E-Liquid 101: What’s in Vape Juice?

Introduction to E-Liquid

E-liquid, also referred to as vape juice, is the substance used in vaporizers and electronic cigarettes to produce vapour. Understanding its components is essential for selecting a product that aligns with both your preferences and your device’s requirements. Whether you’re new to vaping or looking to understand different formulations, this comprehensive guide is tailored for Canadian consumers.

Core Ingredients in Vape Juice

Most vape juice formulations include a few key ingredients, each serving a specific function in performance and overall user experience:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): A colourless, odourless liquid known for providing a more pronounced throat sensation and efficiently carrying flavour.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A thicker liquid that contributes to vapour production and a smoother inhale.
• Flavourings: Concentrated additives that create various taste profiles, including fruit, tobacco, mint, and more.
• Nicotine (optional): Available in different strengths and forms, such as freebase nicotine or nicotine salts.

Understanding Propylene Glycol (PG)

PG is a synthetic organic compound widely used in food and pharmaceutical products. In vape juice, PG:

• Enhances the throat hit, resembling the feel of traditional smoking.
• Carries flavours effectively, making them more pronounced.
• Is thinner in consistency, promoting efficient wicking in smaller coil setups.

PG-heavy blends are often chosen for use in lower-wattage or pod devices. Some individuals sensitive to PG may opt for lower-PG or PG-free options.

Understanding Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

VG is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils and is also used in food and cosmetic products. In vaping:

• Vapour Production: VG is responsible for creating thick vapour clouds.
• Smoothness: Offers a smoother inhale compared to PG, which many find more comfortable during extended sessions.
• Viscosity: VG is thicker than PG, requiring devices with more powerful sub-ohm coils to ensure effective wicking and vaporization.

Higher VG blends are typically favoured by those using advanced devices and those who prioritize vapour production.

The Role of Flavourings in Vape Juice

Flavourings are what set different vape juices apart. These additives can be either naturally derived or synthetically produced.

• Natural vs. Artificial: Depending on the source, some flavours are extracted from natural ingredients, while others are lab-formulated for consistency.
• Intensity: VG-heavy liquids may slightly mute flavours, while high-PG blends tend to deliver more intense taste.

Types of Nicotine in Vape Juice

Nicotine is optional in vape juices and comes in two main forms:

• Freebase Nicotine: Offers a stronger throat hit and is generally found in lower strengths (e.g., 3mg, 6mg, 12mg).
• Nicotine Salts: Provide a smoother experience and faster absorption, commonly used in higher strengths (e.g., up to 20mg/mL in Canada).

Nicotine salts are popular in Canada for use with compact pod systems because of their smooth delivery and efficient nicotine absorption.

Freebase Nicotine vs. Nicotine Salts

Choosing between the two depends on your preferred throat sensation and device type.

Choosing the Right VG/PG Ratio

VG/PG ratio plays a crucial role in your vaping experience. Ratios are clearly labeled, for example: 50VG/50PG, 70VG/30PG, or 40VG/60PG.

• High PG Blends (e.g., 40VG/60PG): Provide a stronger throat hit and enhanced flavours, with less vapour. Suitable for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping.
• High VG Blends (e.g., 70VG/30PG): Offer thicker vapour clouds and a smoother inhale with a milder flavour. Preferred for DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping with sub-ohm setups.
• Balanced Ratios (e.g., 50VG/50PG): Deliver a balance of throat hit, vapour production, and flavour. Commonly used in nicotine salt formulations and pod systems.

Canadian Regulations on E-Liquids

Health Canada enforces the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA), which governs the manufacturing and marketing of vape products.

• Nicotine Limits: Maximum 20mg/mL.
• Packaging: Must include child-resistant features, proper ingredient listing, nicotine content, and health warnings.
• Advertising Restrictions: No lifestyle or health claims; must comply with strict age-gating and marketing rules.

Provinces may have additional specific regulations, so always confirm local requirements. This list is not exhaustive and does not include all mandatory elements.

How Vape Juice Works with Devices

Vape juice interacts with devices via a simple yet precise process:

• The e-liquid saturates a wick (commonly cotton) inside the coil.
• When activated, the coil heats up, vaporizing the liquid.
• The vapour is inhaled through the mouthpiece, delivering flavour and nicotine.

Device Compatibility

• Pod Systems: Work best with nicotine salts and 50VG/50PG blends due to lower power.
• Sub-ohm Mods: Handle high-VG freebase juices for larger vapour clouds.
• MTL Devices: Often use high-PG blends to create a tighter draw and stronger throat sensation.

How to Read an E-Liquid Label

Canadian labels provide vital information:

• Nicotine Content: In mg/mL (max 20mg/mL).
• VG/PG Ratio: Displayed as percentages (e.g., 70VG/30PG).
• Flavour Description: Outlines key notes.
• Batch & Expiry: Verifies freshness.
• Manufacturer Details: Includes contact info and origin.
• Excise Stamp: Confirms tax compliance.

Storing Your Vape Juice Properly

Proper storage maintains quality:

• Temperature: Store in a cool, dry location.
• Sealing: Keep bottles tightly closed.
• Light: Use dark or amber bottles to prevent degradation.

Signs of spoilage include colour changes, unusual odours, or changes in thickness.

Safety Considerations When Handling E-Liquid

• Keep Away from Children and Pets: Nicotine can be toxic if ingested.
• Check Packaging: Use only child-resistant bottles.
• Avoid Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly if spilled.

In case of accidental ingestion or exposure, seek immediate medical attention.

Popular Vape Juice Types in Canada

• Nicotine Salts: For pod systems; smooth and efficient delivery, commonly 10–20 mg/mL.
• Freebase Nicotine: For sub-ohm setups; lower strengths such as 3mg, 6mg, or 12mg.
• Flavour Profiles: Popular options include fruit, tobacco, and mint/menthol. Some provinces restrict flavours to tobacco or unflavoured.

Making an Informed Choice

Understanding vape juice ingredients and their roles allows Canadians to choose products aligned with their devices and personal preferences, all while staying within regulatory limits. Knowing the differences between PG, VG, nicotine types, and flavour profiles empowers consumers to make safe and satisfying decisions.

FAQs

1. What is e-liquid made of in Canada?
E-liquid generally contains Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavourings, and optional nicotine.

2. How do freebase nicotine and nicotine salts differ?
Freebase provides a stronger throat hit and is best for high-wattage devices, while nicotine salts are smoother and ideal for low-wattage pod systems. Both types are capped at 20mg/mL in Canada.

3. Can I buy higher nicotine strength vape juice in Canada?
No. The maximum allowed nicotine strength in e-liquids sold in Canada is 20mg/mL.

4. How do I choose the right VG/PG ratio?
Pod and MTL devices often use higher PG or balanced 50VG/50PG blends, while sub-ohm devices work better with higher VG (e.g., 70VG/30PG) for larger vapour production.

5. Are flavoured e-liquids legal across Canada?
Yes, but provincial restrictions may apply. Some provinces limit flavours to tobacco or unflavoured products.