What Is E Liquid? A Beginner’s Guide to Vape Juice

Starting your vaping journey can feel a little overwhelming at first, especially when you hear terms like shortfills, nic salts, VG/PG ratios, and nicotine strength thrown around. If you’re new to the world of vaping, all these choices and technicalities might leave you asking: Where do I even begin?

That’s exactly why we’ve created this beginner-friendly guide to e-liquids, to help you cut through the confusion and get to grips with everything you need to know before choosing your first vape juice. Whether you're switching from smoking or simply exploring vaping out of curiosity, this guide will walk you through the essentials in a simple way, discussing “what is vape juice” in detail. 

From what’s actually inside an e-liquid bottle to the different types of vape juices available and how they work with various devices, we’ve got you covered.

What Is E-Liquid (Vape Juice)?

E-liquid, also known as vape juice or vape liquid, is the fluid used in electronic cigarettes and vape kits. It’s what turns into the vapour you inhale when you take a puff.

There's a small coil wrapped in cotton inside the vape device. When you press the fire button (or simply inhale, in some auto-draw vapes), the coil heats up. The e-liquid, which is soaked into the cotton, gets warmed up and transforms into vapour, delivering flavour, nicotine, or both, straight to your lungs.

Flavours, Strengths, and More

One of the reasons why vaping is so popular is the huge variety of e-liquid flavours. Whether you fancy something sweet like strawberry cheesecake or prefer the sharpness of icy menthol or the rich taste of traditional tobacco, there's something for everyone.

But it’s not just about flavour, e-liquids also come in different nicotine strengths. Whether you're a heavy smoker looking for a stronger hit or just want something mild to curb the occasional craving, there’s a strength that suits your needs. And if you’re in it just for the flavour and clouds? Nicotine-free options are available too.

What Is Inside E-Liquid?

At its core, e-liquid is a simple blend of a few key ingredients that work together to create your vaping experience. While the combinations of flavours and nicotine strengths may vary, nearly every bottle of e-liquid contains three or four core components:

1. Propylene Glycol (PG)- The Flavour Carrier

PG is a clear, odourless liquid with a syrup-like consistency. It is crucial in carrying the flavours in your vape juice and is also responsible for delivering the "throat hit", which is like a satisfying tickle in the throat similar to what smokers experience with traditional cigarettes.

PG vaporises quickly and efficiently because of its thinner consistency, making it ideal for lower-powered devices like pod kits. It’s widely used in the food and cosmetic industries, found in products such as ice cream, cake mixes, soft drinks, and even certain medications.

2. Vegetable Glycerin (VG)- The Vapour Maker

VG is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid derived from plant oils. It’s the ingredient responsible for producing those thick, fluffy clouds of vapour that many vapers love. VG also makes each inhale feel smoother, which is why it's popular with people who prefer a gentler vaping experience.

You’ll find VG in everyday items like toothpaste, soap, cough syrup, and even frozen foods. In vaping, the higher the VG content, the more vapour you’ll get, making it a go-to for sub-ohm or high-powered vape kits.

3. Flavourings- The Taste Experience

The magic of vaping lies in its diverse and creative flavour options. From classic tobacco and menthol to fruity fusions, dessert blends, candy flavours, and even drink-inspired options, the possibilities are endless.

These flavourings are food-grade and carefully formulated to deliver an enjoyable and satisfying taste. Whether you're after a creamy vanilla custard, a cool blast of mint, or a tropical fruit cocktail, there's a vape flavour to suit every palate.

4. Nicotine (Optional)- The Satisfying Kick

Nicotine is the optional but key ingredient for many former smokers transitioning to vaping. It’s the same addictive substance found in traditional cigarettes, and it’s available in various strengths depending on your needs.

You can choose e-liquids with:

• High nicotine content (ideal for heavier smokers),

• Lower strengths for more casual users,

• Or zero nicotine if you just enjoy the flavour and feel of vaping.

Nicotine is usually available in two main forms:

Freebase nicotine- Stronger throat hit, commonly used in high-VG e-liquids.

Nicotine salts (nic salts)- Smoother feel, faster absorption, ideal for pod systems and ex-smokers.

Types of E-Liquids

With so many e-liquids on the market, picking the right one can seem tricky. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts)- Perfect for a smoother throat hit and quicker nicotine absorption. Great for beginners or those using low-powered pod devices.

Freebase Nicotine- The more traditional form of nicotine, offering a stronger throat hit and is often found in higher-VG liquids for bigger clouds.

Shortfills- Larger bottles of nicotine-free vape juice designed to be mixed with a nicotine shot. Ideal for sub-ohm vapers who want more customisation.

50/50 E-Liquids- Balanced VG and PG, providing a great mix of flavour and vapour. These work well in most starter kits and pod systems.

Which Nicotine Strength Should You Choose?

Finding the right nicotine strength is all about matching it to your current smoking habits. The goal is to satisfy your cravings without overdoing it, and choosing the right level from the start can make your switch to vaping much smoother.

• If you are a light or occasional smoker (just a few cigarettes here and there), a 3mg e-liquid is good for you. It gives a gentle nicotine boost without overwhelming you.

• For smokers who consume 5 to 10 cigarettes a day, a 6mg strength should hit the sweet spot, offering enough nicotine to keep cravings at bay without being too harsh.

• Moderate smokers (10 to 20 a day) can consider a 10mg or 12mg option. These mid-level strengths provide a satisfying balance for those stepping down from regular smoking.

• Heavy smokers (20+ per day) may want something stronger to start, like an 18mg or 20mg e-liquid, to ensure their cravings are properly managed while transitioning to vaping.

Don’t worry, you can always adjust over time as your needs change or if you decide to reduce your nicotine intake.

What Is 50/50 E-Liquid?

50/50 vape juices contain equal parts of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG), creating a balanced formula that delivers both great flavour and decent vapour.

This blend is especially well-suited for:

• Starter kits

• Pod systems

• Devices with smaller coils

The thinner consistency ensures easy absorption by the cotton inside your coil, reducing the chances of dry hits and keeping your vape experience smooth and hassle-free.

Most 50/50 e-liquids come in 10ml bottles, making them nicotine-ready and compliant with TPD regulations. That means you can find these e-liquids in a variety of nicotine strengths, making it easy to match your previous smoking habits and gradually step down if you choose to.

Freebase vs Nicotine Salts: What’s the Difference?

When selecting a 50/50 e-liquid, you’ll often get to choose between two types of nicotine- freebase and nicotine salts. Each delivers nicotine differently, so understanding the difference helps you find the right fit for your preferences.

Nicotine Salts

• Smoother inhale; less harsh on the throat

• Absorbs into the bloodstream more quickly

• Great for higher nicotine levels (10mg, 20mg)

• Ideal for quick, satisfying puffs throughout the day

• Perfect for those switching from strong cigarettes or who vape intermittently

Freebase Nicotine

• Offers a noticeable "throat hit" (similar to traditional cigarettes)

• Slower absorption into the body

• Works well for longer vaping sessions

• Often preferred by users who enjoy a more intense inhale

If you’re not sure which to try first, nic salts are a good choice for new vapers seeking a smoother, cigarette-like experience, while freebase is ideal if you want something a bit stronger in sensation.

What Are Shortfills?

If you’re someone who vapes often or uses a sub-ohm device, shortfills could be your new best friend. These larger bottles of e-liquid come nicotine-free, but with extra space so you can add nicotine shots to suit your needs.

How Shortfills Work?

Let’s say you buy a 60ml bottle that contains 50ml of flavoured e-liquid. That remaining 10ml of space is just enough for a nic shot. Add it in, shake it up, and you’ve got 60ml of e-liquid at 3mg strength.

This format is:

Cost-effective- buy in bulk without stocking up on multiple small bottles

Customisable- add as much or as little nicotine as you want

Ideal for sub-ohm vapers, high-powered devices go through e-liquid faster, and shortfills give you more juice to work with

Most shortfills feature a high VG ratio, which means they’re designed to produce thick, satisfying clouds and pair well with powerful mods. That said, you can also find 50/50 or high PG shortfills if you’re using a smaller device but still want the benefits of larger bottles.

Conclusion

E-liquid is the core component of your vaping experience, blending flavour, nicotine (if desired), and vapour production into one bottle. Whether you're transitioning from smoking or exploring new flavours, understanding the ingredients, nicotine strengths, and types of vape juice helps you make the right choice. With countless options available, there’s an e-liquid out there to match every taste and vaping style.