The vaping market is constantly developing, and so are its compounds – the vaping products, and the vaping devices. Each year, manufacturers announce some innovations. Often, however, they are just classical products modified to a certain extent. In this text, let’s look what are these classics, that are the backbone of the vape market.

NOTE: this article is part of our Beginner’s Guide to vaping, where – in one place – we have gathered for you all the relevant facts and background information you need to learn about the e-liquid industry and succeed in it as a manufacturer or brand owner.

Chapters:

1. Vaping: Basic Information
2. E-Liquids And Vaping Devices (You are here)
3. Raw Materials In The E-Liquid Manufacturing
4. E-Liquid Regulations
5. E-Liquid Market Trends

It all began with e-cigarettes a few decades ago. Nowadays, the term “e-cigarette”, gathers, practically everything related to vaping:

• E-liquids
• Shortfills & longfills
• NicShots
• Refillable devices
• Disposable pods
• Replacement pods

Let’s give each of them a look!

E-liquids are the most common product on the vape market, with the name connected to their destination and structure. “E” in e-liquids relates to “e” in the “electronic cigarettes”, and “liquids” relates to the liquid form of the product.

E-liquids, glycerine, and glycol relationship

E-liquids contain the base which is propylene glycol, pharmaceutical glycerine, or both combined. Depending on the customers’ needs, different ratios of e-liquids bases are a common matter.

Learn more:

• The Differences Between Glycol And Glycerine: When To Use Which?
• PG/VG Ratio: How To Find The Best For E-Liquids

Nicotine and nicotine salts in e-liquids

The next compounds of e-liquids are pure nicotine or nicotine salts. They vary among each other and are diluted in the PG and/or VG. Similarly to glycol and glycerine, the amount of nicotine or nicotine salts in e-liquids varies from 3 mg/ml to 20 mg/ml.

The 20 mg/ml strength is the highest possible, according to the Tobacco Products Directive. However, keep in mind, that there are a lot of nicotine-free e-liquids on the market.

Flavorings and e-liquid additives

E-liquids may also contain flavorings and additives. The most common aromas used in e-liquid manufacturing are sweet, drinks, tobacco, mint, and fruit. However, to enhance the experience, e-liquid manufacturers may use some additives like coolers or sweeteners, to bring different effects. Keep in mind, if you want to learn more about additives or flavorings, be sure to read our articles:

• Natural Vaping Products: Bases, Nicotine, Flavorings
• Additives For E-Liquids: What Do You Need To Know About Them?
• E-Liquid Flavors To Make Your Recipes Stand Out

Chemnovatic is a chemical manufacturing and trading company offering a wide range of top-quality chemicals for various industries, along with laboratory, regulatory and private label services. We specialize in pure nicotine distillation, the supply of raw materials for e-liquids and nicotine pouches industries, and e-liquids production. We also provide other raw materials, including PG and VG for other industries, constantly developing our offer. Contact us at sales@chemnovatic.com.

Shortfills

Shortfills, also called premixes, are most commonly met as 50 ml nicotine-free e-liquids in 60 ml bottles. They are destined to vape or mix with nicotine shots. Although 50 ml in a 60 ml bottle is the most common option, there are also different shortfill options: 100/120 ml, 20/30 ml, 40/60 ml, and 50/60 ml, allowing adding 1 or 2 nicshots.

Longfills

Longfills are usually 10 ml liquids, made of flavor concentrate and a base – usually glycerine – placed in 60 ml bottles. They are destined for mixing with nicotine shots.

The 20 ml volume is the most common option, however, one may also find 5 or 10 ml in 60 ml bottles.

Nicshots

NicShots are 10 ml nicotine liquids destined for mixing with shortfills or longfills, and shouldn’t be vaped alone. Nicshots came to life in 2017, when authorities introduced the Tobacco Products Directive, which limited diluted nicotine content in one bottle to 10 ml and restricted e-liquids nicotine strength to 20 mg/ml at the maximum.

Learn more:

• Nicotine Shots: Dealing With TPD Regulations
• NicSalt Shots vs. NicShots: Final Comparison

There are various vaping devices, with different technical specification and mode of action. Consequently, various products fit better with certain types.

Refillable devices

As the name inclines, these devices allows refilling the e-liquid. They have built-in battery and a detachable pod, which allows filling with e-liquids.

At first, the most popular were mods – devices with big evaporators, enabling big clouds, used by passionate vapers.

Later the tide turned for pods – small, compactible devices which use less liquids than mods. They have built-in batteries and a tank for e-liquid. Pods’ coils are ready, so all one has to do is fill the e-liquids. What’s curious, when nicotine salts arrived, e-liquids based on them were usually recommended to vape with pods. However, nowadays, also vape liquid manufactured with freebase nicotine are commonly used with these vaping devices.

Disposable pods

Disposable pods are pre-charged and pre-filled with a certain amount of e-liquid. After being used, they are disposed of. It’s a common choice for those, who start their journey with vaping.

Replacement pods

These are much more eco-friendly than disposable pods. They allow multiple uses and are chargeable. Instead of pods, one uses vape cartridges here. When they are emptied, one disposes of them.

Vape cartridges are more comfortable than pods because one does not have to carry e-liquid bottles, and using cartridges prevents leakage, which may take place with pods.

Summary

The e-liquid market is constantly growing, and the older it gets, the more products and devices arrive. Moreover, it’s a continually changing environment, due to the new laws and regulations being introduced.

Now that you know the history of vaping, have learned a bit about e-liquids themselves and the popular devices on the market, it’s time for the next level of initiation. Learn more about Raw Materials in E-Liquid Manufacturing.