eLiquid or eJuice is vaporized to deliver the flavor and throat hit you experience when you use an electric cigarette. The base ingredient in all eLiquid is usually Propylene Glycol (PG) but Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is also used.
VG/PG eLiquid Explained
Propylene Glycol (PG) is the most widely used base for eLiquid. It’s a type of alcohol used in food coloring, toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoos, soaps and conditioners. It has humectant properties, which means it retains moisture. For a more detailed health and scientific discussion of PG read this post.
Some people may be allergic to PG. Symptoms include stomach pains, sore throat and headaches. If you experience these symptoms, they could be an allergic reaction to PG or may also be tobacco withdrawal symptoms. Tobacco withdrawal symptoms will lessen within a week or two. PG allergies won’t.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is also used as a base for eLiquid. It’s a compound that comes from vegetable oil and is widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, moisturizers and soap. It also works as a humectant to retain moisture.
People who are allergic to PG, switch to VG. It’s a natural occurring product with fewer potential side effects. You can buy USPS Vegetable Glycerin at your local vitamin store or pharmacy for DIY eLiquid.
VG is thicker than PG and produces a much better vapor. DIYers thin it by diluting it with distilled water or vodka.
Best eLiquid for your eCigarette
If you buy an ecig with a cartomizer, you might not know what type of eLiquid you’re inhaling. Manufacturers don’t usually include detailed facts about the ingredients of their cartridges but times are changing. More and more manufacturers are realizing the benefit of partnering with a reputable eLiquid manufacturer and are beginning to do so. If this important to you be sure to check out our list of reputable eLiquid suppliers.
The best way to have some control over your eLiquid is to make it yourself or buy bulk from an American or UK manufacturer. DIY eLiquid is the least expensive and most flexible solution but it requires a little work. If you’re interested in making your own, read our DIY eLiquid guide.
eLiquid Flavors
Of course you want your electric cigarette to taste similar to a traditional cigarette. eLiquid is available in tobacco and menthol flavors but unlike tobacco cigarettes, many other flavors are also offered. Most brands have 2-4 tobacco flavored options but some brands also have fruit, chocolate and coffee flavors. If you buy an e-cig with a refillable cartridge, you can change the flavor to your liking with a wide variety of flavored bulk or DIY eLiquid.
eLiquid Throat Hit, Strong or Mild?
“Throat hit” is the term used to describe the feel of the vapor as you inhale it. Just like a tobacco cigarette, some are strong and some are mild. If you’re used to a strong “hit” like in a Marlboro Red or Kool, go with a higher nicotine eLiquid. I smoked Newport Lights and found 11mg to be the closest throat hit. A word of caution for beginners: most people have a tendency to vape a lot at first. If you use a high nicotine eLiquid and vape more than you would smoke a traditional cigarette, you could experience nicotine overdose symptoms.
A safer way to amp up the throat hit is to add a few drops of vodka to your DIY eLiquid.
eLiquid Vapor, Heavy or Light?
Beginning e-cig smokers think they have to replicate a rich consistent vapor similar to a tobacco cigarette. Personally, I put more value in the throat hit and flavor. Of course, I like to see the vapor but I think it’s more important to taste and feel like a tobacco cigarette than look like one. None-the-less, I still want to see vapor.
VG produces more vapor than PG. It does have a tendency to lessen the flavor a little in favor of vapor but a few drops can go along way.
eLiquid and the FDA
In the past, eLiquid was produced exclusively in China. Over the last few years US and UK companies have opened production facilities to meet growing demand.
In July of 2009 the FDA ignited controversy over electric cigarettes when they tested samples from 2 brands and found inconsistent results and a known carcinogen. The tests were limited to 2 brands and rather unscientific. Now that eLiquid is being manufactured in the US, those inconsistencies and criticisms should hopefully subside. American manufacturing has always been safer and more sanitary than Chinese manufacturing. With the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes, hopefully the FDA will work with manufacturers to perfect the process rather than destroy it. For more information you can, read the FDA report.
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I bought some of the gerilycne from Michaels, and though it brought down the nic content and didn’t destroy the flavor, do you get an after taste of plastic/rubber/lube? I used less than a 1 to 1 ratio, and though it’s livable, and reduced the nicotine content while increasing the vapor, I ordered some NOW foods Vegi Glycerine. Hopefully that eliminates the lube-like after taste. LOLI asked my girlfriend to try it, just to sure I wasn’t imagining it, and she described the aftertaste too.
I personally use the NOW vegi Glycerine and it does not have that aftertaste. Give that a try, you should be happy with the results.
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that cigarettes suaced cancer and that evidence was remarkably slow in coming.Nicotine patches, gum, etc. never worked for me and never worked for anyone I know. Positive thinking and self belief can be hard to achieve . For me, if it’s done correctly, it should be easy. Maybe for some people it’s difficult because they are trying too hard. If anyone is finding it difficult they can email me and I’ll try to help.I’m not saying my method is right and everyone else’s is wrong. I’m just finding it hard to get this message across!Thank you for your comment.
I find that most places that offer a chocolate flavor really taste more like coffee!! Where can I find a good chocolate flavored ecig????
Stopping smoking is a prttey simple thing to do in principle. Maybe because of it sounding so easy it catches people off guard and ultimately makes it much more difficult to quit. There are a lot of products out there that can help you to stop smoking. Which is best for you depends on many factors and ultimately the only person that knows which is best for you is you.The best thing to do when you are looking to stop smoking is to find out what options you have, and then decide which sounds best for you.Here’s a website that lists the different things that are out there to help you stop smoking.
LOL holmes this is old! But lacxtey like you, I smoked like a freight train for 20 years, and started on e-cigs 16 days ago and have not touched an analog since. Fact is, I gots 4 packs in the shed in back untouched. I’ll probably throw them out tomorrow or day after I really can NOT imagine ever smoking tobacco again!I’m subscribing to your channel. I got an NJOY Pro and they come with Cartomizers now. A good vape! Vape Tha Planet Smoking SUCKS Thanks for the good video!AMD
e-liquid have various flavor , but i like orange best
I would never buy anything from China. If they don’t care about their own kids and poison formula to make money, they sure don’t care about me!