shortfill mixing guide.
Most mouth-to-lung kit coils are rated above 1.0 Ohm, and therefore, you would want to opt for a vape juice with a high PG content. This will carry the most flavour and provide an easy to vape MTL experience. 50/50 liquids are the most common, but you will also find several 60PG / 40VG options as well.
Most mouth-to-lung kit coils are rated above 1.0 Ohm, and therefore, you would want to opt for a vape juice with a high PG content. This will carry the most flavour and provide an easy to vape MTL experience. 50/50 liquids are the most common, but you will also find several 60PG / 40VG options as well.
Once you have opened your vape liquid, you should use it within 6 months. After this time, the taste of the liquid may change, although it’s still fine to vape it.
Once you have opened your vape liquid, you should use it within 6 months. After this time, the taste of the liquid may change, although it’s still fine to vape it.
A 10ml bottle of e-liquid will last approximately 5-7 days in a typical pod kit or vape pen. If you use a sub-ohm device, then expect to use more, with 2-3 days more likely.
A 10ml bottle of e-liquid will last approximately 5-7 days in a typical pod kit or vape pen. If you use a sub-ohm device, then expect to use more, with 2-3 days more likely.
This can be down to the coil needing to be changed. The carbon that can be built upon the coil can sometimes make its way into the liquid. It’s best to empty out the liquid, change the coil, and then refill your tank with fresh e-liquid.
This can be down to the coil needing to be changed. The carbon that can be built upon the coil can sometimes make its way into the liquid. It’s best to empty out the liquid, change the coil, and then refill your tank with fresh e-liquid.
The best e-liquid brand depends on whether you use a sub-ohm or MTL kit and your individual flavour preferences.Right now, SKE Crystal vape juice and Doozy have very popular options for refillable pod users. For sub-ohm users, Seriously have several flavour-packed ranges.
The best e-liquid brand depends on whether you use a sub-ohm or MTL kit and your individual flavour preferences.Right now, SKE Crystal vape juice and Doozy have very popular options for refillable pod users. For sub-ohm users, Seriously have several flavour-packed ranges.
The average price for a 10ml is between £3 and £4, but at UK ECIG STORE, we also have a selection of great value vape juice starting with one pound e-liquids.
The average price for a 10ml is between £3 and £4, but at UK ECIG STORE, we also have a selection of great value vape juice starting with one pound e-liquids.
The PG content and the nicotine type and content all affect how harsh a vape liquid is. If you’re finding your vape liquid harsh, try reducing the nicotine content or switching from freebase nicotine to a nic salt.
The PG content and the nicotine type and content all affect how harsh a vape liquid is. If you’re finding your vape liquid harsh, try reducing the nicotine content or switching from freebase nicotine to a nic salt.
E-liquid containing nicotine that is sold in the UK is subject to regulations, known as the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). These regulations set certain limits on the ingredients inside e-liquids and limit the size of bottles within which they can be sold. Currently, a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml in a maximum bottle size of 10ml can be sold once it has passed approval.
The TPD also sets out the testing and safety requirements of vape liquid. This also includes regulations for the actual bottle, including the nozzle size, safety features and the messaging on the bottle and box.
Here at UK ECIG STORE, we ensure the most vigorous of testing has been conducted on all our e-liquids and only sell e-liquids which have been passed and approved by the MHRA (the government body which regulate the sale of e-liquids in the UK).
E-liquid containing nicotine that is sold in the UK is subject to regulations, known as the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). These regulations set certain limits on the ingredients inside e-liquids and limit the size of bottles within which they can be sold. Currently, a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml in a maximum bottle size of 10ml can be sold once it has passed approval.
The TPD also sets out the testing and safety requirements of vape liquid. This also includes regulations for the actual bottle, including the nozzle size, safety features and the messaging on the bottle and box.
Here at UK ECIG STORE, we ensure the most vigorous of testing has been conducted on all our e-liquids and only sell e-liquids which have been passed and approved by the MHRA (the government body which regulate the sale of e-liquids in the UK).
E-Liquid Buying Guides
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