Which brand contain diacetyl in their vape juices?
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While I cannot provide a current, definitive list of all brands that contain diacetyl, research shows it has been a widespread problem, particularly in flavored vape products. The most comprehensive available data is from a 2015 Harvard study which found that more than 75% of tested flavored e-cigarettes and liquids contained diacetyl or related chemicals.
📜 Brands Historically Found to Contain High Levels of Diacetyl
The table below lists brands, mostly from a 2015 analysis by retailer Vapor Shark, that were found to contain very high levels of diacetyl or acetyl propionyl.
| Brand Name | E-Liquid Flavor Name | Highest Detected Compound (Level in parts per million) |
|---|---|---|
| Old Fashioned Elixir | Drifter | Acetyl Propionyl (1,867 ppm) |
| Beard Vape Co. | #51 | Acetyl Propionyl (1,843 ppm) |
| Classified E-Liquids | Indulge | Acetyl Propionyl (1,487 ppm) |
| Cyclops Vapor | Colossus | Acetyl Propionyl (1,042 ppm) |
| Alpha Vape | Sweet Tooth | Acetyl Propionyl (815 ppm) |
| KILO | True Blue | Acetyl Propionyl (711 ppm) |
| Cosmic Fog | Milk & Honey | Acetyl Propionyl (425 ppm) |
Important Note: This data is approximately a decade old. Many companies, especially larger ones, have since reformulated their products to remove diacetyl in response to consumer concerns. For example, French brand J Well has publicly stated it has never used diacetyl in its e-liquids manufactured in France.
🔍 How to Identify Safer Products Today
Given that the landscape has changed, here is the most effective way to check for diacetyl in current products:
Check Manufacturer Claims: Look for e-liquids explicitly labeled as "Diacetyl-Free," "Acetyl Propionyl-Free," or "DA/AP Free." Reputable manufacturers often highlight this on their website or packaging.
Look for Third-Party Testing: The most reliable brands provide access to Certificate of Analysis (COA) documents from independent labs, which verify the absence of harmful chemicals. Look for these on the brand's official website.
Prioritize Established Markets: Products manufactured in regions with stricter regulations (like the EU or UK) are generally subject to tighter controls on ingredients.
Avoid "Custard," "Cream," and "Dessert" Flavors: Diacetyl and its substitutes are most commonly used to create buttery or creamy notes. Fruit and menthol flavors are less likely to contain them.
💎 Key Takeaway
While diacetyl was once prevalent, you have the power to avoid it by carefully choosing products from transparent brands that provide verifiable, diacetyl-free claims and third-party lab results.
I hope this information helps you make a more informed choice. If you're interested in learning about other potentially harmful chemicals sometimes found in vape liquids, such as vitamin E acetate or specific heavy metals, I can provide more details on those as well.
