E-Liquids

Below, wee explain what e-liquids are made of, their main formats, how VG/PG ratios impact vaping, and how to select the right nicotine strength.

What Are E-Liquids?

E-liquid is the fluid you put in your vape. It produces the vapour, carries the flavour, and delivers nicotine if you choose to use it. When your coil heats up, the vape juice vapourises and you inhale.

Every e-liquid contains a base of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG), combined with food-grade flavourings. Nicotine is optional as some vapers use it to manage cravings while others vape 0mg purely for flavour and the ritual. The VG/PG balance, nicotine type, and flavour profile all shape how your vape tastes and performs.

E-Liquid Types Explained

Different e-liquids suit different devices and vaping styles, so choosing the right format means better flavour, smoother wicking, and longer coil life. Here's a breakdown of what's available:

50/50 E-Liquids

A 50/50 e-liquid contains equal parts VG and PG, which delivers balanced flavour intensity and vapour production. The thinner consistency wicks easily through smaller coils, making these ideal for MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) pod kits like the OXVA Xlim Pro 3, Vaporesso XROS 5, or Uwell Caliburn G4.

You'll notice more throat hit with 50/50 vape juice as the higher PG content creates that familiar kick at the back of your throat, similar to smoking a cigarette. This is why freebase e-liquids remain popular with recent switchers. Available in nicotine strengths from 3mg to 18mg, they work reliably with most starter setups and refillable pod systems.

Best for: MTL vapers, starter kit users, anyone wanting balanced flavour with noticeable throat hit.

Nic Salt E-Liquids

Nicotine salts absorb faster and feel smoother than freebase, even at higher strengths. A 20mg nic salt won't scratch your throat like 20mg freebase would, making them comfortable for vapers who need stronger nicotine delivery.

That rapid absorption makes nic salts ideal for ex-smokers and disposable switchers who want quick satisfaction from fewer puffs. They're designed for low-wattage MTL pod kits, and devices like the Vaporesso XROS 5 or OXVA Xlim Pro 3 pair brilliantly with them. Most nic salts use a 50/50 VG/PG ratio and come in strengths from 5mg to 20mg in TPD-compliant 10ML bottles.

Best for: Heavier smokers, disposable switchers, vapers wanting fast nicotine without harshness.

Bar Salts (Disposable-Style E-Liquids)

Bar salts replicat the intense, sweet flavours found in disposable vapes. If you've been using Elf Bars, Lost Marys, or SKE Crystal Bars, bar salts deliver that exact taste in a refillable pod kit without the waste or ongoing cost of buying new devices.

ELFLIQ, MaryLiq, Hayati, Pixl, Elux Legend and IVG all produce bar salt ranges that match their disposable flavour profiles. Same sweetness, same recipes, just in a 10ml bottle compatible with any MTL device. Pair them with the Uwell Caliburn G4 or Vaporesso XROS 5 and you've essentially got the disposable experience without the throwaway hardware. With single-use vapes facing tighter UK restrictions, bar salts offer a practical way to keep enjoying your favourite flavours.

Best for: Disposable switchers, sweet and fruity flavour fans, anyone wanting intense taste in a refillable setup.

"I switched from disposables to bar salts and couldn't tell the difference flavour-wise. Same taste, fraction of the cost, no device in the bin every few days."

— M Mubarak, Vape 360

Shortfill E-Liquids

Shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine-free vape juice, typically 50ml or 100ml, with empty space at the top for adding nic shots. One 18mg shot added to a 50ml shortfill gives you roughly 3mg overall, while two shots in a 100ml bottle achieves the same strength.

Most shortfills use a high VG ratio (70/30 or above), which produces thicker liquid, bigger clouds, and smoother inhales. They're designed for sub-ohm kits and DTL (Direct-to-Lung) devices like the VooPoo Drag X3, Vaporesso Armour Max, or Smok Nord 5. That said, some brands offer 50/50 shortfills as well. Hayati Pro Max Shortfills come in both 50/50 and 70/30, so MTL vapers can also benefit from the value of buying larger bottles. If you get through e-liquid quickly or want better pricing than buying 10ml bottles repeatedly, shortfills are worth considering regardless of your vaping style.

Best for: Sub-ohm vapers, cloud chasers, anyone wanting bulk value with controlled nicotine strength, and MTL vapers looking for 50/50 options in larger bottles.

High VG E-Liquids

High VG e-liquids contain 70% Vegetable Glycerine or more, which makes them thicker than standard mixes. This produces denser clouds with a softer inhale, though you get less throat hit in return.

These e-liquids work best in sub-ohm tanks and higher-wattage devices like the VooPoo Drag X3 or Vaporesso Armour Max, where low-resistance coils can handle thicker liquid without wicking issues. Nicotine strengths tend to sit at 0mg, 3mg, or 6mg because sub-ohm setups produce more vapour per puff, which means you absorb more nicotine even at lower concentrations.

Best for: DTL vapers, sub-ohm users, cloud enthusiasts wanting smooth draws.

Nicotine-Free E-Liquids (0mg)

Some vapers have gradually reduced their nicotine over time and now enjoy 0mg purely for flavour and habit. Others never wanted nicotine in the first place and simply enjoy the ritual and taste of vaping.

Nicotine-free options are available across all formats including 50/50, high VG, and shortfills, offering the same flavour quality without any nicotine content. They're also useful for DIY mixing as you can add precisely the amount of nicotine you want using separate nic shots.

Best for: Vapers stepping down from nicotine, flavour-only enthusiasts, DIY mixers wanting full control.

Nic Shots

Nic shots are 10ml bottles of unflavoured nicotine designed for adding to shortfills. UK regulations cap nicotine-containing bottles at 10ml, which is why shortfills sell nicotine-free and you add the strength yourself.

They come in 18mg or 20mg strengths with various VG/PG ratios to match your shortfill base. One 18mg shot in a 50ml shortfill gives roughly 3mg, while two shots in 100ml achieves the same result. Most shortfill labels show exactly how many shots to add for your target strength.

Best for: Shortfill users wanting nicotine, DIY mixers, anyone who prefers controlling their exact strength.

VG/PG Ratio Guide

Now you understand the main e-liquid types, it helps to know what VG and PG actually do. The ratio between them affects vapour thickness, throat hit, and how well the liquid wicks in your particular device.

What VG Does

Vegetable Glycerine is thick, slightly sweet, and responsible for producing dense vapour clouds. Higher VG content means smoother inhales and more visible vapour, though thicker liquid can struggle to wick properly in smaller coils or low-powered MTL devices.

What PG Does

Propylene Glycol is thinner and carries flavour more effectively than VG. It also delivers stronger throat hit, creating that familiar kick similar to smoking a cigarette. Higher PG content wicks faster through small pod coils but produces less visible vapour.

Device Matching

MTL devices and pod kits (OXVA Xlim Pro 3, Vaporesso XROS 5, Uwell Caliburn G4): Use 50/50 VG/PG, nic salts, or bar salts. These thinner vape juices wick easily through smaller coils and suit the tighter draw of Mouth-to-Lung vaping.

DTL devices and sub-ohm kits (VooPoo Drag X3, Vaporesso Armour Max, Smok Nord 5): Go for 70VG/30PG or higher. Thicker e-liquids handle the heat from sub-ohm coils and deliver the dense clouds that Direct-to-Lung vapers want.

If you're unsure what your device needs, check your coil or pod specifications as most manufacturers list the ideal VG/PG range for optimal performance.

Nicotine Strength Guide

Once you've chosen your e-liquid type and matched VG/PG to your device, the final step is selecting the right nicotine strength. Going too low means you'll constantly reach for your vape without feeling satisfied, while too high causes headrushes or nausea.

Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine

Freebase nicotine delivers noticeable throat hit but feels harsh at strengths above 12Mg, which is why most freebase e-liquids range between 3mg and 18mg.

Nicotine salts absorb faster and remain smooth even at 20mg, making them better suited for ex-smokers or disposable switchers who need quick satisfaction without the throat irritation.

Choosing Your Strength

Match your previous smoking habits to a starting point:

• Light smokers (1-5 daily): 3mg-6mg freebase or 5mg-10mg nic salt
• Moderate smokers (5-15 daily): 6mg-12mg freebase or 10mg-20mg nic salt
• Heavy smokers (15+ daily): 12mg-18mg freebase or 20mg nic salt

Start where feels comfortable and adjust based on how your body responds. Headaches or jitters suggest you should drop down a strength, while constant cravings indicate you need to move up.

UK Nicotine Regulations

TPD rules cap UK e-liquids at a maximum strength of 20mg/ml, and nicotine-containing bottles are limited to 10ml. Shortfills work around this restriction by selling nicotine-free liquid in larger bottles, with nic shots added separately by the user.

Shortfill + Nic Shot Mixing

If you've decided shortfills are the way to go, here's how the nicotine mixing process works in practice.

How Shortfills Work

A 60ml bottle contains 50ml of e-liquid with 10ml of empty space for one nic shot. A 120ml bottle holds 100ml with room for two shots. Simply pour in your nic shot, screw the cap on tightly, shake well, and you're ready to vape.

Mixing Examples

50ml shortfill + 1 x 18mg nic shot = roughly 3mg

100ml shortfill + 2 x 18mg nic shots = roughly 3mg

50ml shortfill + 1 x 20mg nic shot = roughly 3.3mg

Mixing Tips

Pour your nic shots in first, cap tightly, and shake for about 30 seconds. Some vapers prefer to let the bottle settle for a few hours so the nicotine distributes evenly throughout, though vaping immediately works perfectly fine.

Value & Buying Tips

Whether you're stocking up on 10mls or making the switch to shortfills, a few smart buying habits help you get better value for money.

10ml vs shortfill value: Shortfills work out cheaper per ml. A 100ml bottle plus two nic shots typically costs less than buying ten separate 10ml bottles at equivalent strength. However, it all depends on your needs too; if you're after nic salts, you can get up to 10ml due to TPD compliance. 

How long does 10ml last? This varies based on your usage and device. Light MTL vapers might stretch one bottle across a week, while heavy users or sub-ohm vapers could finish the same amount in a couple of days.

Multibuys: We run mix-and-match deals across 10mls and shortfills, so buying bundles works out cheaper than individual purchases once you've found flavours you enjoy.

10-packs: Found your all-day vape? Stock up with 10-packs for better per-bottle pricing and avoid running out mid-week.

Warning: Nicotine is highly addictive. E-liquids with nicotine are for adult smokers and vapers only.

Storage, Handling & Safety

A few basics to keep your vape juice in good condition and everyone around you safe.

Store in a cool, dark place. Heat and direct sunlight break down nicotine and flavourings over time. A cupboard or drawer away from windows works perfectly.

Keep caps tight after use. Air exposure oxidises nicotine and dulls flavours, so always seal bottles properly. This is especially important for shortfills you're working through over several weeks.

Keep away from children and pets. Nicotine is toxic if swallowed. Treat e-liquid like any household chemical and store it somewhere secure and out of reach.

Check expiry dates. Most e-liquid stays fresh for one to two years when unopened. Once you've opened a bottle, try to use the contents within a few months for the best flavour and nicotine effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is e-liquid made of?

Four ingredients at most: VG, PG, food-grade flavourings, and nicotine if you choose to include it.

What's the difference between 50/50 e-liquid and high VG shortfills?

50/50 contains equal parts VG and PG, making it thinner and well-suited to MTL pod kits like the OXVA Xlim Pro 3 or Vaporesso XROS 5. High VG shortfills are thicker, produce bigger clouds, and require sub-ohm coils to wick properly.

Which e-liquid works best in pod kits?

50/50 e-liquids and nic salts are ideal as they're thin enough to wick through smaller pod coils without causing flooding or dry hits.

Which e-liquid suits sub-ohm vaping?

High VG shortfills at 70VG/30PG or above in lower strengths like 0mg, 3mg or 6mg. Devices like the VooPoo Drag X3 or Vaporesso Armour Max handle thicker liquid with ease and produce dense clouds with smooth inhales.

What are nic salts, and who are they for?

Nic salts use a modified form of nicotine that absorbs faster and feels smoother, even at 20mg. They're ideal for ex-smokers, disposable switchers, and anyone who wants quick nicotine satisfaction without the throat harshness that freebase delivers at higher strengths.

How do bar salts differ from regular nic salts?

Bar salts are specifically formulated to replicate disposable vape flavours, so they're sweeter and more intense than standard nic salts. They match specific profiles from brands like Elf Bar and Lost Mary, while regular nic salts cover a broader range of flavour styles.

What nicotine strength should I use?

This depends on your previous smoking habits. Light smokers (under 5 daily) typically suit 3-6mg freebase or 5-10mg nic salt. Heavier smokers usually need 12mg+ freebase or 20mg nic salt. Start where feels right and adjust based on how satisfied you feel.

Can I use nic salts in any device?

They're designed for low-wattage MTL pod kits. While you could technically use them in a sub-ohm tank, putting 20mg nic salt through a powerful coil delivers far too much nicotine per puff and would leave you feeling unwell.

Can I use high VG shortfills in a pod kit?

This isn't recommended as the thick liquid won't wick fast enough through small pod coils, resulting in dry hits and burnt taste. Stick to 50/50 or nic salts for pod kits.

What are shortfills?

Shortfills are larger bottles of 0mg vape juice, usually 50ml or 100ml, with empty space at the top for adding nic shots. Pour in your shot, shake the bottle, and you've got your preferred nicotine strength.

What are nic shots?

These are 10ml bottles of unflavoured nicotine that you add to shortfills. UK law limits nicotine-containing bottles to 10ml, which is why shortfills sell nicotine-free and you add the strength yourself.

Why does my e-liquid taste burnt?

This usually comes down to three things: a worn out coil that needs replacing, e-liquid that's too thick for your device, or a new coil that wasn't primed before use. Always soak new coils for about five minutes before vaping and make sure your liquid suits your setup.

Why is my vape leaking?

Common causes include e-liquid that's too thin for your tank, overfilling past the maximum line, worn o-rings, or a coil that isn't seated properly. Check everything is screwed in tightly and consider trying a slightly thicker VG/PG ratio if the problem persists.

Do sweet flavours burn coils faster?

Yes, because the sweeteners caramelise on the coil and create a layer of residue faster than cleaner profiles like menthol or tobacco. If you vape a lot of sweet flavours, expect to change coils more frequently.

Can I mix e-liquid flavours together?

Plenty of vapers do this to create custom blends. Just keep the VG/PG ratios and nicotine strengths roughly similar to avoid wicking problems or an unexpectedly strong result.

How should I store e-liquid?

Keep bottles in a cupboard or drawer away from heat and direct sunlight, and make sure caps are screwed on tight after each use. Air and light both degrade nicotine and flavourings over time.

Do e-liquids expire?

Yes, though they have a reasonable shelf life. Unopened bottles typically last one to two years. Once opened, aim to finish the contents within a few months for optimal flavour and nicotine effectiveness.

What does steeping mean?

Steeping involves leaving your e-liquid to age so the flavours have time to blend and develop fully. Some shortfills benefit from a week or two of steeping before they taste their best, though most 10ml bottles are ready to vape straight away.

What VG/PG ratio gives the best flavour?

This depends on your device and vaping style. For MTL vaping, 50/50 typically delivers sharper flavour clarity because PG carries taste effectively. For DTL, 70/30 strikes a good balance between flavour and cloud production.

What's the maximum UK nicotine strength?

UK TPD regulations cap e-liquid at 20mg/ml, with a maximum bottle size of 10ml for any liquid containing nicotine.

Can I travel with e-liquids?

Yes, following standard airport liquid rules. For hand luggage, bottles must be 100ml or under and fit in your clear plastic liquids bag. Larger bottles need to go in checked baggage. It's also worth checking your destination's vaping laws before you travel as regulations vary significantly between countries.