Base liquids, flavors and nicotine

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What is base liquid?

Base liquids in vaping are an important component in e-liquids used in e-cigarettes or other vaping devices. Base liquids are a blend of usually three ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG) and water. These base liquids are used to create a base that is mixed with flavorings and possibly nicotine to create e-liquids.

What is PG?

PG stands for propylene glycol and is a commonly occurring ingredient in many different products, including food, medicines and cosmetics. In vaping, PG is used as one of the base liquids in e-liquids used in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.

PG is a clear, colorless and odorless liquid used as a carrier for flavorings and nicotine in e-liquids. PG has a low viscosity and is thinner than VG (vegetable glycerin) which makes it more absorbent and vaporises faster. PG also provides a stronger "throat hit" effect similar to that felt when smoking regular cigarettes, which can be beneficial for former smokers who want a more authentic smoking experience.

What is VG?

VG stands for vegetable glycerin and is one of the most common base liquids used in vaping. VG is a thick, sweet and clear liquid used as one of the main components in e-liquids used in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.

VG is generally considered safe to use in e-liquids, but can cause side effects such as a dry mouth or throat, as well as reduced flavor intensity. VG also has a sweet taste, which can affect the taste of the e-liquid. VG‑based e-liquids may be more suitable for users who prefer a smoother vaping experience with a larger amount of vapor.

How much VG / PG should I have in my base liquid?

The amount of VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol) used in e-liquid depends on personal preferences and the type of e‑cig and equipment used.

VG is thicker than PG and provides a smoother vapor, while PG gives a stronger "throat hit" and better flavor transfer. Many e-liquids contain a blend of both VG and PG to achieve a balance between vapor, flavor and "throat hit".

A common blend for e-liquid is 70% VG and 30% PG, but some users prefer a higher proportion of one of the ingredients depending on their personal taste and vaping style.

If you are a beginner in e‑cigarettes and do not know which blend suits you best, it is recommended to start with a 50/50 blend and adjust the proportion of VG or PG according to your preferences.

What are Flavors?

Flavors in e-liquid are flavoring agents added to give e-cigarettes and vaping products various tastes and aromas. These flavors can be natural, synthetic or a combination of both and are available in a wide range of flavors such as fruit, candy, desserts, menthol and tobacco. They are used to make e-cigarettes more appealing to users seeking an alternative form of tobacco smoking or wanting a different taste experience.

How much flavor should be added to an e-liquid?

The amount of flavor to be used in an e-liquid depends on several factors, such as the strength of the flavoring, personal preference and the manufacturer.

A general guideline is to use about 10% of the flavor per total volume of e-liquid. For example, if you make a 30 ml e-liquid, you can add 3 ml of flavor. It is important to taste the e-liquid regularly when adding flavors to find the desired flavor balance.

It is also important to note that some flavorings are stronger than others, so smaller amounts of certain flavors may be required to achieve the desired taste. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you use the correct amount of flavor in your e-liquid.

What is nicotine & nicotine salt?

Nicotine is a chemical compound found in the tobacco plant and is the primary addictive component in tobacco products. Nicotine salt is a variant of nicotine that is often used in e-liquids instead of regular nicotine.

Nicotine salt is created by combining nicotine with an organic acid, such as lactic acid or malic acid. This process results in a more stable form of nicotine that is absorbed more efficiently by the body, allowing the use of a higher nicotine strength without causing unpleasant side effects.

Nicotine salt has become increasingly popular among e‑cigarette users looking for a more satisfying nicotine content without causing throat irritation or coughing. It is important to note that nicotine salt is stronger than regular nicotine and may have a higher addictive potential. It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the correct nicotine strength is used in your e‑liquid.

How much nicotine should I choose for my e-juice?

The choice of nicotine strength for your e-juice depends on your own nicotine needs and smoking history. If you are a heavy smoker who smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day you may need a higher nicotine strength. If, however, you are a light smoker or use an e‑cigarette as part of a reduction plan you may choose a lower nicotine strength.

If you are NOT a nicotine user you should choose 0mg. We do not encourage anyone to start with nicotine

Generally, common nicotine strengths for e‑juice are 0 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg and 18 mg per milliliter. It is important to note that higher nicotine strengths can give a harsher "throat hit" and a stronger nicotine kick, while lower nicotine strengths provide a milder vapor with less "throat hit".

If you are unsure which nicotine strength is most suitable for you, you can start with a lower strength and then adjust as needed. Also remember that nicotine is an addictive substance and it is always best to reduce or stop using nicotine if possible.

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How do I mix my own e‑liquid?

Release your creative side - make e‑liquid!

Creating your own e‑liquid can be a fun and creative process, but it is also important to be careful and thorough when handling chemicals and ingredients. Here are some steps to create your own e‑liquid:

  1. Obtain necessary equipment: To create your own e‑liquid you need a clean workspace, gloves, a mixing bottle with dropper & a syringe
  2. Choose your ingredients: E‑liquid typically consists of a blend of vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavorings and nicotine (if desired). You can purchase these ingredients from us.
  3. Mix your ingredients: Follow a recipe or experiment with different proportions of VG, PG and flavorings until you find a blend that suits your taste. If you want nicotine in your e‑liquid, make sure to use the correct nicotine strength and handle the nicotine carefully.
  4. Stir well: Once you have mixed your ingredients, stir well to ensure everything is properly blended.
  5. Steep your e‑liquid: Steep your e‑liquid by storing it in a dark and cool place for a certain period. The time may vary depending on the type of flavors you use
  6. Test and adjust: Test your e‑liquid and adjust the proportions or flavors as needed until you find a flavor you like.

What is steeping?

Steeping is a term used in vaping and refers to the process of letting the e‑liquid sit or "mature" for a certain time to improve flavor and vapor characteristics. Steeping can be an important part of the process of creating a high‑quality e‑liquid, as it can take time for the ingredients to blend properly and for the flavors to fully develop.

Steeping can be done in various ways, but typically it involves storing the e‑liquid in a cool and dark place for a certain period, usually a few days up to a few weeks. During this time the e‑liquid can develop a more rounded and balanced flavor, as well as a smoother and fuller vapor. It is important to follow recommended steeping times and methods for each specific e‑liquid, as different flavors and ingredients can affect the steeping process in different ways.

Read more in our section about steeping e‑liquid

How long should you steep your own dessert juices?

The steeping time for dessert juices can vary depending on flavor and brand. Generally it is recommended to steep dessert juices for at least one week for the flavors to mature properly and for the e‑liquid to achieve a smoother and fuller taste. Some dessert juices may, however, need to be steeped longer, up to several weeks, for the flavors to fully develop.

How long should you steep your own fruit juices?

The steeping time for fruit e‑juices can vary depending on flavor and brand. Generally fruit e‑juices do not need to be steeped as long as dessert juices because fruit flavors are lighter and do not require as much time to develop.

A common recommendation is to steep fruit e‑juices for about 3-5 days for the flavors to blend properly and give an even taste. Some fruit juices may, however, need to be steeped longer to achieve a more pronounced flavor.

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Open question: How do I mix my own e‑liquid?

When is 100VG or 100PG used instead of a premixed base?

100VG and 100PG are used when the VG/PG ratio needs to be adjusted more precisely. If the flavor or nicotine shot adds too much PG, 100VG can be used to increase the VG proportion. Conversely, 100PG can be used when the mixture needs to be thinner or have a higher PG proportion.

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Open question: When is 100VG or 100PG used instead of a premixed base?

Does the VG/PG ratio change when flavour or nic‑shot is added?

Yes. The VG and PG content of all ingredients is counted in the final mixture. If 10 ml PG-based flavour is added to 100 ml 70VG/30PG, the final volume becomes 110 ml and the ratio is approximately 64VG/36PG.

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Open question: Does the VG/PG ratio change when flavour or nic‑shot is added?

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