If you've switched from smoking to vaping in the UK, you've taken an important step towards a healthier living. However, as a responsible vaper, you're probably still concerned about what you put into your body. After all, just because vaping eliminates cigarette smoke does not mean you should disregard the components in vape juice.
So, exactly what is in vape juice? In this post, we'll look at the main components of vape juice and shed some light on what you're inhaling with each puff. Vape juice is surprisingly simple, especially when contrasted to the intricate process of tobacco manufacture.
1. Propylene Glycol (PG):
- Propylene Glycol (PG) is an organic chemical that is commonly utilised in a variety of products, including inhalers.
- It's a transparent, odourless liquid that acts as a flavour transporter in e-liquids while producing less vapour.
- The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PG for use as a food preservative.
- It is used in healthcare and beauty goods such as skin wash, shampoo, and toothpaste.
Effect on E-Liquid:
The ratio of PG to VG (vegetable glycerin) in an e-liquid influences its properties:
- Bold Flavours: E-liquids with a higher PG content have bolder, more distinct flavours.
- Throat Hit: PG produces a throat hit that is similar to smoking.
- Cloud Production: Higher PG e-liquids produce smaller, faster-dissipating clouds, making them perfect for smaller vaping devices such as pod systems.
2. Vegetable Glycerin (VG):
- With a purity of 99.7%, Vegetable Glycerin, or VG, is derived from plant oils and is deemed "food-grade" when utilised in e-liquids.
- When vaping, the key component responsible for producing dense clouds is VG.
- Cough medicine, suppositories, soaps, shampoos, low-fat foods, pharmaceuticals, beauty items, toothpaste, and alcoholic liqueurs all include it.
Effect on E-Liquid:
The presence of VG in an e-liquid can have the following effects:
- Sweetness Enhancement: While VG can increase the sweetness of an e-liquid, it can also mask nuanced flavour nuances.
- Mild Throat Hit: E-liquids with a higher VG content provide a milder throat hit.
- High-VG e-liquids produce thicker, longer-lasting clouds, making them ideal for sub-ohm vaping.
3. Nicotine:
Nicotine is the principal active element in vape juice, and it provides the satisfaction that many ex-smokers desire when switching to vaping. In the United Kingdom, nicotine strengths range from 0.3 percent (3 mg/ml) to 2 percent (20 mg/ml) by volume.
Nicotine Substances:
- Nicotine Salt: Nicotine salt e-liquids are ideal for smaller vaping devices since they provide higher nicotine doses without causing considerable throat irritation.
- Synthetic nicotine is becoming more common, allowing for tobacco-free e-liquids. It comes in both freebase and salt forms.
4. Flavourings:
Agents of Flavouring:
Natural and artificial food-grade flavouring compounds, similar to those used in the food and beverage industries, are employed to create vape juice flavours.
There is a wide range of flavours available, including candies, desserts, and fruits, as well as tobacco and menthol alternatives.
Considerations:
- It is critical to avoid vape fluids that include oil-based or diacetyl flavourings, as these might be harmful.
- According to UK law, 10ml bottles of vape juice must be tested before sale to ensure product safety.
- Although precise recipes are often closely guarded secrets, most respectable merchants can disclose ingredient information upon request.
Finally, knowing the chemicals in vape juice allows you to make informed and responsible decisions as a vaper in the UK. These substances' simplicity and safety, together with tight regulations, ensure that you may enjoy your vaping adventure while making health-conscious decisions. Whether you prefer bold or mild flavours, high or low nicotine concentrations, the UK's vape juice industry has a wide range of alternatives to suit your palate and preferences, all while adhering to the principles of responsible vaping.