What are e-liquids?
E-liquids, also called vape juice or e-juice, are designed to power your vaping device. When heated, they turn into a vapour that delivers flavour and nicotine. They contain four main ingredients, vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavourings, and optional nicotine. VG provides dense clouds, PG carries flavour and creates throat hit, while flavourings offer everything from sweet desserts to cool menthol. Nicotine is added in different strengths, from 0mg to 20mg, depending on preference.
What are the different types of vape e-liquids?
Vape e-liquids come in different types, combining various VG/PG blends with flavour profiles such as fruit, dessert, tobacco, and beverage. Understanding these main types, it is easier to choose the right e-juice for your vape device:
Freebase Nicotine E Liquids
Freebase nicotine e-liquids are the traditional form of vape juice. They provide a pure, strong throat hit and slower absorption, mimicking the feel of smoking. Common strengths range from 3mg to 18mg, perfect for users who vape regularly throughout the day.
Nicotine Salt (Nic Salt) E-Liquids
Nic salt e-liquids use a smoother formula that absorbs quickly, giving faster craving satisfaction. They are available in higher nicotine strengths from 5mg to 20mg, offering a gentle throat hit while still delivering strong satisfaction.
50/50 E-liquids
50/50 e-liquids use an equal mix of PG and VG to deliver balanced flavour, throat hit, and vapour. Perfect for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vape kits, they offer a smooth, versatile option for everyday vaping.
Bar Salts E-Liquids
Bar salt e-liquids replicate the taste of disposable vapes, often in fruity and icy flavours. They deliver smooth hits at higher nicotine levels, giving ex-disposable users a familiar experience in pod kits.
Shortfill E-Liquids
Shortfill e-liquids are larger nicotine-free bottles, usually 50ml or 100ml e-liquids, with extra space to add nicotine shots. They are cost-effective, long-lasting, and allow full control over nicotine strength.
Nicotine Shots (Nic Shot) E-Liquids
Nicotine shots are 10ml flavourless liquids used to customise shortfills. Available in 10mg, 18mg, or 20mg strengths, they can be mixed with a larger shortfill bottle to achieve your desired nicotine level.
What ingredients are in vape juice?
Vape juice is a simple but carefully balanced mix of four ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. PG carries flavour and provides throat hit, VG makes thicker vapour, nicotine satisfies cravings, and flavourings create the unique taste of each e-liquid.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a thinner liquid that carries flavours and creates a sharper throat hit. Higher PG blends are best for MTL vaping styles.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is thicker and produces dense clouds. Higher VG blends are best for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, popular with sub-ohm users.
Nicotine
Nicotine is optional and comes in various strengths from 0mg to 20mg. It satisfies cravings and can be tailored to smoking habits.
Flavorings
Flavourings give e-cig liquids their taste. Options range from fruity blends to dessert flavours, tobacco, menthol, and beverage-inspired varieties.
What are VG and PG in e-liquid?
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is a thicker liquid that creates denser clouds, perfect for DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping. PG (Propylene Glycol) is a thinner, colourless liquid that provides flavour and throat hit, best for MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping.
VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
- VG is a thicker liquid that creates denser vapour clouds.
- Perfect for sub-ohm and DTL vaping styles.
- Offers a soft throat hit and sweeter taste.
PG (Propylene Glycol)
- PG is a thinner, colourless, odourless liquid.
- Excellent flavour carrier, ideal for MTL vaping.
- Creates a stronger throat hit closer to smoking.
What are VG & PG ratios in e-liquid?
VG and PG ratios decide whether your vape is rich, smooth, or balanced. A 70/30 VG/PG ratio blend produces dense vapour clouds, making it ideal for sub-ohm devices. A 50/50 VG/PG ratio blend balances flavour and vapour production, providing a smoother experience suited for vape pods and pen kits. Choosing the right VG and PG ratio ensures both flavour satisfaction and device compatibility.
Common VG/PG ratios
VG/PG ratios in vape juices affect nicotine strength, vapour density and flavour. A 50/50 blend gives balance, smooth throat hit, and device flexibility. A 70/30 VG/PG ratio creates thicker clouds for sub-ohm kits. Some blends go further, like 80/20 VG/PG, maximising vapour but requiring powerful devices.
How to choose your VG/PG ratio?
Choosing the right VG/PG ratio depends on your device and style.
- Higher PG: For stronger flavour.
- Higher VG: For big clouds.
- 70/30 VG/PG: For a smooth hit.
- 50/50 blends: For a stronger throat hit.
- Match Ratio: For device compatibility.
Which is better, 50/50 or 70/30 e-liquid?
The choice between 50/50 and 70/30 e-liquids depends on vaping style, flavour preference, and device compatibility:
| Ratio | Key Features |
| 50/50 VG/PG | - Balance of flavour
- Moderate vapour production
- Mouth-to-Lung
- Most common bottled ratio
|
| 70/30 VG/PG | - Thicker vapour clouds
- Direct-to-Lung
- Ideal for sub-ohm devices
|
What E-Liquid Should I Use with My Vape Kit?
The right e-liquid depends on your device and vaping style. 50/50 e-liquid blends work best with pod kits and Vape pens, delivering a smooth hit and balanced throat sensation for MTL vaping. If you use sub-ohm or DTL kits, a 70/30 VG/PG blend is ideal for thicker vapour clouds and richer flavour. Matching PG/VG ratio, nicotine strength and flavour to your kit ensures the most satisfying experience. Nic salts work well in low-power pod devices, while freebase nicotine e-liquids are better for advanced setups.
Which e-liquid brand is best, safest, and most trusted?
Popular vape juice brands in the UK include Hayati, IVG, Doozy, Drifter, ElfLiq, Elux Legend, Dinner Lady, and SKE Crystal. These trusted e-liquid brands use premium ingredients, deliver consistent flavours, and remain favourites across the UK market.
What nicotine strength should I use in my vape kit?
Nicotine strength depends on your device and smoking background. For MTL devices like pod kits, higher strengths work best. For DTL sub-ohm kits, lower strengths prevent harshness.
- 0mg (No Nicotine): For flavour-only vaping.
- Low strengths (3 to 6mg): Best for light smokers and DTL vaping.
- Medium strengths (6 to 12mg): Ideal for moderate smokers.
- High strengths (12 to 20mg): Perfect for heavy smokers using MTL devices with nic salts.
How much nicotine is in e-liquid?
E-liquids contain different nicotine levels. Freebase options are available in 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, and 12mg. Nic salt bottles usually offer 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths.
E-Liquid FAQs
What is premium vape juice?
Premium vape juice is made with higher-quality ingredients for a richer flavour and smoother vape. Premium e-liquid brands invest in advanced flavour profiles, offering consistent performance and a refined experience.
How to store vape juice?
Store your vape liquids in a cool, stable environment, away from heat and direct light. Keep them sealed in a container or drawer to maintain tip-top condition.
How long does e-liquid last?
Vape juice bottles usually last up to two years. Always check the end date first. Over time, nicotine can weaken, and the taste may change. If your vape juice has expired, flavour fades, or it tastes different, it’s time to replace it with a fresh bottle.
What are the popular e-juice flavours?
The most popular vape juice flavours vary by preference but include fruity blends like blue razz lemonade, strawberry cherry raspberry, and watermelon ice. Menthol, dessert, and tobacco flavours remain classics, while bar salt e-liquids offer vibrant disposable-inspired options.
What does TPD compliance e-liquid mean?
TPD-compliant e-liquids follow EU and UK Tobacco Product Directive rules. These regulations limit nicotine bottles to 10ml and maximum strength to 20mg/ml. TPD ensures vape juice and devices meet strict safety and quality standards.
How to make e-liquid?
A good vape liquid is mixed with the right VG/PG proportions, nicotine strength, and flavour concentration. By adjusting these ingredients, vapers can create smoother or stronger throat sensations tailored to their preferences.
How to mix vape juice?
To mix vape juice safely:
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Add PG and VG in your preferred ratio (e.g., 50/50).
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Add 10 to 20 drops of flavour concentrate.
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Add a nicotine shot if required.
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Shake the bottle well to combine.
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Leave to steep for best flavour.
Why does my e-liquid change colour?
E-liquids can turn darker due to oxidation. This chemical process occurs when oxygen and light react with nicotine. The change is normal and poses no danger.
Why do new e-liquids make my vape taste burnt?
A new e-liquid can taste burnt if the coil wick isn’t fully saturated before vaping. Using high wattage too quickly can also caramelise liquid and gunk up the coil. Always prime coils first.
How do you change vape juice?
To change vape juice in a pod kit or tank: disassemble, empty remaining e-liquid, rinse with warm water, air-dry, replace the coil if needed, then refill with new e-liquid.
Are e-liquid and vape juice the same thing?
Yes. E-liquid and vape juice mean the same thing. Both terms describe the VG and PG mixture with flavourings and nicotine that creates vapour when heated.
How much does vape juice cost?
The cost of vape juice depends on bottle size, brand, and nicotine type. In the UK, 10ml bottles cost less than £2, while 100ml Shortfills can cost over £10.
Why buy e-liquids from Royal Vapery?
Royal Vapery is a leading online vaping store offering affordable, TPD-compliant e-liquids. With bundle deals, free delivery on orders over £49.99, and fast UK shipping, we make it easy to enjoy the best e-liquid ranges.
