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An e-liquid (or electronic cigarette liquid) is the product that generates vapour when heated by the coil of an electronic cigarette. Unlike traditional cigarettes, there is no combustion. The e-liquid is composed of a base (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine), flavourings, and optionally nicotine. It determines the taste, throat sensation, cloud production, and overall vaping experience.

An e-liquid generally contains four elements:

• propylene glycol (PG), which carries the flavours, enhances the throat hit, and provides a sensation close to that of a cigarette;
• vegetable glycerine (VG), responsible for the vapour and the density of the cloud;
• flavourings, which provide the taste (fruit, mint, classic blonde, indulgent, ice…);
• nicotine, optional, which helps manage cravings for vapers who are quitting.

Some formulas also use alternative vegetable bases (Végétol) for extra smoothness.

An e-liquid with nicotine is intended for vapers who wish to replace traditional cigarettes. Nicotine acts on the feeling of satisfaction and limits cravings. Nicotine-free e-liquids are used either towards the end of the quitting process or purely for the pleasure of vaping, even though it is not recommended to vape if you are not a smoker. The choice of nicotine level is essential to avoid a poor experience (irritation or cravings). The nicotine dosage depends on your previous cigarette consumption. A light smoker will not have the same needs as a heavy smoker. A level that is too low can lead to frustration and relapse, while a level that is too high can cause throat discomfort. The aim is to find a balance between hit, sensation, and vaping comfort, adjusting progressively as needed. A low dosage of 0, 3 or 6 mg/ml of nicotine is generally recommended for light smokers or occasional smokers (fewer than 7 cigarettes per day), and a high dosage of 20 mg/ml of nicotine salt for heavy smokers (one packet of cigarettes or more). However, this dosage can be adjusted according to your electronic cigarette and your vaping style.

Nicotine salt is a more stable form of nicotine that is smoother to inhale. It provides rapid absorption with a less harsh throat hit, even at high concentrations. Nicotine salt e-liquids are particularly suited to beginner vapers, former heavy smokers, and low-powered MTL kits. Various nicotine salt dosages are available. The most well-known and effective is 20 mg/ml, which is highly suited to heavy smokers. However, a dosage of 10 mg/ml can work very well for a regular or occasional smoker.

A nicotine booster is a nicotine-concentrated bottle designed to be added to a large-format e-liquid. It allows you to adjust the final nicotine level according to the quantity added. Flexible and cost-effective, this solution lets you boost your large-format e-liquid to 3 or 6 mg/ml of nicotine. For a 50 ml e-liquid, adding one nicotine booster will give you 3 mg/ml, while two nicotine boosters will transform your e-liquid into 6 mg/ml.

The propylene glycol / vegetable glycerine ratio has a strong influence on the vape.

• An e-liquid rich in propylene glycol or PG (70/30, 80/20) enhances the hit, the precision of the flavours, and a discreet vape. The e-liquid will be fluid and compatible only with MTL equipment with a tight draw, to avoid leaks.
• An e-liquid rich in vegetable glycerine or VG (30/70) produces more vapour and cloud, with a smoother, sweeter sensation. This thicker e-liquid is compatible with sub-ohm or shisha-type electronic cigarettes, producing large clouds of vapour at high wattage.

The choice therefore depends on the wattage and compatibility with your electronic cigarette. If in doubt, the most common ratio remains 50/50 PG/VG. Balanced, it allows versatile use across MTL, RDL, and light DTL electronic cigarette models (between approximately 15 and 40 watts).

E-liquids with a vegetable base or with Végétol replace traditional propylene glycol. They are often gentler on the throat, better tolerated by vapers who are sensitive to PG, and offer a smoother vape without compromising on flavour. However, they should be used in MTL with a low wattage (minimum 30 watts) to avoid the risk of leaking and to preserve the quality of the product.

Yes, CBD e-liquids are designed for vaping and generally contain no nicotine. They offer a different sensation, focused on relaxation, with no addictive effect. They should be used at moderate wattage to preserve the quality of the product. A tight-draw MTL e-cigarette is recommended for use with them.

E-liquids are considered a much healthier alternative to smoked tobacco. They are formulated from certified ingredients that are safe for health, unlike the 7,000 harmful substances found in traditional cigarettes. Nevertheless, to choose a safe e-liquid, a few precautions should be taken, such as purchasing your e-liquid from a recognised retailer like Le Vapoteur Discount, or checking the composition and origin by favouring reputable and regulated brands.

An e-liquid manufactured in France meets strict requirements and European directives regarding traceability, quality control, and safety. As a guarantee of quality and transparency for the consumer, French and European brands generally have their own laboratory for developing their e-liquid formula and are required to have this formulation assessed by an independent laboratory before placing it on the market. All these steps ensure that e-liquids are safe for vapers. These French and European quality standards prohibit undesirable substances and provide a more secure framework for vaping.

To keep your e-liquid for as long as possible and preserve its quality, taste, and colour, store it in its original bottle and ideally away from light, heat, and air. Despite these precautions, the e-liquid may sometimes take on a slightly brown tint. Harmless and safe to use, this colour is due to the oxidation of the nicotine and may also depend on the flavouring used in the e-liquid. It is generally advisable not to keep the same e-liquid in your clearomiser or pod cartridge for more than 5 days if you are not using it, in order to avoid leaks and excessive oxidation.

The DLUO (Best Before Date) or BBD (Best Before Date) is an indicative date. Once the e-liquid's date has passed, it may lose its taste qualities and appearance (colour, fluidity). An e-liquid fresh from the factory will have a BBD of approximately 2 years. Even past the BBD, the e-liquid remains suitable for vaporisation and will not be harmful to health.