What is E Liquid? Everything You Need to Know
Azim Aleem
Updated: 22 October 2026
E-liquid, also called ‘vape juice’ or ‘juice’, is the liquid used inside an vape device. Check out the following links for more:
For further reading:
What Is E-Liquid?
E-liquid is the liquid heated inside a vape device to create a vapour that can be inhaled. It contains propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, nicotine (if required). Different formulations suit different devices. A battery powers a heating coil, while a cotton wick delivers e-liquid from a pod or tank. The heated liquid forms a vapour inhaled through a mouthpiece.
What Is E-Liquid Made Of? Ingredients Table
|
Ingredient |
What it does |
What to know |
|
Propylene glycol (PG) |
Carries flavour and contributes to the throat sensation |
Relatively thin; some people find PG-heavy liquids irritating |
|
Vegetable glycerine (VG) |
Contributes to vapour production, slight sweet taste |
Thicker than PG; very high-VG liquid may not wick well in a small pod |
|
Flavourings |
Create tobacco, mint, fruit or dessert profiles |
Safe-to-eat status does not establish safety when inhaled after heating |
|
Nicotine, optional |
Supplies nicotine in a stated concentration |
Addictive; harmful if swallowed, keep away from children and pets |
Most e-liquids combine PG and VG in a specific ratio, such as 50VG/50PG or 70VG/30PG. Higher VG often produces more visible vapour in devices capable of using it, while higher PG may feel sharper in the throat. Neither suits every device. Nicotine is not compulsory. A bottle marked 0mg/ml contains no nicotine.
Freebase vs Nic Salt: Understanding E-Liquid Types
Freebase nicotine e-liquid uses a conventional nicotine formulation. It is available at multiple strengths (3/6/12/18 mg/ml) and produces a more intense ‘throat hit’, particularly at higher strengths, which can give a similar sensation to smoking a traditional cigarette. Many 10ml starter liquids contain freebase nicotine.
Nicotine salt e-liquid, often called ‘nic salt’, is another common type of e-liquid. The nicotine is formulated using an acid to alter properties including pH. Nicotine salts feel less harsh at higher strengths. They are commonly used in compatible lower-powered pod devices and prefilled pod kits.
Shortfill e-liquid describes a bottle type rather than a type of nicotine. A typical shortfill contains nicotine-free flavoured liquid, with space left in the bottle for a separately supplied nicotine shot (if required). Many are high-VG, although formulations vary.
Reading an E-Liquid Bottle Label
Before filling a vape, check the following information:
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Nicotine strength: Usually printed in milligrams per millilitre, abbreviated mg/ml. A 10mg/ml liquid has 10 milligrams of nicotine in each millilitre. It is not a measure of nicotine absorbed in one puff.
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Bottle size: A 10ml bottle contains ten millilitres of liquid. Larger shortfills are generally nicotine free with space for nicotine shots if required.
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VG/PG ratio: Check which ingredient comes first. A label marked 70VG/30PG is not equivalent to 70PG/30VG.
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Ingredients, warnings and batch information: Check the manufacturer's information, relevant warnings, tamper-evident packaging and any use-by or best-before guidance.
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Device guidance: Verify that the formulation is appropriate for the coil and wattage of your device.
For clarity, 20mg/ml is equivalent to approximately 2% nicotine concentration. A 10ml bottle labelled 20mg/ml contains 200mg of nicotine, not 20mg in the entire bottle. That figure also does not indicate how much nicotine you will consume with every puff.
UK E-Liquid Rules: 10ml, 20mg/ml and 2ml Tanks
UK consumer regulations for nicotine-containing vaping products set three important limits:
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20mg/ml: Maximum permitted nicotine concentration in consumer e-liquid.
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10ml: Maximum size of a nicotine-containing refill bottle sold to consumers.
-
2ml: Maximum capacity of an e-cigarette tank or pod under the relevant rules.
Nicotine products or their packaging must also meet requirements including child resistance and tamper evidence. Manufacturers and importers have notification and product information responsibilities.
These limits do not mean every bottle larger than 10ml is illegal. Larger nicotine-free shortfills are sold under different product arrangements. The single-use vape sales ban, in force since 1 June 2025, is a separate restriction. Vaping Products Duty took effect on 1 October 2026 at £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid, including zero-nicotine liquid.
Choosing E-Liquid by Device
The right liquid depends on the cartridge and coil rather than the brand name alone. These are broad patterns, not universal rules.
|
Device or coil arrangement |
Common liquid type |
Important check |
|
Low-power refillable pod |
Often 50VG/50PG starter liquid or compatible nicotine salt |
Check nicotine strength and cartridge resistance |
|
MTL vape pen |
Often a 50/50 formulation |
Confirm the tank and coil manufacturer's advice |
|
Intermediate-output pod |
Selected 50/50 or moderately higher-VG liquids |
Review wattage, airflow and the specific coil |
|
High-output sub-ohm tank |
Often higher-VG liquid with an appropriate nicotine concentration |
Check that the coil supports thicker liquid and the full power range |
MTL means mouth-to-lung inhaling through a tighter draw. DTL means direct-to-lung inhaling through more open airflow. Higher-output devices can consume substantially more e-liquid per puff. Not all devices can vape all e-liquids. If a new coil tastes burnt, it may not have been primed properly, may be running above its recommended power, or may be wicking liquid too slowly. If a tank leaks, check the fill seal, cartridge condition and liquid compatibility.
Four E-Liquid Examples from VapeGala
Love Your Coil Blueberry Ice 10ml Starter E-Liquid
A freebase 50VG/50PG starter liquid. Available at 3mg/ml, 6mg/ml, 12mg/ml and 18mg/ml strengths with a sweet blueberry flavour. Perfect for low-powered MTL pods and pens.
Elux Legend Lemon Mint Nic Salt 10ml
A 50VG/50PG nicotine salt e-liquid with succulent lemon and mint flavour notes. Available in 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml strengths for compatible pod and starter systems.
Apple Raspberry Lost Vape 10ml Nic Salt
A 50VG/50PG nicotine salt liquid with apple and raspberry flavour notes. Available in 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml options and made by an actual device manufacturer for low-power refillable pod kits.
Lemon Tart Dinner Lady Dessert Bar Salts 10ml
A 50/50 nicotine salt liquid with lemon, meringue and pastry flavours. Available in 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml strengths for lower-powered MTL kits.
Storage Basics and Liquid Safety
Keep e-liquid in its original labelled bottle, closed tightly and stored away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Follow the manufacturer's storage and expiry guidance. Do not transfer nicotine liquid into other, unsuitable containers, and never leave a bottle accessible to children or pets.
Wash liquid off the skin after a spill and avoid eye contact. Nicotine-containing liquid can be poisonous if swallowed. Seek urgent medical guidance after accidental ingestion and call 999 for severe symptoms, including breathing difficulties, seizures or collapse.
Do not use liquid with a broken seal, visible contamination or unusual separation. Colour may change with storage, particularly in nicotine-containing products, but a darker colour alone is not something to be concerned about. Dispose of unwanted liquid responsibly; do not leave nicotine products where children or animals could encounter them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is e-liquid made of?
Most e-liquids contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings. Nicotine is optional. Always read the bottle label rather than assuming that all liquids contain the same mixture.
Does e-liquid always contain nicotine?
No. E-liquids labelled 0mg/ml contain no nicotine. Nicotine-free liquid still produces vapour and can help with nicotine cessation.
What is the maximum nicotine strength in UK e-liquid?
The maximum strength for UK nicotine e-liquid is 20mg/ml, equivalent to approximately 2%. Nicotine-containing refill bottles are limited to 10ml, while regulated tanks and pods are limited to 2ml.
Can I use any e-liquid in any vape?
No. Devices differ in coil resistance, power and wicking. A 50/50 formulation commonly works in many low-powered pods and starter kits, while thicker high-VG liquids are generally associated with higher powered sub-ohm devices.
What is a shortfill?
A shortfill is a larger bottle, most commonly 60/120ml containing nicotine-free flavoured e-liquid with room left for nicotine shots if required. Its final nicotine concentration depends on the amount of nicotine shot added.
Final Summary
E-liquid is a mixture heated by a vape to create a vapour that you can inhale. Understanding its ingredients, nicotine concentration, VG/PG ratio and device compatibility helps explain why one bottle may work differently from another. For detailed mixing and formulation information, continue to the Ultimate guide to e-liquids. Adults trying to quit smoking can also consult NHS vaping and smoking cessation advice.