E-Juice

PG stands for propylene glycol and VG stands for vegetable glycerin, the two base liquids in every e-juice. Higher PG ratios like 50/50 deliver stronger throat hit and more intense flavor, ideal for mouth-to-lung vaping. Higher VG ratios like 70/30 or 80/20 produce thicker vapor clouds and smoother inhales, best suited for sub-ohm devices and direct-lung vaping styles.

Former heavy smokers typically start with 12 to 18mg for mouth-to-lung devices or 6mg for sub-ohm setups. Light smokers may prefer 3 to 6mg. Nicotine salts allow higher concentrations like 25 to 50mg in pod systems without harsh throat hit. Start higher than you think you need and gradually reduce. Choosing too low a strength often leads to chain vaping and using more juice overall.

Store e-juice in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cabinet or drawer at room temperature works well. Keep bottles tightly sealed to prevent oxidation, which darkens the liquid and degrades nicotine. Most e-juices have a shelf life of 1 to 2 years unopened. Refrigeration is unnecessary and can actually cause the VG to thicken excessively.

Color darkening is a natural process called oxidation, where nicotine reacts with oxygen and light. This is completely normal and does not indicate the juice has gone bad. Sweetener-heavy flavors also tend to darken faster. The flavor may shift slightly as the juice steeps, similar to how wine develops over time. Extreme darkening combined with an off smell means it should be replaced.

Freebase nicotine is the traditional form used in most e-liquids, delivering a noticeable throat hit at higher strengths. Nicotine salts use benzoic acid to create a smoother experience at higher concentrations, typically 25 to 50mg. Salt nic is designed for low-wattage pod devices and mimics the nicotine delivery of cigarettes more closely. Freebase works better in high-powered sub-ohm devices.