Game Over : e-liquides et arômes

An e-liquid (or liquid for electronic cigarette) 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 hit, cloud production, and the overall vaping experience.

An e-liquid generally contains four elements:

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

Some formulas also use alternative plant-based bases (Végétol) for a smoother experience.

An e-liquid with nicotine is intended for vapers who want to replace traditional cigarettes. Nicotine acts on the feeling of satisfaction and limits cravings. E-liquids without nicotine are used either at the end of a quitting process, or purely for the pleasure of vaping, although it is not recommended to vape if you are not a smoker. Choosing the right nicotine level is essential to avoid a bad experience (throat 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 goal is to find a balance between hit, sensation, and vaping comfort, adjusting gradually as needed. We generally recommend a low dosage of 0, 3 or 6 mg/ml of nicotine 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 (1 packet of cigarettes or more). However, this dosage can be adjusted depending on your e-cigarette and your vaping style.

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

A nicotine booster is a concentrated nicotine 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 economical, this solution allows you to 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 glycerin ratio strongly influences the vape.

• An e-liquid rich in propylene glycol or PG (70/30, 80/20) enhances the throat hit, flavour accuracy, and a discreet vape. The e-liquid will be thin and compatible only with MTL equipment with a tight draw to avoid leaks.
• An e-liquid rich in vegetable glycerin 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 hookah-style e-cigarettes, producing large vapour clouds at high wattage.

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

E-liquids with a vegetable base or Végétol 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 with a low wattage (minimum 30 watts) to avoid the risk of leaks and preserve the quality of the product.

Yes, CBD e-liquids are designed for vaping and generally do not contain nicotine. They offer a different sensation, focused on relaxation, without any addictive effect. They should be used at a 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 ingredients certified as 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 studied 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 preserve your e-liquid for as long as possible and maintain its quality, taste and colour, you should keep it in its original bottle and ideally away from light, heat and air. Despite these precautions, the e-liquid may take on a slightly brown tint. Safe and fit for consumption, this colour is due to the oxidation of nicotine and may also depend on the flavouring used in the e-liquid. It is generally recommended not to keep the same e-liquid for more than 5 days in your clearomiser or pod cartridge if you are not using it, in order to avoid leaks and excessive oxidation.

The DLUO (Date Limite d'Utilisation Optimale) 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 straight from the factory will have a BBD of approximately 2 years. Even past the BBD, the e-liquid remains suitable for vaping and will not be harmful to health.