Vape Juice 101: What’s in E-Liquid and How It Works

Introduction to E-Liquid

E-liquid, also known as vape juice, is the liquid used in vaporizers and electronic cigarettes to create a vapor. Understanding what is in e-liquid is essential for users to make informed choices when selecting a product that aligns with their preferences and device compatibility. Whether you're exploring vape juice for the first time or looking to understand the nuances between different types, this guide provides a comprehensive breakdown tailored for the Canadian market.

Core Ingredients in Vape Juice

All vape juice formulations generally contain a few primary ingredients, each playing a specific role in performance and user experience. These core components include:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): A colourless, odorless liquid that contributes to the throat sensation and carries flavour well.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A thicker, sweeter liquid responsible for vapor production and a smoother inhale.
• Flavourings: Regulated concentrates that provide various taste profiles, from fruits to delights to menthols.
• Nicotine (optional): Included in varying strengths, it may be present as freebase nicotine or nicotine salts, depending on the formulation.

Each of these ingredients must meet strict safety and quality regulations, particularly under Canadian law, which governs the formulation and marketing of vape products.

Understanding Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene Glycol, or PG, is one of the most commonly used carrier liquids in vape juice. It's a synthetic organic compound recognized as safe for consumption by regulatory authorities. In the context of vaping, PG is appreciated for the following reasons:

• It delivers a noticeable throat hit, similar to traditional tobacco products.
• It efficiently carries flavour, making taste more pronounced.
• It is thin in consistency, which helps it wick more easily in smaller coil setups.

PG is often found in higher proportions in vape juices designed for low-wattage or pod systems. However, some users with sensitivities may prefer lower-PG or PG-free blends.

Understanding Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

Vegetable Glycerin, or VG, is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils. It is widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals and is considered safe for consumption. In vape juice, VG offers several unique characteristics that influence both the vaping experience and device compatibility:

• Vapor Production: VG is responsible for producing dense, billowy clouds of vapor, making it a favourite among cloud-chasing enthusiasts.
• Smoothness: Compared to PG, VG provides a smoother and less harsh inhale, which can be beneficial for extended use.
• Viscosity: VG is thicker than PG and requires more powerful devices with sub-ohm coils to ensure proper wicking and vaporization.

Blends high in VG are typically suited for advanced vaping systems. For Canadian users seeking strong vapor production without a harsh throat hit, e-liquids with more VG are a popular choice.

The Role of Flavourings in Vape Juice

Flavourings are the defining component that differentiates vape juices from one another. These are concentrated additives that allow manufacturers to create a wide range of taste profiles — from tobacco and mint to fruit medleys, delights, and beverages.

• Natural vs. Artificial: Some flavours are derived from natural sources, while others are synthetically produced to achieve precise taste replication.
• Flavour Intensity: Concentration levels can vary, affecting how subtle or bold a vape juice tastes. Higher VG blends may mute flavour slightly due to their thick nature, while high-PG blends enhance it.

Types of Nicotine in Vape Juice

Nicotine is an optional ingredient in e-liquid, available in different forms to cater to a variety of preferences. The two primary types of nicotine used in vape juices are:

• Freebase Nicotine: This is the original form of nicotine used in early e-liquids. It offers a stronger throat hit and is usually found in lower concentrations (e.g., 3mg, 6mg, 12mg).
• Nicotine Salts: A newer formulation that combines nicotine with an acid (typically benzoic acid) to make it smoother and more rapidly absorbed. Commonly used in higher concentrations (e.g., 20mg).

In Canada, nicotine salt vape juices are increasingly popular due to their smoother draw and compatibility with compact pod systems. Regulations limit the maximum concentration allowed, ensuring products remain within safe usage guidelines.

Freebase Nicotine vs. Nicotine Salts

Understanding the difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts is crucial when selecting the right vape juice for your needs. Though both serve the same purpose, they deliver nicotine in distinct ways, affecting throat hit, absorption rate, and device compatibility.

Feature	Freebase Nicotine	Nicotine Salts
Throat Hit	Stronger and more noticeable	Smoother and more subtle
Absorption	Slower absorption into the bloodstream	Faster absorption into the bloodstream
Nicotine Strength	Lower concentrations (3, 6, & 12mg/mL)	Higher concentrations (20mg/mL in Canada)
Device Compatibility	Best with high-wattage sub-ohm devices	Ideal for low-wattage pod systems

 

Choosing between the two depends largely on your device type and your preferences regarding nicotine strength and throat hit.

Choosing the Right VG/PG Ratio

VG/PG ratio plays a significant role in vape juice performance and user satisfaction. Manufacturers often label e-liquids with their specific ratios, such as 50VG/50PG, 70/30 VG/PG, or 40VG/60PG. Here’s how to interpret them:

• High PG Blends (e.g., 40VG/60PG): Provide stronger throat hit and more pronounced flavours, but with less vapor production. Suitable for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping.
• High VG Blends (e.g., 70VG/30PG): Deliver denser clouds and a smoother inhale with milder flavour intensity. Preferred for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with sub-ohm devices.
• Balanced Ratios (e.g., 50VG/50PG): Offer a compromise between throat hit, flavour, and cloud production. Commonly used in nicotine salt formulations and pod devices.

In Canada, vape juice manufacturers clearly label VG/PG ratios to help users select a blend that suits their device and preferences.

Canadian Regulations on E-Liquids

Vape products sold in Canada must adhere to the regulations set forth by Health Canada under the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA). These laws are designed to ensure product safety, proper labeling, and restricted access by minors. Key points include:

• Nicotine Limits: E-liquids sold in Canada cannot exceed 20mg/mL of nicotine content.
• Packaging Standards: Child-resistant packaging is mandatory. Labels must include nicotine concentration, ingredient list, and warning statements.
• Advertising Restrictions: Promotions cannot include lifestyle or health-related claims and must comply with age-gating requirements.

These regulations help Canadian consumers make informed choices while ensuring that vape products are produced and marketed responsibly. Additionally, it essential that all vape products sold in Canada adhere to provincial/territorial regulations. Regulations vary by province.

How Vape Juice Works with Devices

Understanding how vape juice interacts with your vaping device is essential for optimal performance and satisfaction. Regardless of the form—whether freebase or nicotine salts—all e-liquids undergo a similar process:

1. The e-liquid is absorbed into a wick, usually made of cotton, within the coil of the device.
2. When activated, the coil heats up, vaporizing the saturated e-liquid into a vapor.
3. The user inhales the vapor through the mouthpiece, experiencing the selected flavour and nicotine strength.

Different devices—such as pod systems, disposable vapes, and box mods—are optimized for various vape juice formulations. For instance:

• Pod Systems: Best suited for nicotine salts and 50VG/50PG blends due to their lower power output.
• Sub-ohm Mods: Designed for high-VG freebase juices, capable of handling thicker liquids and higher vapor output.
• MTL Devices: Mouth-to-lung systems often work well with high-PG blends, delivering a tighter draw and stronger throat hit.

Choosing the right vape juice for your device ensures better coil life, improved flavour, and consistent vapor production.

How to Read an E-Liquid Label

Canadian vape juice products come with standardized labels to inform consumers of essential product information. Knowing how to read and interpret these labels helps ensure you choose a product that aligns with your preferences and legal guidelines.

• Nicotine Content: Expressed in milligrams per millilitre (e.g., 3mg/mL, 20mg/mL). Canadian law caps nicotine at 20mg/mL.
• VG/PG Ratio: Usually shown as percentages (e.g., 70VG/30PG). Helps determine throat hit, vapor production, and device compatibility.
• Flavour Description: May list key flavour notes or names (e.g., Mango Ice, Extreme Mint).
• Batch Number & Expiry Date: Important for verifying product freshness and traceability.
• Manufacturer Information: Often includes contact details and geographic origin, adding transparency.
• Excise Stamp: A federal or provincial excise stamp will be present on the packaging, verifying the product has had its excise tax paid.
• Vaping Product License (VPL) Number: All businesses operating in Canada require this license to legally manufacture, import, or package vaping products.

Always check the label to confirm that the product complies with Health Canada’s packaging and content regulations before purchasing or using.

Storing Your Vape Juice Properly

Proper storage of e-liquid helps maintain its flavour integrity, nicotine potency, and safety over time. Like many consumable products, vape juice is susceptible to environmental factors.

• Temperature: Store e-liquid in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, which can degrade nicotine and flavourings.
• Sealing: Always ensure bottles are tightly sealed when not in use to prevent oxidation and contamination.
• Light Exposure: Use amber or dark-tinted bottles when available, as light can accelerate breakdown of ingredients.

Signs of e-liquid degradation include discolouration, unpleasant odors, and changes in viscosity. Under proper conditions, most vape juices retain quality for up to two years from the manufacture date.

Safety Considerations When Handling E-Liquid

Vape juice should always be handled with care, especially since it may contain nicotine, a substance that can be harmful in high concentrations or when improperly used. Here are essential safety practices for handling e-liquids:

• Keep Out of Reach of Children and Pets: Nicotine-containing e-liquids can be toxic if ingested. Always store bottles in secure, elevated places.
• Use Child-Resistant Packaging: Canadian regulations require all vape juice containers to be child-resistant. Always check the seal before use.
• Avoid Skin Contact: If spilled, clean immediately and wash the affected area with soap and water. Prolonged skin exposure to nicotine can lead to absorption.

Should accidental exposure or ingestion occur, seek medical attention promptly and provide the product label for reference.

Popular Vape Juice Types in Canada

The Canadian vape market features a wide array of vape juice options tailored to diverse user preferences and legal standards. These include:

• Nicotine Salt E-Liquids: Widely used in compact pod systems due to their smoother draw and efficient nicotine delivery. Usually available in 10–20mg/mL strengths due to federal caps.
• Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids: Favoured for use in sub-ohm devices. Available in lower strengths like 3mg/mL, 6mg/mL, or 12mg/mL to support customizable experiences.
• Flavour Profiles: Canadian consumers frequently prefer fruit blends (e.g., mango, berry) or menthol/mint. Tobacco flavours also remain in demand among transitioning adult users. For certain provinces, only flavourless and/or tobacco flavoured e-liquids are sold due to legal restrictions.

All types must comply with Canadian labeling, safety, and nicotine limit regulations. Reputable retailers will provide lab-tested products to ensure purity and consistency.

Making an Informed Choice

Understanding what’s in your vape juice is vital for aligning your choices with both your device and your expectations. From knowing the difference between VG and PG to selecting the right nicotine type and strength, every component plays a role in shaping your experience.

By taking the time to learn about vape juice ingredients and how they function, Canadian consumers can make more informed, confident purchasing decisions that meet both regulatory and personal standards.

FAQs

1. What is e-liquid made of in Canada?

E-liquid sold in Canada typically includes four core ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavourings, and nicotine (optional).

2. What is the difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts?

Freebase nicotine delivers a stronger throat hit and is suited for high-wattage devices, while nicotine salts provide a smoother experience and are ideal for low-wattage pod systems. In Canada, both are available with a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/mL.

3. Can I buy high-strength nicotine vape juice in Canada?

No. Canadian regulations limit the nicotine content in e-liquids to a maximum of 20mg/mL to align with federal health and safety standards.

4. How do I choose the right VG/PG ratio for my vape device?

If you're using a pod system or MTL device, a 50VG/50PG blend or higher PG is best. For sub-ohm or DTL devices, higher VG (e.g., 70VG/30PG offers better vapor production and a smoother inhale.

5. Are flavoured vape juices legal in Canada?

As of now, there is no national flavour ban in Canada. All provinces and territories are required to comply with federal regulations established by Health Canada, including those related to product packaging and labelling. It's important to also ensure compliance with any applicable provincial or territorial regulations, as requirements can vary across jurisdictions.

The legal and regulatory information provided on this webpage is accurate as of August 8, 2025. PSI makes no guarantee that the information provided on this webpage is accurate past this date.