Have you got your vape? But every time you try a new juice, something’s off. Burnt taste, weak clouds, or your coil gives up in two days flat.
Sound familiar? You're not alone.
Picking the right e-liquid isn’t just about choosing a cool flavour. It’s about knowing what actually works with your device. PG, VG, salts, freebase, yeah, it’s a lot. But we’re here to make it simple.
Let’s figure out what e-liquid really is and how to pick one that doesn’t ruin your vape (or your day).
Fun fact: coils and e-liquids aren’t one-size-fits-all. Using a thick liquid in the wrong coil? That’s a recipe for dry hits and frustration. This guide helps you figure out what goes with what.
What Is E Juice?
E-liquid is also known as vape juice. It’s a fluid specially used for vaping devices. It turns into vapours when heated. It’s inhaled through the mouthpiece and delivers a flavour and nicotine (if present).
Now, you might be wondering, “What is in ejuice?
Well, e-liquids are made of four main ingredients, which are explained below:
Vegetable Glycerin (VG): This type produces thick vapour clouds and is often used for DTL devices.
Propylene Glycol (PG): It’s thinner than VG and offers a stronger hit (just as in the case of smoking cigarettes).
Nicotine (optional): It’s the same addictive ingredient used in cigarettes and other tobacco products. The UK government allows only 2% mg of nicotine per bottle.
Flavourings: These are used to add tastes in e-liquids, such as fruit, dessert, or menthol flavours.
These ingredients are blended in different ratios to match various vaping preferences.
What are the Types of E-Liquids?
The different types of e-liquids are explained below:
Type 1: Freebase Nicotine E-Liquid
It's a pure and natural form of nicotine. This vape juice offers a stronger throat hit. They gradually dissolve into the bloodstream.
VG/PG Ratio: Freebase e-liquids usually have a VG/PG ratio of 70:30. Some also come in 50:50 ratios. The higher VG content produces denser vapour, which is why freebase liquids are popular among direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers.
How It Works: Freebase nicotine is famous for its stronger throat hit. However, because of the harshness that can come with higher levels, most freebase e-liquids are sold in lower strengths, typically ranging from 3mg to 12mg.
Best Devices for Freebase: Freebase e-liquids are a great option for sub-ohm vaping devices.
Who It’s For:
Vapers who enjoy a noticeable throat hit
Smokers transitioning to vaping
Users of higher-powered devices
Those who prefer lower nicotine levels
Pros ✅
Cons ❌
Strong throat hit
Can be harsh at high nicotine levels
Available in a wide range of flavours
Not ideal for low-power pod systems
Suitable for cloud production
Type 2: Nicotine Salts
Nic salts, also known as nicotine salts, are manufactured by blending pure nicotine with organic acids.
VG/PG Ratio: Most nicotine salt e-liquids come in a 50:50 VG/PG ratio. This thinner consistency allows for smooth wicking in small coils and pod cartridges.
How It Works: Because the pH is lower, nicotine salts produce less throat irritation, even at 20mg or higher strengths. This allows for faster absorption into the bloodstream.
Users looking for a smoother vape at high nicotine levels
People who prefer discreet, low vapour output
Vapers using compact pod systems
Pros ✅
Cons ❌
Smooth on the throat
Not suitable for sub-ohm or high-wattage vaping
Faster nicotine absorption
Less cloud production
Great for nicotine satisfaction
Often limited to tobacco, menthol, and fruit flavours
Type 3: Shortfills
Shortfills are created to comply with regulations in regions like the UK and EU. These laws restrict the sale of nicotine-containing e-liquids to 10ml bottles. Shortfills are larger bottles filled with nicotine-free vape juice and space left at the top for adding a separate nicotine shot.
VG/PG Ratio: Shortfills are thicker, with VG levels at 70% or higher. This gives a smoother feel on the inhale and produces more vapour, but it also requires coils that can absorb thicker liquids.
How It Works: You simply add the appropriate amount of nicotine booster (commonly called a "nic shot") into the bottle to reach your desired strength.
Best Devices for Shortfills: Because most shortfills are high in VG (70:30 or 80:20), they're best suited for sub-ohm tanks and advanced vape kits that can handle thicker liquids.
Who It’s For:
Experienced vapers who want more control over nicotine
Those using high-powered or sub-ohm devices
Users who prefer larger bottles and less frequent refilling
Pros ✅
Cons ❌
Customizable nicotine strength
Not suitable for pod systems
Larger bottles mean fewer refills
Requires mixing before use
Ideal for cloud production
No nicotine until nic shot is added
Wrapping up
Understanding the ingredients, the different ratios of PG and VG, and how nicotine strength affects your experience can help you make better choices. You don’t need a PhD in e-liquids; just having knowledge of basic concepts is enough.
Hope this guide has helped you learn everything about e-liquids. For a deeper dive, check out the ultimate guide to e-liquids to help you pick the right VG/PG ratio and coil type next time you shop, making your vaping experience much better.
FAQs
What are the facts about e liquid?
One of the common facts is that e-liquids are available in varying VG/PG ratios. Higher VG is suitable for more cloud production, however, higher PG is ideal for stronger throat hits. In addition, nicotine-free e-liquids are also available.
Which is the best e liquid with nicotine?
The most common type is nicotine salts (nicotine salts). These dissolve in the bloodstream faster than freebase nicotine and offer a smoother throat. You can visit Vapa Gala to buy a nicotine salt for your device.
Step into the world of vaping with Toby Jones, a "Vape Product Reviewer” of the VapeGala team in Liverpool. Toby
didn't just learn about vaping, he lived it, transforming his own life 12 years ago by leaving traditional
cigarettes behind. Now, he's here to cut through the noise, offer insights gained from countless customer
conversations and personal discoveries. From researching the latest product to sharing product reviews and
helpful guides, he makes sense of it all to help the vapers in the best way possible.
E-liquid is also known as vape juice. It’s a fluid specially used for vaping devices. It turns into vapours when heated. It’s inhaled through the mouthpiece and delivers a flavour and nicotine (if present).
The different types of e-liquids are explained below:
