Do vapes have tobacco?

It usually does not contain tobacco (leaves), but the vast majority of it contains nicotine, and nicotine is usually extracted from tobacco plants.
Here is a crucial conceptual difference that, once understood, will enable a complete comprehension:
1. Physically: Does not contain tobacco leaves
Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco leaves. While e-cigarettes (Vapes) generate aerosol (steam) by heating e-liquid. The main components of e-liquid are typically:
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Plant glycerol (VG)
Food flavoring agent
(Neutral) Nicotine
So, from a physical perspective, the e-cigarette liquid does not contain tobacco debris or tobacco leaves.
2. Chemical composition: Most contain "tobacco derivatives"
Although they do not contain leaves, the vast majority of nicotine-containing e-liquids on the market are made from nicotine extracted and purified from tobacco. Therefore, these products are chemically classified as "tobacco products".
3. Exceptional cases: Vapes without any tobacco components
Currently, there are also products on the market that do not involve any tobacco at all:
Zero nicotine (0mg) e-liquid: Contains only PG, VG and flavoring, without any tobacco extracts.
Synthetic Nicotine (Tobacco-Free Nicotine): Some brands (such as Puff Bar, etc.) use chemically synthesized nicotine, which has the same molecular structure but is not extracted from tobacco. Thus, it achieves the "no-tobacco" status in terms of its source.
4. Why are they often classified as "tobacco products" in regulations?
In the United States, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) categorizes all electronic cigarettes containing nicotine from any source as "tobacco products" for regulation. This is mainly based on the purpose of use (as a substitute for traditional smoking) and the history of the source, rather than because there is actually tobacco in them. This is also the reason why there is an age limit (usually 21+) when you visit an electronic cigarette store in the United States.
Summary and Reminder
Physically: There are no tobacco leaves.
Source: Most of the nicotine comes from tobacco, but there are also options for synthetic nicotine and nicotine-free products.
Health Reminder: The absence of tobacco leaves does not mean it is harmless. E-cigarettes still contain addictive substances (nicotine), and the heated aerosol may also contain trace amounts of heavy metals and potentially harmful chemicals. If you don't smoke, it is not recommended to try it out just out of curiosity.