nic salts or vape juice

What Actually Goes Into E-Liquid? Breaking Down the Ingredients

The Four Main Ingredients in E-Liquid

Most vape juice is made up of four key ingredients: 1. Propylene Glycol (PG) 2. Vegetable Glycerine (VG) 3. Flavourings 4. Nicotine (optional)

Propylene Glycol (PG)

A clear, odourless liquid that’s used in food, cosmetics, and medicines — even asthma inhalers. Carries flavour very effectively. Produces a stronger throat hit (similar to smoking). Is thinner than VG, so it soaks into coils quickly. High-PG e-liquids are ideal for: Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, Pod kits or starter kits, Nicotine salts and 50/50 juices.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

A thick, sweet, plant-based liquid. Found in food, skincare, and even pharmaceuticals. Produces bigger vapour clouds. Makes the vape smoother and less harsh. Adds a slight sweetness to the flavour. High-VG e-liquids are perfect for: Sub-ohm vaping, Direct-to-lung (DTL) devices, Cloud chasers and dessert flavours.

Flavour Concentrates

Food-grade flavourings that give your e-liquid its taste — whether it’s Blue Razz Ice, Rhubarb & Custard, or something tropical. These are carefully blended concentrates made to mimic everything from sweets to fruits, drinks, tobacco, and desserts. All flavourings used in UK e-liquids are subject to strict safety regulations under TPD (Tobacco Products Directive).

Nicotine (Optional)

The addictive substance found in tobacco — but without the tar, carbon monoxide, or thousands of toxic chemicals found in cigarettes. In e-liquid, it comes in two forms: Freebase Nicotine: Found in traditional juices (3mg, 6mg, 12mg), Gives a stronger throat hit, Slower to absorb. Nicotine Salts: Found in most disposable-style nic salts (10mg or 20mg), Smoother, faster-acting, ideal for heavy cravings, Best used in low-wattage pod systems. You can also get 0mg liquids, or use shortfills where you add your own nic shots to reach your preferred strength.

What About Sweeteners and Additives?

Some e-liquids also include: Sweeteners (like sucralose) to enhance flavour, Cooling agents (like WS-23 or menthol) for that icy exhale, Colourants – though most UK brands don’t use them, especially in TPD-compliant ranges. These extras can affect coil life — sweetened juices tend to gunk coils faster — but they’re safe when used properly and legally in the UK.

Why This All Matters

Understanding your e-liquid ingredients helps you: Pick the right juice for your device, Avoid burnt coils or harsh throat hits, Choose the right nicotine strength for your needs, Make informed decisions about what you’re inhaling.

E-liquid might seem mysterious at first, but once you know the basics — PG, VG, flavour, and nicotine — it all starts to make sense. Whether you’re chasing clouds, curbing cravings, or just looking for a smoother vape, the right combination is out there.