E-Liquid

E-Liquid FAQs

What's the difference between vapes and e-liquids

Vape is a term that refers to inhaling and exhaling the vapour that vaping devices produce. E-liquid, also known as vape juice, is the special fluid that fills up your vape device, giving you that satisfying puff of vapour. 

E-liquid is intrinsic to any vaping experience because it produces the vapour and brings the flavour. So, while you'll need a vape kit, the e-liquid makes your experience. 

Luckily, we have an enviable selection of delicious vape juices, giving customers an experience like no other. 

What's Vape Juice made up of?

Vape juice has four key ingredients: 

• Nicotine
• Flavourings 
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
• Propylene Glycol (PG) 

Each component in your e-liquid serves a specific purpose. VG and PG work together to produce the visible vapour you exhale while nicotine satisfies your cravings. 

What exactly are VG and PG?

You'll often notice that different e-liquids have varying ratios of VG and PG. While both have their benefits, the unique properties of each define your vaping experience. 

• Propylene Glycol: With a thin consistency, propylene glycol is renowned for its ability to carry flavours. It doesn't excel in producing clouds but is a central ingredient of vape juices. 
• Vegetable Glycerin: VG has a thicker consistency, enabling it to create larger vape clouds. 

Most vape juices have 50/50 PG and VG ratios, balancing both properties. However, you can also find PG-dominant e-liquids and VG-dominant blends (shortfills). 

Which e-liquid ratio should I use?

That depends on your vaping style and the kit you're rocking. Some e-liquids are more suited to specific vapers. They include: 

• 50/50: With a perfect balance of VG and PG, these blends are ideal for mouth-to-lung vapers or smokers who are switching from smoking. They have maximum flavour, a strong throat hit, and medium vapour clouds. These vape juices go well with starter kits and come in a range of flavours. 
• High VG: As mentioned, most of these vape juices have 70% VG and 30% PG. They're best for direct-to-lung vapers and users or box mod or sub-ohm devices, as the liquids require more heat to turn into vapour. 
• High PG: High PG vape juices are ideal if you love intense flavours and are sensitive to vegetable glycerine. 

How strong is e-liquid compared to cigarettes?

It depends on the nicotine strength you choose and the bottle size. For example, if you use a 6mg nicotine strength, it's the equivalent of smoking half a pack of cigarettes, but some vape juice bottles are 50 to 100mls. 

A 10ml bottle with 20mg of nicotine typically equates to one pack of cigarettes. However, some people make 10mls last a few days, while others might use one daily, meaning they ingest more nicotine. 

Can I use any brand of e-liquid in my vaping device?

No, because some devices are designed for a specific type of e-liquid. For example, vape pens and many pods are for 50/50 or high PG blends and using high VG vape juice means they won't be able to heat it correctly due to the thicker consistency. 

If you have a sub-ohm device, it's best to use shortfills (VG dominant) e-liquids, as they can heat the liquid properly, offering the best experience. 

Are disposables or vape juices better?

Disposables and traditional vape juices often come in the same flavours, with usage being the main difference. While most vape kits are refillable, you use a disposable until the liquid runs out, then throw it away. 

Traditional juices are more affordable, but disposables offer convenience. Many people have a main vape kit for at home and work but use disposable vapes when they're going out.

However, the UK recently announced its plan to ban disposables, meaning they will no longer be available. 

What is the UK's best-selling e-liquid?

People in the UK can choose between a range of delicious e-liquids, but some brands consistently deliver the perfect combinations of affordability, quality and flavour. They include: 

• The Lancashire Creamery
• Ohm Boy E-Liquids
• Wick Liquor
• Five Pawns E-Liquid
• The London Vape Company

Can I mix e-liquids together?

Yes, there's nothing to say you can't. However, remember to use matching VG and PG ratios when combining two different vape juices. For example, mixing a 50/50 blend with a shortfill can impact your vape device, so check the labels before mixing. 

Combining two flavours could give you the perfect vape juice that aligns with your flavour preferences. 

Which nicotine strength do I need?

Selecting the right nicotine strength depends on your current smoking habits. A helpful starting point is to consider how many cigarettes you typically smoke. Check out the quick table below for assistance.

Finding the perfect strength might involve trying a few options, as it varies for each person. A stronger strength could be better if your vape isn't satisfying your cravings. On the other hand, if your vape causes headaches or dizziness, a lower strength might be needed.

Sub-ohm kits produce more vapour and use more e-liquid. Even if you're a 20-a-day smoker, you'll use a lower strength than in an MTL kit. For most vapers, 3mg of vape juice is effective. If you need a stronger option, it's advised not to go beyond 6mg e-liquid – higher strengths can result in a harsh, unpleasant throat hit.

Whatever strength you choose, you can easily find suitable products by filtering our e-liquid page based on nicotine strength.

What are shortfills, and how do they work?

Before the European TPD strengthened their regulations, vape juices came in a range of bottle sizes, but the restrictions now state that e-liquids containing nicotine can't exceed 10ml. Shortfills were created as a legal alternative for people who prefer larger bottles. 

They come in various flavours but don't contain any nicotine. Instead, the bottle has a gap at the top, allowing users to add nicotine shots—hence the name shortfill. 

Nic shots have different strengths, allowing users to customise the e-liquid to their needs. 

Which nic shots should I buy?

There are numerous nic shots to choose between, including: 

• Freebase: This form of nicotine is the standard type in most vape juices. Freebase nic shots are known for their strong throat hits, making them popular with users who are quitting smoking.
• Nic Salts: Nic salts are modified forms of freebase nicotine, renowned for their smoother throat hit. Using nic salts also means your body absorbs the nicotine rapidly. 
• Cool Shots: These nicotine shots can come in 50/50 blends or be dominant in VG and PG. They have an icy blast, perfect for creating a refreshing shortfill. 

We offer 18mg nicotine shots, which are easy to use and customise to your preferred nicotine strength. For example, adding two shots to a 50ml blend will create 6mg of nicotine. You can also empty the flavourings out of the bottle to make more space for a stronger nicotine hit. 

Vaping Safety FAQs

Is nicotine dangerous?

Nicotine is an addictive substance, and using it can result in dependence. While it’s not linked to cancer, ingesting large amounts of it at once can cause severe side effects. Pregnant women and people with cardiovascular disorders should avoid using nicotine. 

It can also be dangerous in adolescents, impacting their cognitive development. Moderating your nicotine intake and following the instructions with shortfills and nicotine shots is essential for a safe experience. 

Is vaping more harmful than cigarettes?

Absolutely not. Vaping gets some poor press, but numerous studies prove it’s much safer than smoking. The NHS recommends e-cigarettes as stop-smoking tools, and research highlights that it’s 95% safer. 

Tobacco smoke contains tar, carbon monoxide and thousands of chemicals that increase the risks of numerous cancers. 

How does vaping impact your lungs?

Vaping is much safer than smoking, but individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions might find using vapes can impact their symptoms. One reason many people believe vaping isn’t safe is due to a condition called popcorn lung. 

Caused by an ingredient called diacetyl - often used in popcorn - the condition can cause long-term lung damage and even death. If you’re buying e-liquids, ensure they’re from a reputable supplier and read the label carefully before using them. 

Is it OK to drink vape juice?

No, you should never drink vape juice and always keep it out of reach of children and pets. The ingredients used in e-liquids are certified safe for inhalation but not ingestion. This means that drinking them could cause a range of side effects, including nicotine poisoning. 

Some of the flavourings might also be toxic. If you or a child drinks vape juice, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately. 

Does vaping affect the heart?

In some cases, vaping might impact the heart - but that’s primarily due to the nicotine, which can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. Moderating your nicotine levels can prevent any adverse side effects. 

As vaping is still in its infancy, the long-term effects on cardiovascular systems aren’t yet clear. However, we do know it’s nowhere near as risky as smoking. 

Can I use water instead of oil when vaping?

Vape devices are designed to heat oils at safe temperatures, creating a vapour. Using water comes with many risks, including causing irreparable damage to your vape device. If the device heats water, it will turn it into steam, causing serious hazards. 

If steam comes into contact with the skin, it can cause severe burns and discomfort. Ingesting it can also irritate the respiratory system and impact the throat. 

Which liquids can I use instead of vape juice?

There are many alternatives to traditional vape juice, including: 

• Nicotine Free: If you love the flavour of e-liquids but don’t need any nicotine, cut it out. Nicotine-free vape juices are ideal for former smokers. 
• CBD Vapes: CBD is known for its therapeutic effects, and some manufacturers offer CBD-infused liquids, which are typically mixed with vegetable glycerin. 
• Herbal Blends: While relatively new to the market, herbal blends are popular because they combine natural ingredients for a relaxing experience. 
• DIY Vapes: More experienced vapers might enjoy creating their own flavour combinations. However, using high-quality flavourings and knowing what you’re doing is essential. 

WARNING: Never use essential oils in your vape device. They’re not suitable for ingestion and can cause numerous side effects. 

Can I put honey in my vape device?

You should avoid putting honey in your vape pen, as it can cause blockages and damage it. Honey is also unlikely to produce any vapour. 

FAQs about The London Vape Company 

Which e-liquids do you offer?

We have thousands of e-liquids available, handpicked by our expert team. Shopping with us gives you access to the UK’s most popular brands and some unique newcomers to the market. 

Our commitment to customer experience also means you’ll find brands at various price points, including the cost-effective 88Vape, Element, and our very own London Vape Company blends. 

Fancy something luxurious? With blends from manufacturers such as Five Pawns for special occasions, we have everything you could dream of. 

What flavours can I find on your website?

We’ve got the whole spectrum of flavours here, from classics like tobacco, fruit, and menthol blends to more interesting combinations. Imagine replicas of your favourite desserts, including cheesecakes, crumbles, and doughnuts.

Travel back in time and indulge in nostalgic childhood memories with sweet-themed e-liquids, including cotton candy, bubblegum and gummy bear blends. Love a refreshing vape juice? Our drinks-flavoured blends are perfect for cooling down on a warm day. 

Remember to try some of our unique flavours, which bring out the complex notes of aniseed, nuts, and other delicious blends.

How do you guarantee quality?

Beginning as a small community store allowed us to connect with customers and discover what they want from their vaping suppliers. While we’ve since expanded into a brand that caters to people throughout the UK, we’ve never lost sight of our commitment to quality. 

As vaping enthusiasts, we refuse to compromise quality and partner with the most reputable manufacturers to give you a seamless experience. Our products are sourced from top-rated providers, and we test everything before selling it. 

If you come into our Enfield store, you can try different brands and flavours before making a purchase. 

Are your products compliant with regulations?

Yes. The Tobacco Products Directive law changes occurred in 2016, and we immediately made changes to ensure compliance. Today, all our products are fully TPD compliant, making us one of the most reputable vape suppliers in the UK. 

Our vape juices align with MHRA standards, giving you a safe experience. 

Can I save money shopping with The London Vape Company?

We’re here to make your vaping transition as smooth as possible and offer huge discounts on our products. When you bulk buy e-liquid, you can save a lot of money, and enjoy stocking up on your favourite flavours. 

Many of our vape kits also come with free vape juice to get you started on your journey. Sign up for our mailing list to get the latest vaping industry news, alerts on new products, and a 10% discount. 

What age verification measures do you take?

All online purchases use Verify My Age, one of the UK’s most trusted age verification providers. We implement strict measures to ensure we only sell to people aged 18 and over. 

Rest assured that the software doesn’t perform credit checks and keeps your personal information secure. 

Can I buy vape kits and accessories from your website?

We stock an enviable range of vape kits, including pens, pods, and box mods. The Starter Bundles are a great place to start if you’re transitioning from smoking, while our range of vape pods offers unparalleled convenience. 

Advanced vapers can take advantage of great deals on box mods, giving them a fully customisable experience. Popular vape kit brands include Geekvape, Vaporesso, Innokin and Aspire—all top-rated manufacturers. 

Whether you need a new tank or want to stock up on coils and other accessories, we’re the one-stop shop for all your vaping needs. 

Do you have a loyalty incentive?

Yes, we do, and our loyal customers save huge amounts of money. Make a purchase with us, and you’ll receive loyalty points, which accumulate over time and give you access to great deals. 

Your points last one year, giving you plenty of opportunities to save them and stock up on your favourite e-liquids. Discover our loyalty incentive. 

Which delivery options are available?

We’ve partnered with Royal Mail to give our customers stress-free delivery. Royal Mail is the gold-standard delivery service in the UK, with shipping options that ensure you get your products on time. 

Spend £35 or over, and we’ll ship your items for free with the 48H service. You can also choose Royal Mail Next Day Guaranteed, Tracked 24 and Saturday Delivery. 

Live outside of the UK? We ship to most locations in Europe. Please see our delivery page for more information. 

Where can I view reviews of The London Vape Company?

We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, and prospective customers check out our Trustpilot reviews to get an idea of what it’s like to shop with us. With 87% five-star reviews, we’re known for our helpful and speedy service. 

With an average Google rating of 4.7, you can rest assured that shopping with us guarantees quality. 

What’s your return policy?

If you’re unhappy with your products or change your mind, you can return them for free up to seven days after receiving them. We’ll also take back faulty products and, depending on your preferences, either issue a replacement or refund. 

Please see our full refund policy for more information. 

I need support. Can I contact you?

Whether you visit us in-store or online, our dedicated team of experts is ready to answer your vaping questions and help you choose the right e-liquids for your needs. We’re open six days a week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays. 

Please feel free to phone us or fill in the contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.