Most vape liquids use a few simple ingredients. When you understand what is in vape juice, you can choose products that suit your needs as an adult smoker or vaper. In the UK, manufacturers blend propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and optional nicotine to create e-liquids.
These ingredients work together to produce vapour, carry flavour, and deliver a familiar experience for adults who already use nicotine. This guide explains how each part functions and outlines the regulations that govern UK-made e-liquids. All nicotine products comply with TPD regulations, which cap nicotine at 2% and require all nicotine e-liquids to be packaged in 10ml bottles.
Most UK e-liquids use the same four base ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and optional nicotine. Each ingredient shapes how the vape feels, tastes, and performs in your device.
The table below provides a quick overview before we examine each ingredient in more detail.
| Ingredient | Main role in vape juice | Texture / mouthfeel | Taste impact | Typical device formats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Carries flavour, adds throat hit | Thin, runny | Intense flavour, sharper feel | Pod kits, starter kits, and many nic salts |
| VG | Creates vapour and smoothness | Thick, syrupy | Softer flavour, smoother feel | Sub-ohm tanks, higher-VG shortfills |
| Nicotine | Provides nicotine for adult users | No real texture | Can affect harshness at higher strengths | All vape types (within UK limits) |
| Flavourings | Give the e-liquid its taste | Blended into PG/VG | Define the overall flavour profile | All vape types |
Propylene glycol (PG) is a clear, thin liquid used as one of the leading carriers in vape juice. It helps dissolve flavour concentrates and, in many e-liquids, nicotine. When people ask “What is PG in vape juice?” the simple answer is that it is a base ingredient that helps deliver flavour and gives the vape more “bite” on the throat.
PG is responsible for much of the throat hit that reminds many adult smokers of a traditional cigarette. Higher-PG liquids tend to feel sharper and more noticeable on the inhale, which some users find satisfying, mainly when they are used to smoking. Because PG is thinner than VG, it wicks quickly through small cotton coils and works well in compact pod kits and basic starter devices.
Not all vapes contain PG, but many do. If you search for “Do all vapes contain PG?” you’ll find that most standard 50/50 and nic salt e-liquids are PG-based. However, there are PG-free or “max VG” options made for people who are sensitive to PG or prefer a softer feel. These are usually higher in VG and often labelled clearly so users can avoid PG if needed.
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a thicker, sweeter-tasting liquid made from plant sources. In vape juice, VG is used to create denser vapour and a smoother inhale. If you’ve ever noticed large clouds when someone vapes, the e-liquid likely has a higher VG content.
VG has a higher viscosity than PG, so it moves more slowly through cotton and works best with larger wicking ports and coils. High-VG liquids pair well with sub-ohm tanks and more powerful devices because these setups can handle the thicker texture.
When people ask, “Why is VG used in vape liquid?” the answer is that it provides a soft, rounded feel on the inhale and helps produce visible vapour, while also balancing any sharpness from PG. Flavours can taste a little smoother and less intense in very high VG mixes, so many UK e-liquids use a blend of both PG and VG to get the best of throat hit, flavour, and vapour.
Later in this guide, we’ll examine PG/VG ratios and how mixes like 50/50 or 70/30 impact the performance of your e-liquid in various devices.
Nicotine acts as an optional ingredient in vape juice for adults who already use nicotine and want a familiar experience without smoking. When people ask, “What is nicotine used for in vape juice?” the answer is simple: it provides the nicotine, while PG, VG, and flavourings shape the rest of the vaping experience.
Many e-liquids contain nicotine, but some don’t. UK rules allow strengths from 0 mg up to 20 mg (2%), which is the TPD limit for standard 10 ml bottles. Adult users can choose nicotine-free options, low strengths, or higher strengths depending on their needs.
Yes, 0 mg e-liquids use the same base ingredients as regular e-liquids, including PG, VG, and flavourings, but without nicotine. Many adults choose them for flavour and vapour without adding nicotine.
When manufacturers include nicotine, they use one of three forms:
Freebase liquids usually appear in lower strengths. They feel sharper at higher levels, so adults often choose 3–12 mg in standard 50/50 or high-VG mixes.
Nicotine salt liquids use a modified form of nicotine (often with benzoic acid) to create a smoother inhale at higher strengths. Many UK nic salts come in 10–20 mg and work well in low-power pod devices.
Synthetic nicotine comes from a lab rather than tobacco. It behaves like standard nicotine, but most adults in the UK still choose freebase or nic salts because synthetic versions remain less common and still follow TDP limits on strength and packaging.
A quick comparison:
| Nicotine type | How it feels (smoothness / throat hit) | How fast is it absorbed | Typical strengths in the UK | Often used in… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freebase | Sharper, stronger throat hit | Moderate | 0–12 mg (sometimes 18 mg) | 50/50 liquids, high-VG e-liquids, sub-ohm |
| Nic salt | Smoother, softer on inhale | Faster | 5–20 mg (2% max) | Pod kits, MTL devices, and nic salt ranges |
| Synthetic | Depends on formulation, often similar to freebase or nic salt | Similar to standard nicotine | Varies, must still follow 20 mg limit | Select ranges, more niche in the UK |
These nicotine products support adult smokers and vapers who already use nicotine. Nicotine is addictive and not risk-free.
Flavour concentrates are what give vape juice its taste. They are usually food-grade flavourings blended into the PG/VG base at carefully chosen levels so the liquid tastes consistent from bottle to bottle. Without them, most e-liquids would taste slightly sweet from the VG but otherwise quite plain.
Flavourings come in many familiar profiles, including:
In a finished vape juice, these flavourings are carefully balanced with PG and VG so the taste isn’t too weak or too strong. Reputable UK e-liquid brands avoid banned additives and follow TPD rules on ingredients and labelling, giving adult vapers clear information about what they’re using and helping them choose flavours that suit their routine.
If you want to learn more about related topics, explore guides here: What Are Nicotine Pouches and What Are Nic Salts?
Vape juice uses a simple blend of PG, VG, flavourings, and optional nicotine. Instead of breaking down each ingredient again, this section shows how they work together inside a typical UK e-liquid. Most bottles follow a PG/VG mix such as 50/50 or 70/30. Flavourings make up a smaller share, and nicotine, if you choose it, must follow the UK’s 2% (20 mg) TPD limit.
Typical composition of a 10 ml e-liquid:
This composition breakdown helps adult vapers see precisely what goes into their e-liquid and how each part shapes flavour, vapour, and overall feel.
Alongside the core ingredients, some vape juices contain small amounts of optional additives. These are used to adjust texture, sweetness, cooling, or how nicotine behaves in the liquid. Not every e-liquid includes them, and reputable UK brands keep formulas simple to remain TPD-compliant.
Common optional ingredients include:
Under UK TPD rules, all ingredients must be disclosed, and banned additives such as diacetyl are not used in reputable e-liquids. Adult vapers can check the label or product listing to see exactly what’s included.
Every e-liquid uses a blend of PG and VG, and the PG/VG ratio has a significant impact on throat hit, flavour strength, and vapour production. Understanding these mixes helps adult vapers select a liquid that suits their device and preferred vaping experience.
Common PG/VG Ratios in Vape Juice:
Best PG/VG Mixes for Pod Kits and Sub-Ohm Devices:
Choosing the correct ratio ensures the liquid vapourises properly and delivers the intended flavour and feel.
This is one of the most common questions adult vapers ask, and the answer depends on how the vape is used. The ingredients in vape juice itself, PG, VG, flavourings, and optional nicotine, are not the same chemicals found in cigarette smoke. There is no tar and no carbon monoxide in e-liquid, and reputable UK manufacturers avoid banned additives such as diacetyl.
However, heating any liquid can create small amounts of byproducts. When vape juice is exposed to very high temperatures, PG and VG can break down into formaldehyde or acrolein. These are typically formed at levels far lower than in cigarette smoke, but it’s still essential to avoid overheating coils or using a burnt-tasting pod. Regularly replacing coils and using the correct wattage can help prevent this issue.
Another point often raised is the presence of heavy metals. The vape juice itself does not contain metals, but the device’s coil can introduce trace amounts during heating. This is why choosing well-made, reputable hardware and replacing coils as needed is crucial for maintaining consistent performance.
UK TPD rules require strict ingredient disclosure, emissions testing, and clear labelling. These regulations help ensure adult vapers know exactly what’s in their e-liquid and how to use it responsibly. Vape products are designed for adults who already smoke or use nicotine, and they are not risk-free.
Nicotine is an optional ingredient in vape juice and is available in two primary forms: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase hits a stronger throat at higher strengths, while nic salts feel smoother and are often used in compact pod kits.
In the UK, all nicotine-containing e-liquids must comply with TPD rules, which establish a legal limit of 20 mg (2%) and restrict bottles to a maximum volume of 10 ml. Adult vapers can choose from a wide range of strengths depending on their needs, including 0 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg, 10 mg, 12 mg, 18 mg, and 20 mg.
How much nicotine you consume depends on three things: the strength you choose, the device you use, and how frequently you vape. Lower strengths suit sub-ohm devices, while nic salts in 10–20 mg are common in low-power pod kits for a smoother inhale.
Nicotine-free vape juice contains the same base ingredients, PG, VG, and flavourings, but no nicotine. These 0 mg liquids are popular with adult vapers who want flavour and vapour without adding nicotine or who are gradually reducing their intake.
Many 0mg options are available in both 50/50 blends and high-VG shortfills, offering users flexibility across pod kits and sub-ohm devices. Because they contain no nicotine, they are not restricted to 10ml bottles, although they still adhere to UK rules on ingredients and labelling.
Nicotine-free liquids offer the same variety of fruit, dessert, menthol, and tobacco flavours, making them a straightforward choice for adults who prefer vaping without nicotine.
Vape juice doesn’t last forever. Over time, exposure to air, heat, or light can cause the liquid to oxidise, leading to a darker colour, a sharper taste, or a weaker flavour. These changes don’t necessarily mean the e-liquid is unsafe, but they do signal that the quality has dropped.
Most vape juices have a shelf life of around two years, which is shown on the bottle as a “best before” date. Once opened, the liquid may age more quickly, especially if the cap isn’t closed tightly. Older e-liquids can taste flat, lose flavour, or feel harsher on the inhale.
To keep vape juice fresh for as long as possible, adult vapers can follow a few simple steps:
Proper storage helps maintain flavour, consistency, and performance.
Many adult vapers ask: “What is the manufacturing process of e-liquids?” In the UK, it’s a straightforward but highly controlled procedure. Vape juice begins with measured amounts of PG, VG, flavour concentrates, and optional nicotine being blended in a clean, regulated environment. Once combined, the mixture is usually left to steep so the flavours can settle and develop a consistent taste.
Reputable UK brands produce their liquids in lab-tested facilities, where every batch is checked for ingredient accuracy, purity, and performance. These steps help ensure each bottle works as expected for adult users.
To be TPD-compliant, nicotine-containing e-liquids must follow strict rules:
A UK e-liquid label will show nicotine strength, PG/VG ratio, flavour name, batch number, and safety warnings, offering complete transparency to adult vapers.
If you’re unsure about what’s inside vape juice or how different ingredients behave, this section brings together the questions adult vapers ask most often. Each answer is short, factual, and designed to give you a clear understanding without jargon.
Most vape juices contain propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and optional nicotine. These four parts create vapour, carry flavour, and shape how the liquid feels when inhaled.
Vape products are designed for adult smokers and are not risk-free. UK e-liquids must pass emissions testing, ingredient checks, and strict TPD regulations to ensure transparency and compliance.
No sugar is added to vape juice. Any sweetness comes from VG or flavourings. The calorie content is extremely low and not considered significant.
The main chemicals are PG, VG, flavour concentrates, and optional nicotine. These differ from the chemicals in cigarette smoke and do not include tar or carbon monoxide.
Synthetic nicotine is lab-made, not extracted from tobacco. It behaves like standard nicotine in e-liquids but is less common in the UK and must still meet all TPD rules.
Diacetyl is a buttery flavouring that has been associated with past safety concerns. Reputable UK e-liquid brands do not use diacetyl, as it is restricted under UK and EU regulations.
No. Vape juice does not contain tobacco leaf or plant material. When used, nicotine is extracted separately and added to the liquid.
Flavourings are food-grade concentrates added for taste. They are permitted under UK TPD rules, but the inhalation safety of these products is still being researched. Products are intended for adult smokers and vapers.
A 50/50 mix suits pod kits and hits a balanced throat. 70/30 VG or higher works best in sub-ohm devices for smoother vapour and bigger clouds.
Yes. 0mg e-liquids use the same PG, VG, and flavourings but contain no nicotine. They’re popular with adults who prefer flavour only or are reducing nicotine intake.
Most do, especially those with a 50/50 or nic salt formulation. However, PG-free or max-VG options are available for users who are sensitive to PG.
UK e-liquids range from 0 mg to 20 mg (2%), which is the maximum allowed under TPD regulations. The amount you take in depends on device type and how often you vape.
TPD rules limit all nicotine-containing e-liquids, both freebase and nic salts, to 10ml bottles to ensure controlled packaging, warning labels, and child-resistant caps.
E-cigarette aerosol contains vapour created from heated PG, VG, flavourings, and optional nicotine. It does not contain tar or carbon monoxide because nothing is burned.
Most vape juices last around two years. Store bottles in a cool, dark place, keep the cap tightly closed, and avoid direct sunlight to maintain flavour and consistency.
Salman Essap is the founder and CEO of Vape and Go, a leading online retailer of high-quality vaping products and accessories. Alongside his crucial involvement in the company, he is passionate about vaping and is committed to helping others switch from harmful tobacco products to safer alternatives. Salman is an expert in the vaping industry and has extensive knowledge of the latest trends, technologies, and innovations.
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