A Shopper's Guide to E-Juices

If you've just started shopping for e-cigarettes and/or other kinds of vaporisers͵ you're probably slightly confused about which vaping liquid is the best to buy. In case you're not yet familiar with it͵ vaping liquid͵ also known as e-juice or e-liquid
͵ is the main ingredient that e-cigs and vaporisers evaporate to produce their flavourful nicotine vapour.

Not only are there many strengths to choose from͵ there are also literally hundreds of different companies brewing their own vaping liquids͵ from small home start-ups to huge tobacco companies. So how do you choose a safe͵ quality e-juice the first time around without having to subject yourself to a gauntlet of taste tests like a guinea pig? Start with the following tips:

Choose a Reputable Supplier and Stay Away from Foreign Imports

While it may seem like going for the old cliché "made in the USA͵" there really is logical reason to buy American-made vaping liquids. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the official safety authority for over-the-counter medications͵ dietary supplements͵ food additives͵ and prescription drugs.

The USP monitors and ensures the consistency͵ purity͵ quality and strength of all of the aforementioned products͵ which include vaping liquids. The USP's tests and regulations are recognised in more than 130 countries.

For this reason͵ buying American-made e-liquid is the most sure-fire way to ensure you're getting a pharmaceutical/food-grade product that is regularly tested. Although it is possible for do-it-yourselfers and home brewers to access USP-grade ingredients͵ there are many other factors that contribute to a pure and safe product͵ such as laboratory cleanliness and manufacturing procedures.

Thus͵ while it may be tempting to save money by purchasing cheap cartridges made in China͵ it's always best to buy from a regulated͵ reputable provider that has a large customer base and frequently tested products. You have to ask yourself whether you want your vaping liquids made by qualified chemists in a state-of-the-art lab or by a DIY enthusiast in someone's garage or warehouse.

Know What Ingredients to Look For

A high-quality e-juice should contain only four ingredients: pharmaceutical-grade nicotine͵ propylene glycol (PG) and/or vegetable glycerine (VG), and added flavouring.

Unfortunately͵ not all vaping liquid is created equal͵ as some research has shown that some of the lower quality mixes can even contain small levels of potentially harmful chemicals. However͵ even in those cases it is important to note that tobacco smoke contains the same chemicals but in much higher concentrations.

As far as the propylene glycol and the vegetable glycerine are concerned͵ these are common food additives that are used as the base e-liquid solutions. You can buy e-liquids based on 100% PG͵ 100% VG͵ or varying mixes of the two (e.g. - 20/80 PG/VG or 50/50 PG/VG).

Understand the Difference Between PG and VG

Now that you know how to look for a good supplier and examine the basic ingredients͵ let's take a closer look at the subtle differences between PG and VG.

• The Basics of Propylene Glycol

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a very commonly used food additive that is approved by the FDA and is found in a wide range of consumer products. It is a clear͵ tasteless liquid that is used as the majority base in many e-liquids. A lot of people prefer heavy PG mixes because the liquid creates a burning sensation on the back of the throat that is similar to that given by a cigarette drag. It is also well-liked because its flavour-neutrality makes it better for tasting the hundreds of different flavours that e-liquids are available in.
However͵ the downside is that PG doesn't produce as much vapour as VG͵ and a small number of people have allergic reactions to it and are therefore forced to go the VG route instead.

• The Basics of Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is another commonly used food additive that is approved by the FDA͵ except the key difference is that instead of being synthesised in a lab like PG͵ VG is 100% derived from plant oils. This gives VG vapour a fuller quality that produces thicker clouds of smoke͵ which many ex-smokers find to be more satisfying than the thinner PG vapour.

Keep this information in mind when shopping for e-liquids and you will have the pleasure of a true vaping experience. It is always good to know what the ingredients are, so make sure to read the labels carefully and if you have any questions, never be afraid to ask.