What is E-Liquid?
E-Liquid, or vape juice, is the flavoured mixture that is specifically crafted to be added to your e-cigarette. The vape juice is added to the vape tank or refillable pod component of your kit, and when you activate your vaping device, either by pressing a button or drawing on the mouthpiece, the flavoured liquid is drawn into the atomiser (coil) or heating element. The coil element then heats up, converting the liquid to vapour. The vapour is then inhaled into the mouth and lungs, and delivers both the taste and the throat hit.
What ingredients are used?
Vape juice is made up of four primary ingredients (rising to 5 with the addition of nicotine); the ingredients used are:
-
Food-grade flavouring
Natural and artificial flavours for taste. -
Propylene glycol (PG)
Carries flavour and gives a throat hit. -
Vegetable glycerine (VG)
Creates vapour and adds smoothness. -
Nicotine (optional)
Satisfies cravings – available in various strengths. -
Distilled water
Used in some blends to thin liquid.
The quality of ecig liquid hinges on these ingredients: food-grade flavourings for that perfect taste, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) for the base, and optionally, nicotine. These ingredients are meticulously blended to create the ideal vaping experience, with each ingredient's safety and quality assured.
Each of these ingredients is safe to be vaped, however the liquids can be dangerous if swallowed directly or if it comes into contact with skin. Each of the ingredients used will be listed on the packaging.
Understanding PG and VG Ratios
PG and VG ratios in e-liquids influence everything from the throat hit to the vapour production. Whether you prefer a sharp, flavour-focused hit with a higher PG content or love thick, cloud-producing VG-heavy juices, our extensive range offers the perfect mix for your vaping style. Within each bottle, 95% of the liquid solution is glycerin/glycol (PG & VG), the remaining 5% is made up of the flavouring and nicotine.
Most e-liquid is a mix of PG and VG in different proportions, with common mixtures including 80 percent PG and 20 percent VG, 70 percent PG and 30 percent VG, and 50/50.
When buying vape juices you'll see that the PG/VG is marked as a ratio.
What is Propylene Glycol (PG)?
Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a key ingredient in vape juices, known for delivering the throat hit that many vapers, especially ex-smokers, find satisfying. It's a thin, flavourless liquid that carries flavours effectively in lower-powered devices, like MTL (Mouth to Lung) pen devices. PG is common in food products and medicine, highlighting its safety for everyday use.
What is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?
Vegetable Glycerin, VG, is a thicker liquid derived from vegetable oils. It's responsible for producing large, dense clouds of vapour, ideal for sub-ohm vaping. VG is also found in everyday products like toothpaste and beauty products, emphasising its non-toxic nature.
Choose the Right E-Liquid for Your Vaping Style
Different vaping styles require different PG/VG ratios. Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right e-liquid blend based on your vaping style:
- Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): If you're new to vaping or transitioning from smoking, MTL vaping is ideal. It mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette, offering a tight draw and smooth throat hit. Use a 50/50 PG/VG e-liquid or nicotine salts for a balanced experience that closely replicates smoking.
- Direct-to-Lung (DTL): DTL vaping is for more experienced vapers who enjoy larger vapor clouds and deeper inhalation. Use high VG e-liquids (70% VG or higher) with sub-ohm kits to achieve maximum vapour production.
- Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDL): For those who enjoy a looser and airier MTL experience, RDL offers a more open draw. You can still use nic salts or 50/50 liquids but with a more relaxed airflow for a unique experience.
E-Liquid Types for Every Vaping Need
There are a wide range of e-liquid types, and with so many to choose from it can sometimes prove difficult to decide which type is right for you, and best for the vape kit you’re using.
The types of e-liquid available to vapers are:
- 50/50 or 60VG/40PG: Balanced with equal parts PG and VG, delivering a strong throat hit and moderate vapour production. Best suited for MTL vaping, they work well with starter kits and low-power devices and closely replicate the sensation of smoking - perfect for new vapers.
- 70VG/30PG (High VG): Formulated with 70% VG or higher, these produce thick vapour clouds and enhance flavour depth, making them ideal for sub-ohm vaping and high-power devices.
- Nic Salts: Offer a smooth throat hit and faster nicotine absorption, nicotine salt e-liquids provide a gentler experience when using high-strength nicotine. Best used with low-power pod kits.
- Bar Salts: Designed to replicate the flavours of disposable puff bars, bar salt e-liquids contain higher flavour concentrations, delivering an intense taste experience in a more cost-effective and sustainable format. These vape juices pair perfectly with refillable pod kits.
- Shortfills: Nicotine-free vape liquids in 50ml or 100ml bottles, with space to add nic shots. Traditionally used for sub-ohm vaping, Shortfills are now available in high PG formats, catering to both MTL and DTL vapers.
- Pre-Filled Pods: Pre-filled vape pods are for use with closed pod kits and come pre-filled with your chosen e-liquid flavour. These are typically filled with a nic salt based e-liquid.
Need help the right e-liquid type?
Our Beginners Guide to E-Liquid breaks down each type to help you choose.
Choosing Your E-Liquid Flavour
Finding your perfect e-liquid flavour is an adventure. With over 4500 premium vape juice flavours, including the best picks from both UK and global brands, we make it easy to discover your next all-day vape.
Vape juices can be broken down into four popular flavour groups:
Fruit Flavours
Fruit flavours are among the most popular vape juice flavours. Whether you're craving the sweetness of strawberries, the tartness of apples, or the tropical notes of mango, there's a fruit-flavoured e-liquid to satisfy your taste buds.
Dessert Flavours
For those with a sweet tooth, dessert flavours offer a guilt-free way to indulge. Imagine vaping a cloud that tastes like freshly baked cookies, creamy custard, or rich chocolate cake.
Menthol Flavours
Menthol and mint flavours provide a cool, refreshing vape that's especially popular among former menthol cigarette smokers. These flavours can range from subtle hints of peppermint to intense ice menthol blasts.
Tobacco Flavours
For vapers looking to replicate the taste of traditional cigarettes, tobacco-flavoured e-liquids offer a familiar experience, ranging from straightforward tobacco to blends with caramel, vanilla, or nuts.
View our A-Z Vape Juice Flavour List to find your favourite.
What is the bestselling e-liquid flavour in the UK?
See our list of E-Liquid Bestsellers broken down by flavour group.
Nicotine Strengths
Choosing the right nicotine strength for your e-liquid is crucial to ensuring a satisfying vaping experience, especially if you're transitioning from smoking cigarettes. The amount of nicotine you require depends on your previous smoking habits and how your body reacts to vaping.
Understanding Nicotine Strengths in E-Liquids
Nicotine strength in e-liquids is measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL), indicating the amount of nicotine in a given volume of e-liquid. Selecting the appropriate nicotine strength is essential for a smooth transition to vaping, as it can affect your satisfaction levels and how enjoyable your vaping experience is.
How to Choose Your Nicotine Strength
The first step in selecting your nicotine strength is to assess your current or past smoking habits. See below for a general guideline based on the number of cigarettes you smoked per day:
MTL Kits:
- Low (1-5 cigarettes/day): 5mg Nic Salts or 3mg Freebase
- Medium (6-14 cigarettes/day): 10mg Nic Salts or 6mg Freebase
- High (15 cigarettes/day): 20mg Nic Salts or 12mg Freebase
- Very High (20 or more cigarettes/day): 18mg Freebase
Sub-Ohm Kits
- Typically low nicotine (3mg), but 6mg can suit those needing more.
What are the types of nicotine available?
Nicotine containing vape liquid is available in two forms; freebase and salt-based.
- Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine, commonly found in standard e-liquids. It delivers a strong throat hit and becomes more potent when heated, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intense vaping experience.
- Nicotine salts contain additional organic compounds, such as benzoic acid, which lowers the pH level. This makes the nicotine smoother to inhale, even at higher strengths, allowing for a more comfortable vaping experience.
Read our guide on freebase and nicotine salts to find the best option for you.
Looking to reduce your nicotine intake?
Our Guide to Reducing Your Nicotine Level provides step-by-step guidance for a smooth transition.
Why buy E-Liquids from Vape Superstore?
- Unmatched Selection: The largest e-liquid range online, from larger nicotine-free shortfills to TPD-compliant 10ml bottles.
- Popular Brands: Trusted names like 88Vape, Riot Squad, Vampire Vape, IVG and so many more vape juice brands.
- Certified Quality: We pride ourselves on offering only the highest quality e-liquids, all TPD compliant and MHRA approved.
- Competitive Prices: Multi-buy vape deals and everyday low prices.
- Fast, Free UK Delivery: Free next-day shipping on orders over £20.
- Customer Trust: Over 20,000 verified 5-star reviews on Trustpilot.
- Dedicated Customer Support: Available to answer your queries 7 days a week.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Are e-liquids safe?
All of the brands that we stock adhere to strict quality control measures to ensure their products are safe and consistent. This includes using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and conducting thorough testing. In the UK, manufacturers must comply with regulations set by the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD). These guidelines ensure that e-liquids meet certain safety standards and are properly labeled with ingredient information and warnings.
How much does E-Liquid cost?
Our 10ml bottles start at £1.20. For even better value, check out our multi-buy e-liquid deals and clearance section.
How long does a bottle last?
- 10ml bottles: Around 3,000 puffs, refilling a 2ml tank five times.
- 50ml bottles: Up to 15,000 puffs, refilling a tank 25 times.
- 100ml bottles: Between 20,000 and 30,000 puffs, refilling 50 times.
What nicotine strength should I use?
If you’re new to vaping, we recommend starting with 5mg nicotine salt or 3mg freebase for light smokers. For heavy smokers, opt for 20mg nicotine salt or 12mg freebase for a stronger hit.
Can I vape without nicotine?
Absolutely. We offer a range of nicotine-free e-liquids, so you can enjoy the flavour without the nicotine.
Which e-liquid is best for beginners?
For new vapers we recommend starting with 50/50 e-liquids for a balanced experience. Nicotine salts are another great option for a smoother inhale.
What is the strongest strength available?
Our maximum strength is 20mg (2%), TPD (Tobacco Products Directive) compliant for UK regulations.
What is TPD Compliance?
All our e-liquids comply with TPD regulations, ensuring they meet the highest safety and quality standards. Learn more about what TPD compliance is and how it safeguards your vaping experience.
Do e-liquids expire?
Yes, most e-liquids have a shelf life of two years. Proper storage in a cool, dark place helps maintain quality. Learn more in our Do E-Liquids Expire? guide.
Read Our Favourite E-Liquid Reviews - Real Experiences, Real Satisfaction
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