California Queen 50 ml - Ben Northon

An e-liquid (or liquid for e-cigarettes) is the product that generates vapour when heated by the coil of an e-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 is what determines the taste, throat sensation, 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 glycerine (VG), responsible for the vapour and the density of the cloud;
• flavourings, which provide the taste (fruit, mint, classic tobacco, dessert, ice…);
• nicotine, optional, which helps manage cravings for vapers who are giving up smoking.

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

An e-liquid with nicotine is intended for vapers who wish to replace traditional cigarettes. Nicotine acts on the sensation of satisfaction and helps reduce cravings. E-liquids without nicotine are used either at the end of a cessation programme, or purely for the pleasure of vaping, although it is not recommended to vape if you are not a smoker. Choosing the right nicotine strength 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 strength that is too low can lead to frustration and relapse, whilst a strength that is too high can cause throat discomfort. The goal is to find a balance between throat hit, sensation, and vaping comfort, gradually adjusting as needed. A low strength of 0, 3, or 6 mg/ml of nicotine is generally recommended for light or occasional smokers (fewer than 7 cigarettes per day), and a high strength of 20 mg/ml of nicotine salt for heavy smokers (a pack of cigarettes or more per day). However, this dosage can be adjusted depending on your e-cigarette and your vaping style.

Nicotine salt is a more stable form of nicotine that is gentler on inhalation. It provides rapid absorption with a less harsh throat hit, even at high strengths. Nicotine salt e-liquids are particularly well suited to beginner vapers, former heavy smokers, and low-powered MTL kits. Nicotine salts come in various strengths. The most well-known and effective is 20 mg/ml, which is very suitable for heavy smokers. However, a strength 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 strength depending on 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; two nicotine boosters will turn your e-liquid into a 6 mg/ml.

The propylene glycol / vegetable glycerine 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 only compatible 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 softer, sweeter sensation. This thicker e-liquid will be compatible with sub-ohm or shisha-type e-cigarettes, producing large clouds of vapour at high power.

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

Vegetable-based e-liquids or those made 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 mode at low power (minimum 30 watts) to avoid the risk of leaks and to 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, with no addictive effect. They should be used at moderate power 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 such as 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 formulas and are required to have these formulations assessed by an independent laboratory before bringing them to market. All of 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, ideally away from light, heat, and air. Despite these precautions, the e-liquid may occasionally take on a slightly brown tint. Safe and suitable for consumption, this colour is caused by 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, to avoid leaks and excessive oxidation.

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