What’s in e-liquid for vapes?
E-liquids are the fuel that keeps your vape going, with a huge choice of flavours and nicotine strengths. But what’s really inside the liquids that millions of people around the world vape every day? In this guide, we take a closer look at the main ingredients in e-liquids – propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and nicotine – and explain how they may affect your health. We’ll look at how safe these substances are, the possible long-term effects of vaping and the regulatory standards that must be met in Switzerland. Whether you’re an experienced vaper or just getting started, this knowledge will help you make informed choices, enjoy your flavourful nicotine vape to the fullest and avoid unnecessary risks from the outset. Enjoy :)
Table of contents
A quick overview: what’s really in your e-liquid?
E-liquids: more than just vape juice
“Vape juice” (as e-liquid is often called) is a blend of carefully selected ingredients that come together to create a distinctive vaping experience. The base of an e-liquid usually consists of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), two substances that are essential for texture and for distributing flavour through the vapour.
Propylene glycol is known for carrying flavour and nicotine efficiently, while vegetable glycerine creates the dense vapour clouds many vapers love. This blend directly affects the viscosity and flavour experience of the vapour.
Why is flavour more than just taste?
Flavour: the charm of vaping
Flavourings in e-liquids do more than simply taste good: they shape the entire sensory experience of vaping.
From classic tobacco notes to sweet, fruity dessert blends, the countless flavours available offer something for every palate. These flavour variations are a big part of what makes vaping so appealing and are one of the main reasons for its popularity. Flavourings can be produced synthetically or derived from natural sources.
PG/VG: what do these abbreviations mean for your lungs?
Getting the ratio right matters
Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) are both key ingredients in e-liquids, but they can affect your body in different ways.
PG is known to cause irritation of the eyes and airways in some people. It’s important to understand when this can happen, especially if you’re sensitive to certain substances. Vegetable glycerine is generally gentler, but at high concentrations it can also lead to irritation.
Nicotine in e-liquids: enjoyment or risk?
It’s all about the right strength.
Nicotine is a key ingredient in many e-liquids and is often the substance at the centre of the vaping conversation.
Depending on your preference, you can choose e-liquids with different nicotine strengths, from nicotine-free options through to higher concentrations designed especially for former smokers.
Nicotine has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, which can increase alertness on the one hand, but can also be addictive on the other.
That’s why using nicotine-containing e-liquids responsibly is essential. For many ex-smokers, gradually reducing the nicotine strength in their e-liquids offers a way to move away from smoking. Compared with conventional cigarettes, the nicotine level in e-liquids can be dosed more precisely, which many see as a clear advantage.
How safe are the ingredients in your vape?
Ingredient transparency is essential!
The safety of e-liquids is backed by various regulatory standards, such as the EU Tobacco Products Directive. These rules ban the use of certain ingredients and require clear labelling and health warnings on e-liquid packaging.
Manufacturers must put their products through rigorous testing to ensure safety and quality. This includes regular checks for banned chemicals and verification of ingredient purity.
Long-term effects: what do we really know about vaping?
Research is still catching up!
Although many studies suggest that vaping may be less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, the long-term effects have not yet been fully researched. Uncertainty remains, particularly when it comes to the breakdown products that can form when e-liquids are heated.
Scientific views on the long-term consequences of vaping vary, and there is still a need for extensive research.
Q&A: e-liquid ingredients
1) What are the main ingredients in e-liquid for vapes?
E-liquids are usually made up of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and often water as well. PG helps carry flavour and nicotine effectively, while VG creates dense vapour clouds, giving vaping that satisfying feel. Then there are the flavourings that give your liquid the taste you want – from sweet to tart, there’s something for everyone.
2) What does glycerine in e-liquid do to your lungs?
Vegetable glycerine is known for producing dense vapour clouds when you vape. It is usually less irritating than propylene glycol, but in high concentrations it can still cause mild airway irritation. In general, however, VG is considered safe for use in e-liquids, and it definitely adds to the enjoyment of vaping by making the vapour feel fuller.
3) How many ingredients does a typical e-liquid contain?
Although the exact number of ingredients can vary, every e-liquid is essentially based on four main components: propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, flavourings and often water. Depending on the product, it may also contain nicotine and specific additives that influence things like consistency or flavour.
4) Is vaping e-liquids less harmful than smoking cigarettes?
Many studies suggest that vaping is less harmful to health than traditional smoking because no combustion products such as tar or carbon monoxide are produced. That doesn’t mean it is completely risk-free. The long-term effects have not yet been fully researched, but if you switch from smoking to vaping, it is definitely a step in the right direction.
5) How safe are the ingredients in your e-liquid?
In Switzerland and the EU, e-liquids must meet strict regulatory standards set out by the Tobacco Products Directive. Banned ingredients, such as certain flavourings or additives like vitamins or caffeine that are considered unsafe to inhale, are excluded. Exact labelling of the contents is also required on every product. Even so, it’s important to use only products from trusted manufacturers.
Myth busting: myth vs. fact
Myth: E-liquids contain dangerous chemicals that are just as bad as cigarettes.
Fact: E-liquids generally contain four main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and often nicotine. These substances are significantly less harmful than the nearly 7,000 chemicals found in cigarette smoke, many of which are known to be toxic and carcinogenic. While e-liquids can also carry health risks, especially due to nicotine and heating by-products, they are a less harmful option compared with cigarettes.
Myth: E-liquids contain oils that cause lung disease.
Fact: E-liquids for vapes are usually based on water, PG and VG, not oils. The oil often mentioned in the news and linked to lung damage, vitamin E acetate, is typically found in products that are not safe for vaping and are most often associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Commercial e-liquids sold in the EU do not contain this oil.
Myth: Vaping is just as addictive as smoking cigarettes.
Fact: Although e-liquids can contain nicotine, which can be addictive, you can choose the nicotine strength of your e-liquid yourself. There are plenty of nicotine-free options that let you vape without nicotine. What’s more, e-liquids do not contain the many additional addictive chemicals found in cigarettes.
Myth: The flavourings in e-liquids are dangerous because they are made for food, not inhalation.
Fact: While it’s true that the long-term effects of inhaling food flavourings still need to be researched, the flavourings used in e-liquids comply with food safety regulations. In the EU, they are subject to additional strict regulations to help ensure safety. It is important to choose products from trusted suppliers.
Myth: E-liquids do not contain water.
Fact: Almost all e-liquids contain a certain amount of distilled water to regulate viscosity and make it easier to mix the other components. Water helps the liquid vaporise more effectively and makes inhalation smoother.
Glossary: key terms for e-liquid ingredients
Propylene glycol is a clear, colourless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. It is commonly used in foods, cosmetics and medicines, but in e-liquids it plays a special role as a carrier for flavourings and nicotine. This substance is known for absorbing flavours well and releasing them into the vapour, giving you a more intense flavour experience when you vape. Keep in mind, however, that PG can trigger allergic reactions and may cause irritation of the eyes and airways in some people.
This thick, sweet-tasting liquid comes from plant oils and is a common ingredient in foods and skincare products. In e-liquids, VG helps produce dense, “creamy” vapour clouds. It is less irritating than PG and can offer a smoother vaping experience. The VG/PG ratio in your liquid can vary greatly depending on whether you care more about flavour or big clouds.
The TPD is an EU directive that regulates the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products and related products, including e-liquids. It defines which ingredients are permitted and how they must be labelled on packaging in order to protect consumers.
A flavouring ingredient that was previously used to create a buttery taste, but is now banned for use in e-liquids in many regions because it has been linked to the condition known as “popcorn lung”. It’s a good example of why regulatory standards and caution matter.
When propylene glycol is heated, formaldehyde can be released under certain conditions, a substance considered harmful to health. The amounts in e-liquids are typically very low, but it is still something to keep in mind, especially when vaping at high wattages.
