Ingredients in Vape Juice: A Full Breakdown of What Goes Into Your E-Liquid

Vaping is marketed as a cleaner, smoother alternative to traditional smoking, but if you are using e-liquid on a daily basis, it’s important to understand the ingredients you are inhaling. In this article, we will break down the core ingredients in vape juice, highlight the harmful additives that need to be avoided, and provide some suggestions on how to make better decisions when selecting high-quality e-liquid.

What Is Vape Juice Made Of?

The majority of vape juices contain a few key ingredients that form the key components of how the vapor tastes, feels, and affects your body. Below, we will highlight each of the key components and ingredients of e-liquid.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

Vegetable Glycerin, or VG, is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils like palm, soy, or coconut. It is a standard e-liquid ingredient and is a clear, odorless liquid with a thick consistency that adds smoothness to the vapor. VG is the ingredient that causes the thick, billowy clouds many vapers enjoy. It provides a mild taste and less harsh throat hits. Because it is thicker, it can clog coils faster, especially in devices not designed for high-VG juices. VG is hypoallergenic and widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food. It is also less effective at carrying flavors than Propylene Glycol, which means VG-heavy juices may have a subtler taste profile.

Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a common component in e-cigarette liquid ingredient lists. PG is a thin, colorless liquid used to distribute base flavor and to give a much bigger throat hit. Like VG, PG is considered safe for general use because it is frequently utilized in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. PG acts primarily as a flavor enhancer. Additionally, PG evaporates quickly and will work well in almost all vape devices. A small percentage of users may report a sensitivity to PG and experience a dry mouth, throat irritation, or mild allergic reactions. Additionally, PG emits less visible vapor than VG, which is preferred by discreet users.

Nicotine

Nicotine is the addictive stimulant that is extracted from tobacco plants and added to e-juice in varying concentrations. Nicotine is available as freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine can be harsher at higher concentrations. On the other hand, nic salts can feel smoother even at higher doses. Nicotine gives the buzz or calming effect that many users seek to replace smoking cigarettes. The addictive nature of nicotine needs to be managed so that users can avoid excessive intake. Over-consumption can lead to dizziness, nausea, and tachycardia. There are some e-liquids available with zero nicotine for users who prefer to vape for the sake of the flavor. 

Flavorings 

Flavorings make vaping more enjoyable. These flavors can be as simple as fruit or menthol flavors, or based on desserts, beverages, or candy. The flavorings used in vape juices should be food grade and inhalable. However, this will not always be the case, as some ingredients can degrade under heat and form harmful byproducts. It is important to only buy from brands that disclose their ingredient list and test for safety. The quantity and type of flavoring will also affect the coil life and throat feel.

Sweeteners

Sweeteners are generally used in vape juices to build or balance flavor, mainly in dessert flavors and fruit blends. There are numerous sweeteners used in vape juices. However, the most common are sucralose, ethyl maltol, and stevia. Sweeteners are typically used at very low dosing levels in vape juices because they need to enhance or support the flavor of the blend without overwhelming it. However, when heated, sweeteners will burn, break down, and leave a sticky residue on coils. This process is called caramelization, and burning the sweeteners can alter the vaping experience and deteriorate the device. 

Cooling Agents

Cooling agents provide the option to create a cold, refreshing sensation like menthol, but without the mint flavor. The two most commonly available cooling agents are WS-23 and WS-3. They are especially popular in fruit and beverage-inspired flavors, where the cooling finish adds to the overall experience. Cooling agents do not have a distinct flavor like menthol. They simply create the cooling sensation. Cooling agents stimulate cold receptors in the throat and nasal passages in the same way that menthol does. If too much is used, it can cause a numbing sensation or even irritation. Overall, cooling agents are generally regarded as safe, but we do not know the consequences of regularly inhaling them, as these substances are still being studied.

Acids and PH balancers

Acids and pH balancers are added to vape juice for a variety of reasons when formulating a product. They can enhance shelf life, stabilize nicotine, and increase nicotine absorption when inhaled. One common acid used in vape juice is benzoic acid, which is added to nicotine salt formulations to create a smoother hit and allow for higher nicotine concentration. Citric acid can also be added to support flavor stability. As with many of these ingredients, acids are used in small quantities but play a critical role in overall product flavor and performance. Too much or too little acid in vape juice formulation can negatively impact the throat hit or change the overall flavor.

Harmful Ingredients in Vape Juice

Not all ingredients in vape juice are harmless. Some are significantly harmful, especially when exposed to heat and inhaled. 

Diacetyl and Acetylpropionyl

Diacetyl and Acetylpropionyl are diketones used in flavoring, commonly to create smooth, creamy, buttery, or custardy flavors. They are safe to ingest, but pose a risk when inhaled. Diacetyl has been implicated as a cause of bronchiolitis obliterans in some people, which is better known as "popcorn lung”, a serious and irreversible lung disease. Acetylpropionyl is often used as a replacement for diacetyl, but could have similar negative effects. Diacetyl and Acetylpropionyl could create cough, shortness of breath, or chest tightness. An easy way to limit your risk from these chemicals is to purchase vape juice that is clearly labeled as a "diacetyl-free" product. 

Vitamin E Acetate 

Vitamin E acetate is a fat-soluble substance found in skin creams and dietary supplements. It made headlines during the 2019 outbreak of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). Although it is not typically found in nicotine vape juice, it was widely used in black-market THC cartridges. When vaporized and inhaled, Vitamin E acetate can interfere with normal lung function. The CDC has identified it as a primary cause of EVALI cases. Its oil-like consistency makes it unsuitable for the lungs, where it may accumulate and cause damage. For your safety, always avoid products from unknown or unverified sources.

Essential Oils 

Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint are very common, but they should never be added to vape juice. While they come from a natural source, essential oils are not safe to inhale, as they are powerful volatile compounds, and the oils will be deposited in the lungs, where they can accumulate, and potentially lead to inflammation and allergic reactions. Essential oils will react to high heat just like other oils, producing harmful compounds. Symptoms of inhalation include excessive coughing, discomfort in the chest, and possibly even lipoid pneumonia in severe circumstances. Always choose reputable brands that do not use unsafe additives.

Diethylene Glycol

Diethylene glycol is a toxic chemical mainly used in antifreeze and industrial solvents. Diethylene glycol has appeared as a contaminating agent in poorly manufactured e-liquids. Potentially harmful outcomes may occur from fume inhalation or ingestion. Doses from 1 mL up to about 30 mL may result in abdominal pain, dizziness, kidney failure, or even death in large amounts. It is very unlikely that diethylene glycol is present in regulated products sold by legitimate vape shops, but potential hazards exist when vape juice is purchased from unknown sources. 

Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is yet another toxic antifreeze compound that should not be inhaled or ingested. Ethylene glycol should not be found in vape juice, but there are counterfeit products on the market that may include this component. The health effects of ethylene glycol include nausea, dizziness, central nervous system depression, and kidney damage. The presence of ethylene glycol is very rare in regulated brands. 

Metals

Toxic metals may also be present in vapor, not from ingredients in the e-liquid formulation, but through the deterioration of parts of your vaping device. Internal components (like coils, tanks, or soldering elements) can release metals, including cadmium, chromium, iron, lead, mercury, and nickel, due to repeated heating. These particles may be inhaled with the vapor produced, posing serious health risks. Your exposure to metals is likely to be higher with older or low-quality vape devices, but changing coils regularly and using products of a higher quality will significantly reduce your risk.

How to Choose High-Quality Vape Juice

Not every e-liquid is made the same. When you are looking for vape juice, it is important to look beyond the labeling for quality markers that will help you make safe and satisfying choices.

• Check for lab-tested brands: Start by checking if the brand offers third-party lab testing results. Brands that openly share this data are often more trustworthy than those that don't.
• Read ingredient labels: Reputable vape juice companies list all ingredients clearly and transparently. Be cautious of anything that is vague or blindsides you with a proprietary blend.
• Ensure the flavorings are food-grade: It is also very important to check if the flavorings are food-grade and safe for inhalation, because even if ingredients are food safe, this doesn't necessarily mean that they are safe for vaping. Buy flavors only from companies with reputable flavor suppliers, and do not buy oils or other unapproved chemicals.
• Check for any specific ingredients you may be sensitive to: If you have allergies or sensitivities to any ingredients, especially to PG, you can look for PG-free or high-VG options. 
• Ensure products meet legal requirements: Legal compliance is another key factor that ensures that the vape juice is made and sold in accordance with the regulations in your area. This includes age restrictions, labeling, and safety requirements.  
• Research and read online reviews: Lastly, be sure to do some research on any reviews or customer feedback. Ratings and personal reports can tell you a lot about the flavor, consistency, and reliability of any product.

Shop Premium Vape Juice at PerfectVape

If you want to buy high-quality vape juice, check out PerfectVape's many premium vape juice offerings, many of which are lab-tested, ingredient-transparent, and sourced from excellent manufacturers. Whether you want rich dessert blends, refreshing fruits, or classic tobacco flavors, our selection has something for every palate. Shop with confidence knowing that we prioritize quality, safety, and customer satisfaction with every product we sell.

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