What Is Vape Juice Made Of? Main Ingredients

In vaping, tobacco is replaced by a liquid called e-liquid, or more casually, vape juice. E-cigarettes, including popular devices like vape pens, vaporisers, and e-pens, use this liquid to deliver vaporised nicotine and other ingredients. And while there’s not much you can tweak with tobacco, mixing vape juice is a whole different story. You can choose from thousands of ready-made options, or, you can mix your own. Either way, it’s good to understand the core ingredients. So, let’s get to the key question: What is e-liquid made of?

Introduction to E-Liquid

E-liquid, or vape juice, is the core of every e-cigarette. It’s a blend of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), usually mixed with nicotine and flavourings. Its main job? To create the vapour, you inhale, offering a feel similar to smoking, but without the smoke. E-liquids come in many flavours, nicotine strengths, and PG/VG ratios, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer fruity, minty, or dessert-style flavours, you’ll find one that suits you. So let’s look at what vape juice is made of.

Know the Difference: Smoking vs Vaping

Before we get into what vape juice is made of, let’s clear up the main difference between smoking and vaping. It’s all about how the substances are delivered and what ends up in your body. Smoking means burning tobacco, which produces smoke packed with harmful chemicals.

Vaping is different. It gently heats a liquid (called e-liquid) to create vapour with no burning, no smoke, and no ash. And, as we mentioned earlier, you can even mix your vape juices. Whether you’re after a unique flavour combo or want to take control of your nicotine levels to reduce them gradually, DIY mixing gives you complete flexibility.

PRO TIP: Find out more about how to DIY vape juices in our article: Can you mix vape juice? A Guide to Mixing E-Liquids Safely

Typical E-Liquid Ingredients

Vape juice is typically made of just a few main ingredients in e-liquid:

• propylene glycol (PG),
• vegetable glycerin (VG),
• flavourings,
• and nicotine (optional).

PG and VG carry the flavour and create the vapour. Food-grade flavourings give the vape its taste, from fruity to minty to dessert-like. And if you choose a nicotine version, the amount can vary depending on your needs. There’s also the option to go completely nicotine-free, which many people use as a final step when moving away from smoking.

What Is Vape Juice Base Made Of?

The base is the bulk of vape juice, usually a mix of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

• Propylene glycol is a colourless, odourless liquid that carries the flavour well and hits that familiar throat many ex-smokers still look for.
• Vegetable glycerin is thicker, slightly sweet, and helps create rich, dense vapour clouds.

Different vape liquids come with various VG/PG ratios. A higher VG means smoother puffs and thicker clouds, while a higher PG level boosts flavour and gives a sharper hit. You’ll mostly see two standard blends on the market: 70/30 (VG/PG) for bigger vapour and sub-ohm vaping, and 50/50 for more balanced flavour and a gentler feel.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

PG and VG are safe in food and cosmetics, but if you’re mixing your vape juice, only use ingredients made for vaping. Never use products meant for eating or skincare, because these aren't meant to be inhaled.

Nicotine and Nic Salts

Nicotine is the star player in e-liquids, responsible for the kick that many vapers seek. Available in various strengths, from a mild 0,3% to a robust 2% by volume, nicotine caters to both light and heavy users. The most common form in e-liquids is freebase nicotine, known for its potent throat hit.

However, nicotine salts (nic salts) have surged in popularity recently. Nic salts offer a smoother vaping experience with a more gradual nicotine release, making them a favourite among those who prefer a less harsh hit. Most e-liquids use pharmaceutical-grade nicotine, ensuring high purity and quality so that you can vape with confidence.

What Chemicals Are in Vaping Liquid?

One of the most significant differences between smoking and vaping is the number of harmful substances involved. Traditional cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and dozens of known carcinogens, all of which are toxic by-products of burning tobacco.

Vaping, on the other hand, doesn’t involve combustion (similar to heated tobacco products or nicotine pouches). That means most of those dangerous chemicals simply aren’t produced. Instead, vaping creates a vapour by heating an e-liquid made from ingredients we’ve already mentioned: typically a mix of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and optional nicotine.

Vaping Is Estimated to be 95% Less Harmful Than Smoking

Public Health England (now part of the UK Health Security Agency) has estimated that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. That doesn’t mean it’s entirely risk-free, but for smokers looking to quit, it’s a much lower-risk alternative. The number of harmful chemicals you’re exposed to drops dramatically when you switch.

What Is Vape Juice Flavouring Made Of?

We’ve already discussed the importance of the VG/PG vape base. So, what comes next? The most important thing is that only food-grade flavouring additives are used. These are similar to the flavours found in sweets, soft drinks, and even ice cream. They come in every style imaginable, from tobacco and menthol to fruits, desserts, and even cola, showcasing a wide range of e-liquid flavours.

But here’s the key: They must be specifically formulated for vaping. Although these flavourings are considered safe to eat, inhaling them is different. That’s why responsible vape manufacturers test their recipes carefully to ensure nothing harmful is released when the liquid is heated.

Flavourings: Only Use Additives Made for Vaping

If you mix your vape juice, flavourings can be the trickiest part. It’s tempting to grab something from a baking shop or use food-grade flavourings you already have at home, but that’s a mistake. Inhaling a substance differs greatly from eating it; some ingredients can break down into harmful compounds when heated. To be sure you’re using the right kind:

• Buy from trusted vape supply stores, not general food or cosmetic shops.
• Look for products marked for vape use or designed for DIY e-liquid mixing.
• Stick to brands that follow UK or EU regulations.

When in doubt, don’t use it. With flavourings, it’s not worth taking risks.

Is There Sugar in Vape Juice?

Some people who watch their weight may worry that switching from cigarettes to vaping, especially with all those fruity or candy-flavoured options, might lead to weight gain. Good news: there’s no actual sugar in vape juice. Even if it tastes sweet, that flavour doesn’t come from sugar but from the VG base (which has a naturally mild sweetness) and specially designed flavourings. These flavourings are food-grade and are the same as those used in various edible items, including dairy products, to closely mimic the taste of foods and treats.

Sweet Flavours? Don’t Worry — No Weight Gain, No Cavities

The same goes for those concerned about dental health. Vaping doesn’t coat your teeth in sugar like sweets or fizzy drinks so it won’t rot your teeth like sugary snacks. So although your e-liquid might taste like fruit salad or cotton candy, there’s no actual sugar involved, and it’s all about cleverly crafted flavour science.

That said, if you’re regularly using very sweet-tasting e-liquids and want to stay on the safe side, brushing your teeth afterwards won’t hurt. It just might give you peace of mind and fresher breath.

What Are the Bad Ingredients in Vape Juice?

Defining what “bad ingredients” mean in this context is important. In quality vape juices approved for use in the UK or EU, you won’t find any substances proven to be genuinely dangerous when inhaled, such as diethylene glycol, a harmful compound often analysed for its toxicological implications in e-liquids.

And, if you follow our advice and only use ingredients from official, regulated sources when mixing your e-liquid, you’ll be safe even with DIY vaping. So, which substances should you actively avoid (hint: It's the ones that have been shown to pose risks and are banned in UK or EU vape products)?

• Diacetyl – A buttery flavouring once common in creamy or dessert vapes, now banned due to links with serious lung issues.
• Acetoin and acetyl propionyl – Often used to enhance creamy or custard-like flavours, but can irritate the lungs.
• Vitamin E acetate – Not found in standard nicotine vapes, but linked to serious lung injuries in some unregulated THC cartridges.

And that’s just a short list. Other substances are prohibited under EU and UK regulations. If you’re buying from reputable shops that follow local rules, you don’t need to worry. But you might not be so lucky if you shop abroad or buy from sketchy online sources.

Can Vaping Help People Quit Smoking?

Vaping is promoted as a potential tool for quitting smoking, primarily when the switch from cigarettes is supported by expert guidance, whether in person or through online resources.

According to a recent UK study, alternative quitting methods like this are far more effective than going cold turkey, and “using a vaping product as part of a quit attempt in local stop smoking services had some of the highest quit success rates.” When people stop smoking suddenly, the risk of relapse and returning to cigarettes tends to be very high.

In any case, using e-cigarettes as a gradual way to quit smoking, and even reduce nicotine intake over time, is a recommended approach when done with proper support. If you’re looking for guidance on how to make the switch, consider transitioning to vaping and check out our article: How to Transition from Smoking to Vaping: A Step-by-Step Guide.

Final Puff: Know What You’re Vaping

To sum it all up clearly: Vape juice is made of a simple base, a bit of flavour, and optional nicotine. No sugar, no hidden additives, as long as you’re buying from trusted, regulated sources. For anyone looking to quit smoking or gradually reduce their nicotine intake, vaping offers a smoother, more flexible path. Just make sure you stick with reputable vaping products, keep yourself informed, and vape smart.

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