Are you new to vaping? Enjoying the financial benefits of not having to buy cigarettes? Want to know more about the e-liquid you are using? If that is the case, please read on for some excellent information regarding the e-liquid in your vaping device. Many vapers have given up smoking and using a vape device as a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) but do not know too much about the e-liquid they are using. We will look at the contents of e-liquids and how they work together to produce that satisfying vapour. Let’s start with the most important component, nicotine.
The History of Nicotine
As a naturally occurring part of the Tobacco plant that originated in South and Central America and was brought to Europe in the 1500s, nicotine is a salt, and it is not easily absorbed into the body. To combat this, Tobacco manufacturers led by Marlboro devised a chemical process that created a form of nicotine called Freebase; this allowed the nicotine to be absorbed more easily in its cigarette form. The manufacturing method uses ammonia to increase PH levels which means when burnt, the lungs quickly absorb it, but this also creates a harsh sensation as the strength of the nicotine increases. Until recently, Freebase has been the only option as the nicotine element of e-liquid, that is, until the development of a newer form called nicotine salt or salt nic.
All the major vape juice manufacturers, including Dinner lady, Heisenberg e liquid, and Nasty, are now producing e-liquids with this newer type and are moving away from the traditional type of nicotine and switching to this newer form. Nicotine salt has a different, more natural refining process, and the outcome is a form of nicotine that is smoother when burnt.
The Other Elements Of E-Liquid
The three other main components of e-liquid are –
- Propylene Glycol – known as PG, is a liquid used in the food and medicine industries for many years. Specifically used in inhaled medicines, it is utilised in vaping as it is also a great carrier of flavour.
- Vegetable Glycerin – or VG, is an odourless, clear liquid sourced from plant oils; thicker in consistency than PG, it is a component of various food and cosmetic products; as a more viscous substance, it produces a more significant amount of vapour for those who want the super thick clouds of vapour.
- Food Flavourings – used to give e-liquid its tasty distinctive flavour; they are the same flavourings that the food industry use in hundreds of different products.
E-liquid is also mixed with varying levels of PG or VG, which are designed to heighten specific ways of vaping. These different types of e-liquid are referred to by the mix ratio of the two main components; the three main types of pre-mixed e-liquids are –
- 50/50 – with equal amounts of the main components, it is a good all-rounder with both a smooth flavour sensation and a good amount of vapour production.
- 70/30 – used to describe e-liquid with a higher VG level; it is specifically designed for vape devices using a sub-ohm coil. This combination produces the more significant vapour clouds for those who wish to be cloud chasers.
- 80/20 – As a direct opposite to the above option, this type of vape liquid uses a higher proportion of PG for those who want a vape that prioritises flavour and the throat hit over vapour output, it is most suited to vape pens and pods.
Whenever your vaping journey takes you, there are many different avenues to take and various tasty e-liquids to try. With this information, you can now navigate that journey with confidence.
