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FAQ
An e-liquid (or vape liquid) is the product that creates vapour when heated by the coil of an e-cigarette. Unlike traditional cigarettes, there is no combustion. E-liquid consists of a base (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine), flavourings, and optionally nicotine. It determines the taste, throat hit, cloud production, and overall vaping experience.
An e-liquid generally contains four ingredients:
- propylene glycol (PG), which carries the flavours, enhances the throat hit, and delivers a sensation close to a cigarette;
- vegetable glycerine (VG), responsible for vapour production and cloud density;
- flavourings, which provide the taste (fruity, mint, tobacco, dessert, ice…);
- nicotine, optional, which helps manage cravings for vapers in the process of quitting.
Some formulas also use alternative plant bases (Végétol) for added smoothness.
An e-liquid with nicotine is intended for vapers looking to replace traditional cigarettes. Nicotine provides satisfaction and curbs cravings. Nicotine-free e-liquids are used either at the end of the quitting process or purely for the pleasure of vaping, although vaping is not recommended for non-smokers. Choosing the right nicotine strength is essential to avoid an unpleasant 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. Too low a strength can lead to frustration and relapse, while too high a strength can cause throat discomfort. The goal is to find a balance between throat hit, sensation, and vaping comfort, even if you need to adjust gradually. A low dosage of 0, 3, or 6 mg/ml of nicotine is generally recommended for light or occasional smokers (fewer than 7 cigarettes a day), and a higher dosage of 20 mg/ml in nicotine salts for heavy smokers (1 pack of cigarettes or more). However, this dosage can be tailored to your electronic cigarette and 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 strengths. Nicotine salt e-liquids are particularly well suited to beginners, former heavy smokers, and low-power MTL starter kits. Nicotine salts are available in various strengths. The most popular and effective is 20 mg/ml, ideal for heavy smokers. However, a 10 mg/ml strength will work very well for regular or occasional smokers.
A nicotine booster is a bottle of concentrated nicotine designed to be added to a shortfill e-liquid. It allows you to adjust the final nicotine strength depending on the quantity added. Flexible and cost-effective, this solution lets you boost your shortfill e-liquid to 3 or 6 mg/ml of nicotine. For a 50 ml e-liquid, adding one nicotine booster will yield 3 mg/ml, while two nicotine boosters will turn your e-liquid into 6 mg/ml.
The propylene glycol / vegetable glycerine ratio strongly influences the vaping experience.
- An e-liquid high in propylene glycol or PG (70/30, 80/20) enhances the throat hit, flavour precision and a discreet vape. The e-liquid will be thin and only compatible with tight-draw MTL devices to prevent leaks.
- An e-liquid high in vegetable glycerine or VG (30/70) produces more vapour and clouds, with a smoother, sweeter sensation. This thicker e-liquid will be compatible with sub-ohm or shisha-style e-cigarettes, producing large vapour clouds at high power.
The choice therefore depends on the power output and compatibility with your e-cigarette. When in doubt, the most common ratio remains 50/50 PG/VG. Well-balanced, it allows versatile use across MTL, RDL and light DTL e-cigarette models (around 15 to 40 watts).
Plant-based or Végétol e-liquids replace traditional propylene glycol. They are often gentler on the throat, better tolerated by vapers sensitive to PG, and offer a smoother vape without compromising on flavour. However, they should be used in MTL setups at low wattage (maximum 30 watts) to avoid leaking risks and 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, without addictive effects. They must be used at moderate wattage to preserve product quality. An MTL electronic cigarette with a tight draw is best suited for them.
E-liquids are considered a far healthier alternative to smoked tobacco. They are formulated from certified ingredients that pose no risk to 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 tested brands.
An e-liquid made in France complies with strict requirements and European directives regarding traceability, testing, and safety. A guarantee of quality and transparency for consumers, French and European brands generally have their own laboratory for developing their e-liquid formulas and are required to have this formulation analysed by an independent laboratory prior to placing it on the market. These numerous steps ensure 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, flavour, and colour, keep 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. Completely safe and fit for consumption, this colour change is due to the oxidation of nicotine and can also depend on the flavouring used in the e-liquid. It is generally advised not to leave the same e-liquid in your clearomiser or pod cartridge for more than 5 days if unused, to prevent leaks and excessive oxidation.
The best-before date (BBD) or minimum durability date is indicative. Once the date on the e-liquid has passed, it may lose some of its flavour quality and change in appearance (colour, viscosity). A fresh e-liquid straight from the factory will have a shelf life of around 2 years. Even past its best-before date, the e-liquid remains suitable for vaping and is not harmful to health.