To start vaping, which e-liquid should you choose?
For several years, the electronic cigarette has been a leading tool in smoking cessation and is the most widely used method by French people in their efforts to quit smoking.
This popularity is due to the wide variety of e-liquids for electronic cigarettes available on the vaping market.
The e-liquid is the fuel of the e-cigarette which, once vaporized, reproduces the effects of a real cigarette and thus helps to relieve the craving associated with stopping tobacco consumption.
It is true that given the multitude of e-liquid flavor choices, it can sometimes be very complicated to choose your first e-liquid that will allow you to start your smoking cessation journey. Choosing the right e-liquid to begin vaping is important for successfully achieving a gradual cessation of smoking.
At Le Vapoteur Discount, you will find the most in-demand e-liquids, as well as those most recommended by former smokers, ideal for starting a beginner vaping experience. Le Vapoteur Discount also offers its beginner packs tailored to your consumption as a former tobacco user, including a beginner electronic cigarette kit accompanied by multiple flavors, sometimes best-sellers recommended by new vapers who were formerly smokers.
What are the 3 fundamental rules to follow when choosing your first e-liquid?
Several components come into play when choosing your first e-liquid:
- Choosing the e-liquid flavor
- Choosing the nicotine level in the e-liquid
- Choosing the e-liquid composition: the PG/VG percentage (propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin)
When choosing your e-liquid, we of course recommend following your own desires and preferences, as an e-liquid may be enjoyed by some people but not necessarily be a favorite for others — it is up to you to form your own opinion.
However, when choosing the composition of your e-liquid, you will need to take into account your electronic equipment: clearomizer and/or coils, in order to avoid e-liquid leaks or clogging of your coil.
What nicotine level should I choose if I am a beginner?
The nicotine level corresponds to the concentration of nicotine present in your e-liquid. For beginners in vaping, finding the level that suits them can sometimes be complex, even though it is decisive in quitting smoking and in defining the "hit" appropriate to your consumption. The nicotine level in e-liquids is always expressed in mg/ml.
The "hit" comes from the English expression "throat hit" — it refers to the sensation felt in the throat when smoking tobacco. It is an effect sought when vaping by former smokers. Using an electronic cigarette can help recreate this sensation through the composition of your e-liquid: the nicotine level + the Propylene Glycol level.
Choosing the right nicotine level also means knowing what to pick: a nicotine level that is too low will not satisfy your nicotine needs, while conversely a nicotine level that is too high will cause you unwanted symptoms, such as headaches or even nausea. Generally, these symptoms are a sign that your nicotine level is too high, which will also result in too strong a hit with a severe cough every time you vape.
To assess the nicotine level you need, there is the Fagerström test, which consists of evaluating your tobacco dependence. Based on the result of your test, we recommend a nicotine level suited to your needs.
The recommended level is one you should try out for yourself — you may choose to lower or increase your nicotine level once you have done your tests.
different nicotine levels and their corresponding hit sensations:
- 0mg level: Not nicotine-containing — No hit
- 3mg level: Low nicotine content — Light throat hit
- 6 mg level: Medium nicotine with strong throat hit
- 12 mg level: High nicotine with very strong throat hit
- 18mg level: Very high nicotine content — Powerful throat hit
For hits, if you find that your e-cigarette does not provide enough, you need to choose a liquid with a higher nicotine level. And conversely, if it is a little too strong, simply reduce the nicotine level.
Depending on my electronic cigarette or my coils, which nicotine level should I choose?
Nicotine release varies depending on the e-cigarette models, based on the power they deliver. The higher the power, the more the nicotine level will need to be reduced.
Below are Vapoteur Discount's recommendations for choosing your nicotine level based on your smoker profile and the 3 families of electronic cigarettes.
If you are an occasional smoker consuming an average of fewer than 10 cigarettes per day:
- Box Kit: choose a nicotine level of 3 mg/ml
- Pod Kit: choose a nicotine level of 6 mg/ml
- Tube Kit: choose a nicotine level of 6 mg/ml
If you are a moderate smoker consuming an average of 10 to 20 cigarettes per day:
- Box Kit: choose a nicotine level of 6 mg/ml
- Pod Kit: choose a nicotine level of 12 mg/ml
- Tube Kit: choose a nicotine level of 12 mg/ml
If you are a heavy smoker consuming an average of more than 20 cigarettes per day:
- Box Kit: choose a nicotine level of 12 mg/ml
- Pod Kit: choose a nicotine level of 16 mg/ml
- Tube Kit: choose a nicotine level of 16 mg/ml
At Le Vapoteur Discount, we offer different packs based on your consumption habits.
How to maintain an optimal nicotine level?
In order to keep your nicotine level at an optimal level, you will need to follow several fundamental rules for the proper storage of your e-liquid, namely:
- Keep your e-cigarette liquid bottles away from light: UV rays accelerate maturation and thus cause an alteration in color and flavor.
- Keep your bottles away from heat: heat can make your e-liquid too runny, which will tend to cause leaks in your device during vaporization. Another equally important issue: heat will accelerate the oxidation of your e-liquid and thus lead to a loss of nicotine potency. This can be detrimental to your smoking cessation process, as a nicotine level that is too low could cause you to relapse into smoking real cigarettes.
- Keep your bottles away from extreme cold: unlike the previous point, a very low temperature will tend to solidify the Vegetable Glycerin, making your e-liquid unusable until it returns to room temperature. However, cold does not alter the flavor or nicotine content of your liquid in any way; on the contrary, it slows down its maturation and preserves its properties for longer.
- Keep your bottles capped: contact with air, just like heat, accelerates the oxidation and maturation process, thereby degrading the flavors and nicotine.
How do I know how many nicotine e-liquids I will consume based on my cigarette consumption?
We provide you with our e-liquid consumption calculator, which will give you an estimate of your monthly e-liquid consumption, based on your tobacco demand and your nicotine level. With the result found, you will then have an idea of the volume of e-liquids you will need each month to satisfy your nicotine needs.
Please note that the results of this calculator will give you an estimate, but will in no way provide you with standardized data. You will very likely feel that you are vaping more than you used to smoke; this feeling is perfectly normal and common, since the nicotine in an e-liquid delivers less satiety than that contained in a real cigarette.
No need to worry — this is in no way a sign of its ineffectiveness. During your first phase of smoking cessation, you will simply need to vape more frequently in order to achieve a complete stop.
In plain terms:
- If you still have nicotine cravings, then increase your nicotine dosage.
- If symptoms such as a cough or headaches appear, reduce the dosage to find the right one.
- No nicotine cravings or particular symptoms — then you have found the dosage that suits your consumption.
Which e-liquid flavor should I choose if I am just starting out?
Finding your e-liquid holds no secret — you just have to try! For some beginner vapers, flavors closest to tobacco are preferred; for others, fruity, dessert, or menthol ranges help them forget the taste of tobacco.
What is the best Classic-flavored e-liquid to start vaping?
Tobacco flavors, more generally referred to as "Classic" flavors, are most of the time the preferred flavors for starting vaping, as they are reminiscent of the taste of tobacco.
But bear in mind that you should not expect to find the same taste as your cigarettes, even though some e-liquids imitate them almost perfectly. Indeed, there is no combustion in an e-cigarette, and that changes everything.
Here are the best classic e-liquids from Vapoteur Discount to start vaping:
The best approach is to try and sample several flavors in order to determine which one suits you best.
What is the best mint-flavored e-liquid to start vaping?
The family of mint flavors has the advantage of being more neutral in taste while providing freshness, which noticeably increases the "hit". The mint flavor is therefore interesting for vapers opting for a low nicotine level.
The choice of your mint e-liquid will also depend on the strength of the mint you desire, with some preferring a mild mint over a stronger one.
Here are the different mint flavor variations from Vapoteur Discount:
- Xtrem Fresh — Le Vapoteur Discount: a completely icy mint that will refresh your mind.
- Arctic Mint — Pulp: straight from the mountains of the Arctic, discover the ultra-refreshing flavor of a powerful mint.
- Menthe Fraîche - Alfaliquid, a best seller in the world of vaping, enjoy in this e-liquid the softness of green mint combined with menthol leaves.
- Spearmint — Flavour Power: soft spearmint leaves for a flavor worthy of the famous Hollywood chewing gum.
- Green Tea with Mint — Tasty Collection By Liquid'arom: if you are a fan of Moroccan nahnah tea, this e-liquid is made for you!
Several options are available for mint flavors depending on the strength or freshness you are looking for. Do not hesitate to contact our customer service team to help guide you in your choice.
What other e-liquid flavors exist for electronic cigarettes?
There are other e-liquid flavors, for example the fruity e-liquid range or the gourmet range.
Fruity e-liquids:
The fruity e-liquids are generally chosen to move away from the taste of tobacco, offering a wide variety of flavors such as red berries, peach/apricot, pineapple, apple, lemon, and many more to discover in our e-liquid ranges Le Vapoteur Discount, The Raid and Fruity Fresh at the best price.
As you will have gathered, within the range of fruity e-liquids, the choice is vast, allowing you to move from one taste to another without ever tiring of discovering new flavors.
We have selected a few flavors for you:
- The Peach Apricot e-liquid from Vapoteur Discount, a 100% fruity concentrate of sweet and generously sweet nectarines.
- The Red Berries e-liquid from Le Vapoteur Discount — a faithful companion for e-liquid enthusiasts who love strawberry, raspberry, cherry, or blackberry flavors.
- The Apple e-liquid from D'lice — a perfectly balanced e-liquid combining the tartness of Granny Smith apple with the sweetness of fructose.
Dessert e-liquids:
For the majority of vapers, dessert e-liquids are the most flavorful with their sweet and smooth taste. This type of e-liquid generally contains a little more vegetable glycerin (VG), which gives it the rounder, sweeter character that vapers appreciate so much. You will find many complex recipes in this range, incorporating a wide variety of flavors such as vanilla and popcorn, puffed rice white chocolate nougat, or mille-feuille.
There are of course more common flavors such as bubble gum, vanilla, caramel, cola, and energy drink.
A wide choice is therefore available to you; to help you, here are some e-liquids offered by Vapoteur Discount:
- The Café Mocha e-liquid - Le Vapoteur Discount, a delicious coffee combined with a hint of creamy milk and a touch of crunchy hazelnut.
- The Speculoos e-liquid - Le Vapoteur Discount, an almost perfect imitation of the famous crunchy and generously sweet biscuit.
- The Bubble Gum e-liquid — Le Vapoteur Discount: rediscover in this e-liquid the flavor of the famous all-pink chewing gum so beloved in our childhood.
Dessert e-liquids are of course available in several nicotine levels or without nicotine.
How do I choose my PG/VG ratio if I am a beginner?
Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, indicated on bottles by the designations (PG — propylene glycol and VG — vegetable glycerin), are the main components of e-liquid. More commonly referred to as the "base," they make up more than 80% of the final e-liquid blend.
Each of the two components plays a specific role: propylene glycol, by its nature, makes the e-liquid more fluid — it is colorless and odorless. It will therefore help bring out the flavor of your liquid and promote the "hit," which is the throat sensation caused by nicotine during vaping.
Vegetable glycerin, just like propylene glycol, is odorless and colorless — the only difference is that it is thicker and has a higher viscosity than propylene glycol. It allows you to produce more vapor; if you want to increase your vapor volume, this is the component to adjust.
The propylene glycol and glycerin ratio shown on bottles indicates the percentage of each of the two elements making up the blend; the sum is always equal to 100%.
This is why there are different ratios such as 50PG/50VG — 70PG/30VG — 80PG/20VG.
The ratio will play a role in the final feel of your electronic cigarette liquid and in how your cigarette operates.
Propylene glycol promotes the "hit" — the throat contraction sensation sought by former tobacco cigarette smokers. The higher the PG ratio in your e-liquid, the more pronounced the sensation will be. The vapor produced by propylene glycol is quite similar to that produced by a tobacco cigarette.
This is why it is generally recommended, when starting out in vaping, to choose a base or e-liquid with a higher PG ratio than VG (60/40 PG/VG; 70/30 PG/VG; 80/20 PG/VG). A PG/VG ratio of 50/50 is ideal for beginner vapers and for those who find the "hit" uncomfortable.
Please note that if you choose a vegetable glycerin level above 50%, it will not be compatible with all types of electronic cigarettes and coils.
Based on my electronic cigarette or my coils, what PG/VG ratio should I choose?
The PG/VG ratio you choose will depend on the type of e-cigarette selected, as the coils in e-cigarettes are designed to work with a specific PG/VG ratio. Failing to respect this ratio will cause functional and olfactory issues, such as a burnt smell and taste as well as leaks from your coil, which will shorten the lifespan of your coil and result in a poor vaping experience.
For clearomizers using indirect-inhalation coils, it is preferable to use an e-liquid with a propylene glycol (PG) content of 50% or more to extend its lifespan. Below this level, vegetable glycerin being viscous, the liquid may not be fluid enough, which will cause an unpleasant taste, more commonly known as the "dry hit" (burnt taste).
Conversely, for direct-inhalation clearomizers, you will need to pair an e-liquid with a vegetable glycerin (VG) content of 50% or more. Since the coils are larger, a higher viscosity is required. Indeed, with a VG level of 50% or more, you will also produce more vapor.
The PG/VG ratios are indicated on the product pages — these details will tell you which PG/VG ratios are suitable for your device. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact our customer service team, available by phone, SMS, or via the online chat.
I have a beginner vaper e-cigarette kit — what PG/VG ratio should I choose?
For beginner e-cigarette kits, we recommend using a propylene glycol (PG) level higher than the vegetable glycerin (VG) level — for example 70PG/30VG or 80PG/20VG.
This allows for sufficient vapor production and good diffusion of flavors and the felt "Hit." A VG level above 50% should be avoided for beginner kits.
What are the sources of risk when consuming e-liquids?
Let us recall the different components of e-liquids: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavoring, and nicotine.
Propylene glycol (PG), when consumed by inhalation, has very low toxicity. Some vapers occasionally have difficulty tolerating propylene, and will therefore need to opt for a higher vegetable glycerin level to address this issue. Note that in very rare recorded cases, some people may be allergic to propylene glycol.
Do not panic — this does not mean that these people will never be able to use an electronic cigarette as a means of smoking cessation. Indeed, there is an alternative to Propylene Glycol derived from petrochemicals: Vegetable Mono Propylene Glycol, sourced 100% from natural and plant-based origins, for which no allergies have ever been recorded.
Regarding vegetable glycerin (VG), just like propylene glycol (PG), this component has very low toxicity. In most cases, vapers tolerate vegetable glycerin very well.
Nicotine is of course essential for effective smoking cessation. Contrary to popular belief, it is not carcinogenic and is not responsible for the dangers associated with tobacco consumption. In fact, many foods you consume daily contain nicotine, including tomatoes, eggplants, cauliflower, and potatoes.
On the other hand, nicotine increases sensitivity to stress, as well as your blood pressure and heart rate. For effective cessation, it is therefore important to adopt a nicotine level suited to your consumption.
The last ingredient in the liquid is the flavoring. Information on this component is limited; we know that flavorings are used in cooking recipes, and there is much more hindsight on their effects, since the product is ingested rather than inhaled.
The data available to us indicates that flavorings, once heated, can produce a toxic substance called "aldehydes," which results from the thermal degradation of the product.
If you have any doubts about the dosage of your e-liquid and the distribution of flavorings, one clue can point you in the right direction. Indeed, the shorter the lifespan of your coil, the more your recipe will be too heavily dosed in flavorings. An overdose of flavorings causes a brown film to appear on your coil as well as a burnt taste and smell. Most of the time, it is e-liquids with sweet notes that can cause this inconvenience.
How to reduce risks when choosing an e-liquid?
To minimize risks, you should choose an e-liquid with one or two flavorings. Indeed, the more flavorings there are in an e-liquid, the more elements there are that can cause chemical reactions. Where possible, avoid e-liquids with creamy, menthol, or overly sweet flavors, as these are mostly obtained through additives.
The aim being to stop smoking regular cigarettes, these precautions should not hinder your choice of future e-liquid.
Preventing risks also means choosing a quality e-liquid. To that end, manufacturers — and particularly French manufacturers — are very transparent about the composition of their e-liquids. You can find compositions and certifications directly on the manufacturer's website or on the product pages of items available online at Le Vapoteur Discount.
Finally, the most logical approach is to limit your e-liquid consumption in order to avoid exposure to potentially toxic substances. It is therefore also preferable to choose indirect inhalation rather than trying to produce a large amount of vapor.
How to choose the safest e-liquids possible?
In order to be sold, an e-liquid must first be declared by manufacturers and importers. In France, the body responsible for collecting and processing this information is called the ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety). In France, there is also the AFNOR standard, which guarantees to consumers the composition of e-liquids and thereby offers safer products with non-harmful ingredients. E-liquids with an AFNOR standard are checked on the following points:
- No presence of synthetic nicotine
- No presence of carcinogenic, toxic, or mutagenic substances
- No substances likely to release formaldehyde (formaldehyde is a chemical substance that at room temperature takes the form of a colorless, suffocating, and flammable gas)
- Food-grade quality for alcohol and flavorings
- Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, glycerol, and nicotine
- No energizing or medicinal substances
With these elements, it is therefore estimated that e-liquids manufactured in France are the most transparent and most rigorously controlled in terms of their composition. They are therefore to be favored by vapers who want better traceability of their e-liquids.
What rules should be followed to avoid risks when choosing my e-liquid?
Here are some rules to follow if you want to reduce the risks of vaping an e-liquid:
Always choose a quality e-liquid — to do so, find out about the e-liquid's composition, its place of manufacture, and its certifications. You can simply contact the after-sales service or the manufacturers directly. Note that Made in France e-liquid manufacturers are very transparent about the composition of their products.
Next, try to choose an e-liquid with as few flavorings as possible. The more flavorings there are in your e-liquid, the more chemical reactions will occur. Opt for single flavorings or a maximum of two.
This should of course not deter you from consuming e-liquids; on the contrary, the goal is to forget about regular cigarettes. An e-liquid always remains far less harmful than a tobacco cigarette.
And finally, it goes without saying that you will need to manage your consumption of e-liquids for electronic cigarettes. The more you consume, the greater the exposure to potentially toxic substances will be. To this end, it will be preferable to opt for a smaller quantity of vapor rather than seeking to produce large amounts of smoke. You will also need to choose your nicotine level carefully to avoid under-dosing and therefore vaping more.
Everything you need to know about the composition of an e-liquid.
An e-liquid contains several components; here is the list of these elements:
- The PG/VG neutral base, which represents 80 to 90% of the e-liquid. Containing propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG).
- Flavorings, for their part, can represent between 3 and 15% of the liquid's content. The composition of flavorings can be of natural or synthetic origin, or a subtle blend of both.
- Nicotine accounts for between 0 and 2% of the e-liquid content. It is expressed in mg/ml on the bottles and ranges from 0 mg/ml to 18 mg/ml.
- Demineralized water, for its part, most often comprising between 0 and 5%, serves to make the liquid more fluid by counteracting the viscosity of the vegetable glycerin.
- Ethyl alcohol shares the same characteristic as demineralized water in that it serves to thin the e-liquid while promoting vaporization. Like demineralized water, it accounts for between 0 and 5% of the liquid.
What is the nicotine in my e-cigarette liquid and what is its role?
The nicotine contained in an e-liquid helps the smoker alleviate cravings caused by tobacco withdrawal. Nicotine absorption from an e-liquid occurs mainly through the oral mucosa and the respiratory tract, representing approximately 15% of total absorption. This absorption is therefore lower and more diffuse than with a tobacco cigarette.
To compare with cigarette smoke, a large amount of nicotine is released with each puff. Nicotine absorption is much faster through the pulmonary route, which causes spikes in blood nicotine concentration with each puff taken on a tobacco cigarette.
Nicotine affects the "hit" — the throat sensation sought by former cigarette smokers. The higher your nicotine dosage, the more you will experience this sensation. Conversely, the lower your dosage, the less noticeable the hit will be. In some cases, the chosen nicotine level suits vapers perfectly. If the hit does not feel strong enough, simply increase the propylene glycol content in your e-liquid to achieve a stronger hit sensation.
As we mentioned previously, the purpose of nicotine in an e-liquid is to contribute to effective smoking cessation. The important thing is to always have a sufficient nicotine dose to successfully quit tobacco.
At the start, you will feel like you are vaping non-stop — this is normal, as the nicotine inhaled with an electronic cigarette is between 5 and 10 times lower than that inhaled with a tobacco cigarette. You will therefore need to vape more to satisfy the craving; over time, your consumption will decrease until it reaches a stable rhythm.
How to reduce your nicotine intake over the course of your smoking cessation?
To reduce your nicotine level, you will need to reduce the nicotine dosage. To do this, you need to learn to listen to your body: if you lower your usual dosage and the nicotine craving becomes too strong, it means it is still too early to reduce your level.
Once you switch to a lower dosage, the lack of hit may be felt. To address this, simply adjust your base with a higher propylene glycol (PG) ratio or reduce the power of your coils.
What precautions should be taken when handling and consuming an e-liquid containing nicotine?
Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which is a toxic substance if ingested. For this reason, certain precautions must be taken to mitigate potential risks.
Always keep e-liquids out of reach of children and animals. Ideally in a cupboard or a high-up drawer that can be closed.
Be careful about nicotine overdose — if the dosage is far too high, certain symptoms may appear: headaches, nausea, dizziness. If this happens, immediately stop consuming your e-liquid and consult a doctor.
In case of skin contact, rinse thoroughly with clean water. In case of accidental ingestion: also rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean water and contact a poison control center or a doctor. Keep the vial with you, as its contents may be requested by medical personnel.
What are the flavorings or concentrates found in an e-liquid?
The main role of flavoring in an e-liquid is to give it its taste. There are several types of flavorings:
Natural flavorings: they are made exclusively from natural raw materials that undergo a clearly defined transformation process.
Artificial flavorings: it is not always easy to reproduce a natural flavor, which is why there are flavorings made from synthetic molecules designed to come as close as possible to a desired taste.
We find them in the following categories: flavors, beverages, desserts, fruity, classics, and menthol.
The concentrate in an e-liquid is defined as a blend of flavorings. It is primarily a component favored by vapers who use DIY. We find concentrates in several categories: fruity concentrates, gourmet, classic, mentholated, and many others.
What is the PG/VG base?
The PG/VG base is the main component of the e-liquid, accounting on its own for 80 to 90% of the e-liquid's content. It is made up of several elements: water, sometimes but rarely alcohol (in small quantities), propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The two PG/VG components have the particular property of vaporizing at low temperature.
What is PG/VG?
Propylene glycol, most often found under the abbreviation (PG), is a slightly viscous liquid. It is colorless and has virtually no odor, and has the particular property of absorbing moisture from the air.
It also helps fix the flavorings, which gives a better rendering of the flavors as well as a more pronounced "hit". Propylene glycol is rapidly broken down by our body; it is moreover not classified as toxic or carcinogenic.
Vegetable glycerin is indicated on bottles by the abbreviation (VG). It is thanks to vegetable glycerin that we produce vapor. This ingredient is used in many industries: food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and many others.
In its liquid form, it is colorless like propylene glycol, odorless, and viscous with a slightly sweet flavor — it is what gives the e-liquid all its thickness. The question of the toxicity of vegetable glycerin is not raised by experts; some information suggests that it could be harmful above a temperature of 280 degrees Celsius. If that were the case, since e-liquids never reach this temperature, they are therefore not affected. Vegetable glycerin therefore remains harmless to health.
What are the different PG/VG compositions found in an e-liquid?
There are several PG/VG ratios:
The 50/50 ratio: e-liquids with a 50PG/50VG ratio are the most balanced — they provide good vapor production and a light hit, and are compatible with small, low-powered e-cigarette models using direct inhalation.
80/20 PG/VG base: The vapor will be dense, while the flavors and throat hit will be less pronounced. This e-liquid will be fairly thick and viscous, and clogs coils more quickly.
The 20/80 ratio: With this type of e-liquid with a high VG ratio, you will need to equip yourself with a powerful electronic cigarette with a very good battery. The quantity of vapor is abundant and the type of draw must be airy, in direct inhalation. A clearomizer and sub-ohm atomizers are required.
The 0/100 ratio: Unlike a PG/VG 100/00 e-liquid, it will be the best friend of Cloud Chasing enthusiasts looking for large clouds of smoke. Indeed, this type of liquid produces a large amount of very dense vapor that hangs in the air. On the other hand, it will be less suited to lovers of fine flavors and a strong hit (passage of vapor in the throat), as it tends to diminish them.
Note that a high VG composition will not be suitable for all electronic devices given its viscous nature, which tends to clog coils. You will therefore need to choose an e-cigarette kit compatible with your 0/100 PG/VG base.
Le Vapoteur Discount advises you to exercise great caution when using this type of base — highly heated pure vegetable glycerin (above 150 degrees) produces acrolein. This molecule, present in real cigarette smoke, can be toxic and potentially carcinogenic.
The 70/30 ratio: This is the most optimized e-liquid available. The vapor and flavor output are harmonious. This liquid is compatible with all clearomizers and coils, making it perfect for versatile vaping.
The 100/00 ratio: This e-cigarette liquid will deliver the best flavor from your flavorings as well as the best nicotine retention. The hit (throat sensation) will therefore be very pronounced; on the other hand, this e-liquid will not be the best choice for high vapor production — on the contrary, vapor output will remain very low.
Note that a high PG composition will not be suitable for all electronic devices, and you will need to choose a clearomizer and coils that are compatible with its very fluid composition.
Le Vapoteur Discount also recommends staying well hydrated, as Propylene Glycol tends to cause dehydration.
What are the different e-liquid formats in the world of vaping?
Several formats are available; the most common being the 10 ml format, which is the one most consumed by vapers. Easy to carry in a pocket, it is the ideal format for recharging your e-cigarette quickly and easily.
For larger formats, e-liquids are available in several volumes: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml. These are much less convenient to carry, but allow you to stock up on a larger quantity of liquid rather than having to monitor your supply of 10 ml bottles.
The different types of e-liquids?
There are several types of e-liquid, so let us go over the different variations:
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Standard e-liquid:
With a capacity of 10ml, it is the most common format. Offering a ready-to-vape e-liquid, it contains all the components of an e-liquid: the base, the flavoring, and the nicotine. All that remains is to choose the nicotine level, ranging from 0mg to 16 or 18 mg depending on the brand.
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The végétol e-liquid:
Végétol is a 100% plant-based component derived from the food industry, where it is used to protect certain moisture-sensitive foods. This e-liquid also serves as a replacement for propylene glycol (PG) derived from petrochemicals, which can be problematic for some vapers. Its particular characteristic is that it vaporizes at the same temperature as nicotine, which provides better nicotine inhalation.
Is there such a thing as a 100% organic or 100% natural e-liquid?
Unfortunately, no — there is no organic or 100% natural e-liquid, simply because an organic certification does not exist in the vaping industry. It is currently still impossible for some components to be produced naturally.
In particular, the nicotine contained in the bottles: to obtain liquid nicotine, it must be extracted by distillation of tobacco leaves, so this process is not naturally possible.
Propylene glycol can also be substituted with vegetable mono propylene glycol or végétol; no organic certification exists for these substitute products.
Food flavorings are not all natural; most of them are of synthetic origin. We have examples of crafted flavors such as gourmet flavors, which cannot exist in nature.
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The "mix & vape" e-liquid:
This is a solution to avoid having to buy e-liquids in small formats, which can quickly become very expensive.
It involves choosing a large-format e-liquid and adding nicotine yourself. According to European tobacco products legislation, an e-liquid of more than 10 ml cannot contain nicotine. To make a mix and vape e-liquid, you will need a large-format e-liquid (by which we mean an e-liquid of at least 20 ml contained in a bottle of up to 70 ml maximum) and one or more nicotine boosters depending on your needs. Once the e-liquid has been chosen, you will need to make your blend with one or more nicotine boosters according to your nicotine requirements.
The nicotine booster is a bottle containing a neutral blend of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin along with a high nicotine concentrate. The nicotine booster combined with the mix & vape e-liquid will dilute to achieve the level you desire.
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The nicotine salt e-liquid:
This e-liquid has the advantage of being absorbed more quickly by the body. It more closely replicates the sensations of a real cigarette, which greatly reduces the cravings associated with tobacco withdrawal. Since nicotine salts are less irritating to the throat, the hit felt is lighter. It is therefore possible to use higher levels without this being uncomfortable for the vaper.
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CBD e-liquid:
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol; unlike THC, it is not a psychotropic substance and is permitted if it contains less than 0.2% THC in its composition. Its composition therefore includes propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin with or without flavorings. The CBD level present in a bottle is expressed in mg/ml to be taken into account when making your choice. Indeed, you could end up with an under-dosed or far too highly dosed e-liquid. The effects of inhaled CBD differ from one vaper to another. For regular use, opt for CBD e-liquids with less than 10 mg/ml. For less regular use, count between 10 and 30 mg/ml. And finally, if you rarely consume it, 30 to 50 mg/ml will be more than sufficient.
Where are e-liquids manufactured?
Some liquids are manufactured in various locations around the globe, such as for example:
Malaysia, where the Full Moon range is produced; Canada with its famous Twelve Monkeys e-liquids; the United States, which offers its Halo e-liquids in France, mainly in classic flavor; England with its best seller Red Astaire by the brand Tjuice; and of course France.
But rest assured, there are also several e-liquid brands manufactured in France, and for some with an Origine France Garantie label. At Le Vapoteur Discount, 90% of the product catalog is French.
Here are a few examples of Made in France brands:
- Le Vapoteur Discount: our e-liquids are certified Origine France Garantie
- Vincent Dans Les Vapes
- Liquideo
- The French Liquide
- Bio France
If you favor French brands, you will obviously have more transparent tracking of the components. In addition, manufacturers will be happy to answer your questions about the ingredients that make up their e-liquids.
What is a Full VG e-liquid?
100% VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids are liquids without propylene glycol (PG). The e-liquid will therefore be much thicker and more viscous; it will primarily focus on the quantity of vapor produced and deliver rounder and more powerful aromas. To use this type of product, you will need suitable equipment, as the coil will be difficult to feed given the high thickness and viscosity.
Standard clearomizers should be avoided with full VG, as this would cause premature deterioration of your vaping equipment. We recommend using wide-bore coils or rebuildable atomizers instead.
Which clearomizer or coils should be used with a full VG e-liquid or one with a high VG ratio?
For full VG e-liquids or those with a high VG ratio, it is advisable to use SUB OHM type atomizers, which have the particular feature of having coils with fairly wide openings. As vegetable glycerin is particularly viscous and thick, robust atomizer heads are needed to vaporize it.
What is the best way to consume e-liquid
First of all, it is important to choose a flavor that suits you and is pleasant on the palate.
Next, you will need to carefully choose your PG/VG ratio based on your coils to avoid clogging them and ending up with a burnt taste (Dry Hit).
Choosing your nicotine level is undoubtedly the most important step for the correct use of your e-liquid. Make sure not to consume too much nicotine at the risk of overdosing, and conversely not to under-dose it at the risk of relapsing into smoking real cigarettes.
Finally, choosing your electronic cigarette based on your level of expertise in the world of vaping will be essential. Make sure to research the different e-cigarette kits thoroughly: kits for beginner vapers, kits for intermediate vapers, or kits for expert vapers.
Vary the pleasures by changing flavors
To avoid always vaping the same flavor, we recommend changing flavors to prevent a certain boredom with the electronic cigarette and being tempted to return to a regular cigarette.
The wide range of flavors available in vaping allows you to discover a huge variety of different tastes, making it easy to be tempted by a new flavor.
Is it possible to mix different e-liquids?
It is of course possible to mix several e-liquids together; however, be careful to mix the product well so that it is homogeneous.
It is also possible to mix identical flavors but with different nicotine levels — you will then obtain an intermediate level between the two chosen levels. For example, if 6 mg is not strong enough but 12 mg is too strong, you can perfectly mix 5 ml of 6 mg e-liquid with 5 ml of 12 mg e-liquid to obtain 9 mg.
Avoid burnt tastes by using a suitable e-liquid
This is an unpleasant sensation that every vaper is likely to experience at least once in their life as an e-liquid consumer.
This phenomenon, more commonly known as Dry Hit, can occur when you have not, or have not sufficiently, soaked your coil with a few drops of e-liquid before reassembling it, leaving the cotton too dry for optimal use.
It may also be that your e-liquid is too viscous, due to too high a concentration of vegetable glycerin, and that your coil is not suited to this composition. Before using your e-liquid, make sure that your coil can be used with your PG/VG ratios.
Watch out for worn-out coils! Indeed, a coil has an average lifespan of about 3 weeks. If this period has been exceeded and you start to notice an unpleasant taste, it is time to replace your coil.
Beware of e-liquids that are too sweet or too rich in flavorings! Gourmet or mentholated e-liquids have a high concentration of flavoring and/or sucralose, which has a strong tendency to clog coils.
How to properly store your e-liquid?
To properly store your e-liquid, you should of course keep it away from daylight, as the components in e-liquids do not respond well to UV rays. The best option is to store your bottles in a box or a drawer.
E-liquid prefers cold to warm temperatures. Heat risks accelerating the aging process, while cold will make your liquid thicker. As you may have gathered, a constant temperature is ideal for your e-liquid — which is why some vapers store their e-liquids in the refrigerator.
However, if your e-liquid has been stored in a refrigerator, remember that once taken out, you should allow the e-liquid a few hours to return to room temperature in order to restore its full fluidity.
You should also take into account oxygen exposure — once the bottle is opened, it will be subject to oxidation. However, do not worry, as this will only affect the color of your e-liquid's contents. The best approach is to finish your bottle before opening another.
How long can I store my e-cigarette liquid?
The shelf life of e-liquids varies depending on whether they have been opened or not; if your liquids have not yet been opened, they can be stored for one to two years if kept under optimal conditions. On the labels of the bottles, a DLUO date (optimal use-by date) is affixed to guide you.
If your e-liquid is sealed and its BBD has passed, do not worry — it is still consumable; however, the flavors will be less intense and the nicotine will lose some of its effectiveness.
For an opened e-liquid, the shelf life is approximately six months; after this period, the effect of the nicotine will be reduced and the color of the liquid may change upon contact with oxygen. The flavors will also be much less noticeable.
What is a BBD?
A DLUO is the optimal use-by date, not to be confused with the DLC (use-by date) which is mainly used for food such as meat and dairy products.
The BBD is a time indicator; once the date shown on the product has passed, it will begin to deteriorate. By deteriorate, we mean a change in the color of the product, a less pronounced taste of one component, or conversely a much more dominant one.
In most cases, the BBD on liquids mainly concerns the deterioration of the flavorings present in the recipe. It is nevertheless always preferable to consume your e-liquids before the BBD expires.
Should e-liquid storage guidelines be followed?
It is generally preferable to store e-liquids in a dry place away from light and at room temperature between 18 and 20°C, and be sure to keep e-liquids out of reach of children and animals. Always close the bottles tightly to prevent air from coming into contact with them and starting an oxidation process. It is advisable to finish your e-liquid within the month following its opening.
What should I do with my empty e-liquid bottles?
There are several types of bottles for the majority of them, whether they are made of plastic or glass. Plastic and glass bottles WITHOUT NICOTINE can go for recycling: plastic bottles should therefore go into the yellow sorting containers, glass ones into the green containers. Be careful however with glass bottles — the cap being made of plastic, the cap must go into the yellow container and the bottle itself into the green container. For bottles containing nicotine in their composition, they must go with regular household waste in your black bin.
Affordable e-liquids at Le Vapoteur Discount
At Le Vapoteur Discount, we strive every day to offer you e-liquids and flavorings of the best possible quality at the best price. That is why you will find a multitude of products at tiered or bulk prices on our website.
How to ensure the quality of an e-liquid for electronic cigarettes?
Le Vapoteur Discount advises you never to purchase e-liquids on the black market or from unofficial websites not recognized as specialists in electronic cigarettes.
When you are about to purchase an e-liquid, make sure it contains absolutely no diacetyl, no paraben, and no ambrox. If these names appear on the label, walk away!
Le Vapoteur Discount also wants to warn you about the presence of acetoin and acetyl propionyl. These two molecules, although less harmful than the ones previously mentioned, increase the reaction rate of diacetyl and should therefore be avoided.
In plain terms:
- Diacetyl: harmful and dangerous chemical that should not be inhaled
- Paraben: often found in shampoos, it is an endocrine disruptor that increases the risk of cancer
- Ambrox: it reproduces the smell of tobacco, but it is a substance not intended to be inhaled
- Acetoin: belongs to the family of allergens very often present in perfumes
- Diacetone: belongs to the chemical family and is used as an additive
- Acetyl Propionyl: it reproduces the taste of flavor notes, but it is a substance not intended to be inhaled
In conclusion, make sure your e-liquid does not contain any of the substances mentioned above. An e-liquid should be composed solely of propylene glycol or vegetable mono propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, synthetic, natural or food-grade flavoring, and pure or vaping-grade nicotine.
Le Vapoteur Discount recommends turning to well-known European brands, with Origine France Garantie certification such as the TB USA - Le Vapoteur Discount or those holding the AFNOR standard. These e-liquids are products manufactured in France that have undergone a range of health tests and checks.