E-liquid that turns yellow: is it normal?

Nicotine colors e-liquids

We know you are probably wondering what is happening with your e-liquid contained in your vape device. You may have noticed that it is taking on a strange color, and you are wondering if that is normal. The answer is yes, it is completely normal, and here is why:

Nicotine is naturally yellowish in color and, over time, it gives your e-liquid a slight orange tint. The higher the nicotine level, the darker the color of the e-cigarette e-liquid. Nicotine-free e-liquids (0 mg/ml) will retain their original transparent color, except for e-liquids whose flavors are naturally colored.

E-liquids do not like sun and heat

As you know, our goal is to help you get the most out of your vaping experience. That is why we recommend not leaving your e-liquid bottles or your e-cigarette in the sun (including near the windows of a house).

You see, nicotine and flavors do not really like UV rays, and they tend to darken when exposed to them for too long. And this happens quickly! In just 24 hours, your e-liquid can go from a beautiful golden color to a deep brownish black.

The same reaction occurs if your e-liquids are stored or exposed to heat. Do not store your e-liquids in your trouser pockets or near heat sources (radiator, kitchen, fireplace, etc.). Always keep your e-liquids in a place protected from natural light and at room temperature so that they do not oxidize prematurely.

The fault of certain flavors and additives

Have you noticed that the color of your e-liquid has changed?

There is nothing abnormal with your liquid, it is just a normal part of the aging process. Some flavors and additives tend to darken more than others over time. This is particularly the case for vanilla, hazelnut, raspberry, maple, classic tobacco, chocolate, and many fruit flavors (especially banana). Among the many molecules that make up these flavors, the vanillin molecule is often responsible for the yellow to brown coloring of e-liquids. This phenomenon is accentuated when combined with high nicotine levels.

Poor cleaning of your clearomizer and your coil

If you have noticed a color change in your e-liquid, it is possible that your clearomizer and/or your coil are dirty.
The cotton inside your coils can also be responsible for the color change of your e-liquid. Indeed, after a few refills, it retains traces of the flavors of your e-liquids.

To solve this problem, nothing could be simpler! All you need to do is regularly replace your coil with a new one. This is a step we recommend doing every 2 to 3 weeks at most. However, certain ranges of e-liquid, especially the "dessert" ones, tend to clog the cotton faster than other ranges. It will therefore be necessary to change the coil of your e-cigarette more frequently if you vape this type of e-liquid.

Also make sure to clean all parts of your clearomizer when changing the coil. If you have opted for a pod or a slim and flat e-cigarette, you will then need to replace the cartridge entirely if the coil is integrated into it. Indeed, some impurities and residues may remain in your clearomizer despite changing the e-cigarette coil. Perform a complete disassembly of your clearomizer/atomizer and clean them with hot water before drying them (with absorbent paper).