What is e-liquid made out of?

E-liquid, also known as vape juice, is made from a surprisingly simple list of core ingredients. The complexity comes from the vast variety of flavorings that can be added.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what e-liquid is made out of:

The Four Core Ingredients:

Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

What it is: A thick, sweet, natural liquid derived from vegetable oils (commonly palm, coconut, or soy).

Its Role in E-Liquid:

Vapor Production: VG is responsible for creating the large, dense clouds of vapor.

Sweetness: It adds a natural, slight sweetness to the vapor.

Characteristics: High-VG liquids (e.g., 70% VG/30% PG) are very smooth on the throat but are thicker and can wick slower in some devices.

Propylene Glycol (PG)

What it is: A thin, odorless, and colorless liquid. It's a common additive in many food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products.

Its Role in E-Liquid:

Throat Hit: PG provides the "throat hit" that many former smokers crave, mimicking the sensation of smoking a cigarette.

Flavor Carrier: It is better at carrying flavors than VG, so it helps deliver a more intense and sharper taste.

Characteristics: High-PG liquids (e.g., 50% PG/50% VG) have a stronger throat hit and more vibrant flavor, but produce less vapor. A small percentage of people have a mild sensitivity to PG, finding it slightly harsh.

Flavor Concentrates

What they are: These are concentrated food-grade flavorings. The key point is that they are specifically designed for inhalation, not just any cooking extract.

Their Role in E-Liquid: To provide the taste, from simple fruits and mints to complex desserts and beverage profiles.

Characteristics: They are highly concentrated, typically making up only 5-20% of the total e-liquid volume. This is where the immense variety in the vaping market comes from.

Nicotine (Optional)

What it is: The stimulant alkaloid found in tobacco plants. It is an optional ingredient in e-liquid, available in various strengths from 0mg/mL (zero nicotine) to very high concentrations (50mg/mL for salt nicotine).

Its Role in E-Liquid: To satisfy nicotine cravings and provide a stronger throat hit (for freebase nicotine).

Types:

Freebase Nicotine: The traditional form, which provides a stronger throat hit that increases with strength.

Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts): A more stable form of nicotine that is combined with an acid (like Benzoic Acid). This allows for higher nicotine strengths with a much smoother throat hit, making it popular for small, low-power pod systems.

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Optional/Additive Ingredients:

Distilled Water: Sometimes added in very small amounts (1-2%) to thin out high-VG liquids, making them wick better in certain tanks.

Cooling Agents: The most common is Menthol, but there are also synthetic coolants like WS-23 or Koolada. These provide a cold, icy sensation without a minty flavor.

Sweeteners: Added sweeteners like Sucralose are used to make flavors sweeter. However, they are the primary cause of "coil gunk," rapidly caramelizing on the coil and reducing its lifespan.

The Typical Composition of a Bottle:

A standard bottle of e-liquid is a precise mixture of these components. For example, a 60mL bottle of 3mg freebase nicotine liquid with a 70% VG / 30% PG ratio would be roughly:

~70% VG

~25% PG (the rest of the base and the carrier for flavor/nicotine)

~5-15% Flavor Concentrates

A small, calculated amount of Nicotine Liquid (which is itself suspended in a PG or VG base)

Summary Table:

Ingredient	Primary Function	Characteristics	Common Ratio in E-Liquid
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)	Cloud Production & Sweetness	Thick, Smooth, Sweet	50% - 100%
Propylene Glycol (PG)	Throat Hit & Flavor Carrier	Thin, Sharp, More Intense Flavor	0% - 50%
Flavor Concentrates	Taste	Highly concentrated, food-grade	5% - 20%
Nicotine (Optional)	Throat Hit & Craving Satisfaction	Available in various strengths & types	0mg/mL - 50mg/mL

Important Safety Note: While PG and VG are "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) for consumption by the FDA, their long-term health effects when inhaled as an aerosol are still being studied. E-liquid should always be kept away from children and pets.