Does Vape Juice Expire
The Science Behind the Shelf Life
The seven factors involved in the degradation of your vape juice are:
VG/PG Degradation
VG and PG are the primary base liquids in most e-juices. PG is relatively stable, but VG thickens and spoils over extended periods. This change in viscosity affects wicking and vapour production. Read our blog to learn more about PG and VG!Nicotine Oxidation
Nicotine is susceptible to oxidation when exposed to oxygen, and UV rays further accelerate the oxidation process. This decreases the nicotine strength, resulting in a peppery or bitter taste.Flavour Concentrate Breakdown
The organic compounds (esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols) break down (chemically) with time. This leads to liquid concentration and muted or altered flavour profiles.Impact of Heat and Light
Storing your vape juice in warm environments or direct exposure to sunlight catalyses the chemical reactions. This results in degradation of all components, including nicotine and flavourings.Contaminants
When you open a vape juice bottle, oxygen and airborne bacteria enter the liquid. This causes the PG/VG base to change consistency, degrades the flavour concentrates, and affects the nicotine quality, ultimately ruining the e-liquid's overall taste and quality.Contamination from Vaping Hardware
Installing dirty coils leaves residue and contaminants in the vape juice within the vape pod and container/tank. This affects the flavour and accelerates the degradation process of the remaining e-liquid (if you pour it back).Lower Quality Ingredients
The initial ingredients (flavour essences, PG, and VG) used in vape juice greatly increase the product’s shelf life. Lower-quality base liquids and flavourings degrade faster than their higher-quality counterparts.How to Identify Expired Vape Juice?
There might be a "best by" date on your bottle (though not always), but here are some signs that your vape juice is not good for usage
- Change in Colour: A significant darkening or unexpected colour change in the e-juice.
- Change in Consistency: When the e-liquid becomes excessively thick or, in some cases, very thin.
- Separation: If the e-liquid components start to separate and don't mix even after a good shake.
- Muted or Off Flavour: When your vibrant flavoured vape juice starts feeling bland or like vaping a chemical.
- Unusual Odour: When the liquids start to emit a strange or sour smell.
- Sediment: The presence of particles or sediment in the bottle’s base.
Is Expired Vape Juice Dangerous?
Yes, vaping an expired e-juice is strictly discouraged because of the associated respiratory irritation and other damage to the lungs. Moreover, the altered chemical composition can result in off-flavoured vaping and reduced nicotine satisfaction. In some cases, degraded ingredients might produce undesirable byproducts when vaporised.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Vape Juice?
You can't stop the inevitable, but proper care significantly slows down the degradation process and helps your vape juice last longer. Some precautions to consider are:
- Decent Storage: Avoid direct sunlight exposure and placement in extreme temperatures. A cool pantry or cupboard is an ideal storage choice.
- Care for the Seal: Minimise exposure to oxygen by ensuring the bottle cap is always tightly closed.
- Consider Smaller Bottles: Shop for smaller bottles so even if you don't vape a particular flavour, you can still use it before it expires.
