The Ultimate Guide to E-Liquids: All You Need to Know In 2026
E-liquid is the liquid that goes into your vape device and is heated into the vapour you inhale. It is also known as vape juice, vape liquid, or e-juice, which all mean the same thing. Whether you are completely new to vaping, switching from smoking, or moving on from disposable vapes, understanding what vape juice is and how the different types work will help you get the most from your vaping experience.
This guide covers the basics: what vape juice is made of, the different types available in the UK, how nicotine works in e-liquid, UK regulations, and how to store your vape juice properly. For deeper detail on any specific topic, you will find links throughout to our dedicated guides.
What is vape juice made of?
Vape juice is made from a simple combination of four ingredients. These are all food-grade compounds that are widely used in other consumer products, and every e-liquid sold legally in the UK has been tested and registered with the MHRA before it can reach the shelves.
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Propylene glycol (PG) | A thin, flavourless liquid that carries the flavour and provides throat hit. PG is commonly found in food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical inhalers. It is the ingredient that makes vape juice feel closer to the sensation of smoking. |
| Vegetable glycerine (VG) | A thicker, slightly sweet liquid derived from plant oil. VG is responsible for producing vapour clouds. The more VG in a vape liquid, the denser and smoother the vapour. VG is also widely used in food and personal care products. |
| Flavourings | Food-grade flavour compounds that give vape juice its taste. These are the same types of flavourings used in food manufacturing. The range is enormous, covering everything from fruit and menthol to dessert, tobacco, and drink-inspired profiles. |
| Nicotine (optional) | The addictive substance found in tobacco. Nicotine is added to most vape juice to help ex-smokers manage cravings. It is available in different forms (freebase and nicotine salt) and different strengths. Some e-liquids contain no nicotine at all. |
The balance between PG and VG in your vape juice is called the PG/VG ratio. This ratio affects how the vape liquid feels, tastes, and how much vapour it produces. A 50/50 ratio is the most common starting point for beginners. For a full explanation of how ratios work and which one suits your device, read our PG/VG ratio guide.
Types of e-liquid
E-liquid in the UK comes in three main formats. Each one is designed for a different type of vaping device and a different level of experience.
Nicotine salt e-liquids (nic salts)
Nic salts are 10ml bottles of vape juice that use a specially formulated type of nicotine for a smoother throat hit and faster absorption. They are the most popular type of e-liquid in the UK, particularly since the disposable vape ban in June 2025. Nic salts are available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths and are designed for use with low-power MTL pod kits. If you have ever used a disposable vape, it contained nic salt vape liquid. To understand how nic salts work at a chemical level and whether they are right for you, read our guide to nic salts.
Popular nic salt brands include ELFLIQ, Elux Legend, Bar Juice 5000, and Riot Squad. Try PIXL Blue Razz Cherry nic salt for a fruity example, or browse the full nic salt collection.
50/50 freebase e-liquids
50/50 e-liquids are 10ml bottles with a balanced PG/VG ratio. They use freebase nicotine, which provides a more noticeable throat hit than nic salts, especially at higher strengths. They are available in strengths from 3mg up to 18mg and work well with pod kits and vape pens. 50/50 e-liquids are a good choice for vapers who prefer a stronger throat sensation or who are stepping down from higher nicotine strengths toward lower ones.
Shortfill e-liquids
Shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine-free vape juice, typically 50ml or 100ml. They are called shortfills because the bottle is not filled to the top, leaving space for you to add a nicotine shot if you want to. Shortfills are popular with sub-ohm vapers because they tend to have a higher VG content, which produces bigger vapour clouds and smoother draws. They are also the most cost-effective way to buy e-liquid in bulk. Try Dinner Lady Lemon Tart shortfill for a classic dessert flavour, or explore the full vape juice collection. For a detailed explanation of how shortfills and nic shots work together, read our shortfills and nic shots guide.
Nicotine in e-liquid
Nicotine is the ingredient in e-liquid that helps ex-smokers manage cravings. It is the same substance found in cigarettes, but in e-liquid form it is isolated from the thousands of other harmful chemicals present in tobacco smoke. The NHS states that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and recommends it as a tool for quitting cigarettes.
There are two forms of nicotine used in e-liquid: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine has a sharper throat hit and works best at lower strengths in higher-power devices. Nicotine salts feel smoother and absorb faster, making them better suited to higher strengths in low-power pod kits. For a detailed comparison, read our nic salts guide.
Choosing the right nicotine strength depends on how much you used to smoke, the type of device you use, and personal preference. Getting this right is the most important step in making vaping satisfying enough to stay off cigarettes. Our nicotine strength guide walks through the decision in detail with a cigarette-to-strength matching table.
Can I vape without nicotine?
Yes. Shortfill e-liquids are sold with zero nicotine by default, and some nic salt and 50/50 ranges also offer 0mg options. Nicotine-free vape liquid is popular with vapers who have gradually reduced their nicotine intake and want to continue enjoying the flavour and habit of vaping without any nicotine at all.
Is e-liquid safe?
Vaping is not risk-free, and it would be irresponsible to say otherwise. However, the evidence from UK public health bodies is clear: vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking. Public Health England published a landmark review concluding that e-cigarettes are around 95% less harmful than tobacco, and the NHS continues to recommend vaping as one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking.
Every e-liquid sold legally in the UK must be registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and comply with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR). This means every bottle has been tested for safety, ingredients are disclosed, and packaging meets strict child-resistant standards.
The flavourings used in vape liquid are food-grade compounds, the same types used in food manufacturing. As with any product containing food-grade ingredients, some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to specific flavourings, so it is always worth checking the ingredients list if you have known allergies.
UK regulations for e-liquid
All e-liquid sold in the UK must comply with the following rules under the TRPR and TPD framework.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Maximum nicotine strength | 20mg/ml (2%) is the highest legal nicotine concentration for any e-liquid sold in the UK. |
| Maximum bottle size with nicotine | 10ml. Any vape juice containing nicotine can only be sold in bottles up to 10ml. This is why nic salts and 50/50s come in small bottles. |
| Shortfills (no nicotine) | Because shortfills contain zero nicotine, they can be sold in larger bottles (50ml, 100ml). Nicotine is added separately by the user via a nic shot. |
| MHRA registration | Every e-liquid must be registered with the MHRA before it can be sold. This requires full ingredient disclosure and safety testing. |
| Child-resistant packaging | All bottles must have child-resistant caps and carry health warnings about nicotine content. |
| Tank and pod capacity | Vape tanks and pods are limited to 2ml capacity under UK law. |
Vaping Products Duty from October 2026
From 1st October 2026, the UK government is introducing a Vaping Products Duty (VPD) of £2.20 per 10ml of vape liquid, plus VAT. This will apply to all e-liquid, including nic salts, freebase, shortfills, and even 0mg nicotine-free vape juice. The duty will increase the price of vape juice across the board, but vaping will still be significantly cheaper than smoking. Nic salts may offer the best value under the new duty because their faster nicotine delivery means you typically use less vape juice per day.
How to read a vape juice label
Every bottle of vape juice in the UK carries specific information on its label. Understanding what these terms mean will help you choose the right product.
| Label term | What it means |
|---|---|
| mg/ml | Milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid. A 20mg/ml bottle contains 20mg of nicotine in each ml. |
| PG/VG ratio (e.g. 50/50, 70/30) | The balance of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerine. Higher PG means more flavour and throat hit. Higher VG means more vapour and smoothness. |
| Nic salt / salt nicotine | Indicates the vape juice uses nicotine salt formulation rather than freebase. Smoother throat hit, faster absorption. |
| Shortfill / 0mg | Contains no nicotine. Space is left in the bottle for you to add a nic shot if desired. |
How to store e-liquid
E-liquid has a shelf life of approximately 1 to 2 years from the date of manufacture. To get the most from your vape juice, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to sunlight and warmth accelerates the breakdown of both nicotine and flavourings, which can cause the vape juice to taste flat or develop an unpleasant colour. Always keep bottles sealed when not in use, and store them out of reach of children and pets.
It is normal for some vape juice to darken slightly over time, particularly those with higher nicotine content. This is caused by oxidation and does not necessarily mean the liquid has gone bad. However, if the liquid smells noticeably different, tastes harsh, or has become very thick or discoloured, it is best to replace it.
Choosing your first vape juice
If you are new to vaping and unsure where to start, here is a simple framework.
If you are switching from smoking and using a pod kit, start with a nic salt in 10mg or 20mg. This gives you the closest experience to a cigarette with the smoothest throat hit. Pair it with a 50/50 PG/VG e-liquid and a low-power MTL device. Our beginner's guide to vape kits can help you choose the right device.
If you are already vaping and want bigger clouds or more flavour intensity, try a shortfill with a high VG ratio (70/30 or higher) in a sub-ohm kit. Add a nic shot to bring it to your preferred nicotine strength, or vape it at 0mg if you have already stepped down.
If you are unsure about nicotine strength, our nicotine strength guide matches your smoking history to the right mg level. If you want to understand how PG/VG ratios affect your vape, that guide breaks it down in full.
Further reading
This guide is designed to give you a solid foundation. For deeper detail on any specific topic, explore the guides below.
- What are nic salts? The science, history, and how to use them
- What are shortfills and nic shots? How they work and mixing guide
- Nicotine strength guide Which strength is right for you
- PG/VG ratio guide Understanding e-liquid ratios
- Beginner's guide to vape kits Choosing your first device
- Vape coils guide Types, resistance, and maintenance
- Switching from disposables How to move to refillable kits
- Vape flavours Explore flavour categories
Frequently asked questions
What is e-liquid?
E-liquid, also known as vape juice or vape liquid, is the liquid used in vape devices to create vapour. It is made from propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, food-grade flavourings, and optionally nicotine. When heated by the coil inside your device, it turns into the vapour you inhale.
What is vape juice made of?
Vape juice contains four main ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), food-grade flavourings, and nicotine (optional). PG carries flavour and provides throat hit. VG produces vapour. The flavourings provide taste. Nicotine is added to help manage cravings for ex-smokers.
What types of vape juice are there?
There are three main types in the UK: nicotine salt e-liquids (10ml, smooth, fast-absorbing, for pod kits), 50/50 freebase e-liquids (10ml, stronger throat hit, for pod kits and pens), and shortfills (50-100ml, nicotine-free, for sub-ohm kits). Each is designed for a different vaping style.
Is vape juice safe?
Vaping is not risk-free, but UK public health bodies consider it substantially less harmful than smoking. All vape juice sold legally in the UK must be registered with the MHRA and meet strict safety standards for ingredients, packaging, and labelling.
How long does vape juice last?
Vape juice has a shelf life of approximately 1 to 2 years from manufacture. Store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat. If the colour, smell, or taste changes significantly, replace it.
What nicotine strength should I use?
This depends on your smoking history and device type. For detailed guidance, see our nicotine strength guide. As a quick starting point: heavy smokers typically start at 20mg nic salt, moderate smokers at 10mg, and light smokers at 5mg or 3-6mg freebase.
What is the difference between nic salts and freebase?
Nic salts use nicotine bonded with an acid for a smoother throat hit and faster absorption. Freebase nicotine has a sharper throat hit and absorbs more slowly. For a detailed explanation, see our nic salts guide.
Will vape juice prices increase in 2026?
Yes. From 1st October 2026, the UK Vaping Products Duty will add £2.20 per 10ml of vape liquid plus VAT. This applies to all e-liquid regardless of nicotine content. Vaping will still be considerably cheaper than smoking.