DOES VAPE JUICE EXPIRE? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Does Vape Juice Expire?

Yes, vape juice does expire. Typically, vape juice has a shelf life of one to two years from its manufacturing date (1). The expiration of vape juice is influenced by several factors including its ingredients, storage conditions, and packaging, which determine the date vape juice should be used by. Over time, the nicotine content can degrade, and the flavourings may lose their potency or develop an unpleasant taste. With the SMOKO starter kits, our liquid is made here in the UK and the refills are filled here - giving you fresh e-liquid every time! Signs that vape juice has expired include a noticeable change in colour, an off smell, and a diminished or altered flavour profile. Using expired vape juice is not recommended as it can result in a subpar vaping experience and may pose health risks. Proper storage in a cool, dark place can help extend the shelf life of vape juice, ensuring it remains fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. 

What is Vape Juice Made Of?

Vape juice, also known as e-liquid or e-juice, is primarily composed of four main ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. Propylene Glycol is a colorless, odorless liquid with a thinner consistency that provides a throat hit similar to that of smoking traditional cigarettes, while Vegetable Glycerin is a sweeter liquid with a thicker consistency that produces more vapour and adds a smoothness to the inhale. Nicotine is the addictive substance found in vape juice, available in various strengths to cater to different preferences and needs. Finally, flavourings are added to create a wide array of tastes, ranging from fruity and dessert flavours to menthol and tobacco. These ingredients are combined in various ratios to produce different vaping experiences, catering to the diverse preferences of vapers.

Understanding Shelf Life

Shelf life refers to the period during which a product, such as vape juice, remains safe and effective for use. For vape juice, the shelf life is influenced by its ingredients, storage conditions, and handling practices. Knowing the shelf life of your vape juice is crucial to ensure that you are consuming a product that is both safe and of high quality. Properly stored vape juice can maintain its flavour, nicotine potency, and overall effectiveness, providing a satisfying vaping experience. Always check the expiration date and store your vape juice correctly to maximise its shelf life.

Factors Affecting Shelf Life

Is It Safe to Use Out of Date Vape Liquid?

Using out-of-date vape liquid is generally not recommended due to potential safety and quality concerns. Over time, the ingredients in vape juice can degrade, leading to changes in flavour, nicotine potency, and overall composition. Understanding how long e liquid last is crucial, as expired vape liquid may exhibit signs of spoilage such as discolouration, a sour or stale odour, and a noticeable alteration in taste. These changes can result in an unpleasant vaping experience and may pose health risks, as the chemical stability of the ingredients can be compromised. Additionally, using degraded vape liquid can potentially harm your vaping device by causing residue buildup or clogging. To ensure a safe and enjoyable vaping experience, it is best to adhere to the expiration dates and store vape juice properly in a cool, dark place.

Where is the expiration date on vape juice?

The expiration date on vape juice is typically found on the label or packaging of liquid bottles. Manufacturers usually print this date clearly, often near the bottom or on the side of the bottle, and it might be labeled as “EXP,” “Best By,” or “Use By.” In some cases, the date might also be included in the batch or lot number information. It’s important to check this date before using the vape juice to ensure its freshness and safety. If the expiration date is not easily visible or missing, it’s advisable to contact the manufacturer or avoid using the product to prevent potential health risks associated with expired e-liquid.

How can you tell if your Vape Juice has expired?

Determining if your e-liquid has expired involves checking for several key signs. First, observe any changes in colour; expired vape juice often darkens or becomes cloudy. Next, smell the liquid to detect any unusual or off-putting odours, which can indicate spoilage. The taste of the e-liquid is another critical factor—if the flavour has significantly weakened or developed an unpleasant taste, it's likely expired. Additionally, the consistency of the liquid may change, becoming thicker or separating. If you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to discard the vape juice to avoid potential health risks and ensure an optimal vaping experience. 

What happens if you vape expired Vape Juice?

Vaping expired vape juice can lead to an unpleasant vaping experience. As vape juice ages past its expiration date, its ingredients may degrade, causing changes in taste, smell, and consistency. The flavour may become weak or develop an off-putting taste, and the liquid could change colour or become cloudy. Nicotine content can also diminish, reducing the effectiveness of the vape juice.

Additionally, the chemical stability of the e-liquid can be compromised, potentially leading to harmful byproducts. Vaping expired juice can irritate the throat, cause nausea, or lead to respiratory issues. For these reasons, it's best to avoid using expired vape juice and ensure you store it properly to maintain its quality and safety.

Do disposable vapes have an expiry date?

Disposable vape devices typically have an expiration date, although it may not be as prominently displayed as on traditional vape juice bottles. The expiration date is usually imprinted on the packaging or printed on the device itself. This date indicates the recommended timeframe for using the disposable vape before its components, such as the battery or nic salt e-liquid, may degrade or lose effectiveness. Using a disposable vape after its expiration date can lead to a diminished vaping experience, including weaker vapor production or reduced flavour quality. It's essential to check for and adhere to the expiration date to ensure optimal performance and safety when using single use vapes.

How do I store vape juice so it lasts as long as possible?

Storing vape juice properly is crucial to maintaining its quality and extending its shelf life. To ensure vape juice lasts as long as possible, store it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can accelerate the degradation of nicotine and flavourings in the e-liquid. Additionally, tightly seal the bottle after each use to minimize exposure to air, which can oxidize the ingredients and affect the taste. Avoid storing vape juice in places prone to temperature fluctuations, such as near windowsills or in the car. Refrigeration is generally not necessary and can lead to condensation inside the bottle, potentially diluting the e-liquid. By following these storage guidelines, you can preserve the freshness and quality of your vape juice for a longer period.

Can You Put Any Liquid in a Vape?

No, you cannot put just any liquid in a vape. Vaping devices are specifically designed to vaporize e-liquids, which are specially formulated blends of Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavourings. Using non-vape-specific liquids, such as essential oils, alcohol, or water, can be dangerous and harmful. These substances are not designed for inhalation and can cause severe respiratory issues, damage the vape device, or even lead to chemical burns. Additionally, improperly formulated liquids can lead to leaks, poor vapor production, and an overall unsatisfactory vaping experience. It is essential to use only high-quality, reputable e-liquids designed for vaping to ensure safety and optimal performance of your vape device.

Does the Type of Nicotine Matter for My Vape Juice?

Yes, the type of nicotine in your vape juice does matter, as it can significantly impact your vaping experience. There are primarily two different nicotine e-liquid types: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine is the more traditional form and offers a stronger throat hit, which many ex-smokers find satisfying. However, it can be harsh at higher concentrations. The naturally occurring salt nicotine 'nic salt e-liquids' are smoother and allow for higher nicotine strengths without the rough throat hit, making them ideal for those who need a stronger dose of nicotine or prefer a milder vaping experience. Additionally, nicotine salts are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, providing a faster nicotine hit. Choosing the right type of nicotine depends on your personal preferences and nicotine needs.

Do shortfill e-liquids and nicotine shots expire?

Yes, shortfill e-liquids and nicotine shots do expire. Shortfill e-liquids are nicotine-free e-liquids that are designed to be mixed with nicotine shots to create a customised vape juice. Like any other e-liquid, shortfill e-liquids and nicotine shots have a shelf life determined by their ingredients, storage conditions, and handling practices. It’s essential to check the expiration date on the label and follow proper storage and handling practices to ensure that your shortfill e-liquids and nicotine shots remain safe and effective for consumption. Proper storage in a cool, dark place and minimising exposure to air can help extend their shelf life.

Does e-liquid flavour affect how quickly it expires?

Yes, the flavourings used in e-liquids can impact how quickly they expire. Certain flavourings, especially natural extracts and more volatile compounds, can be more susceptible to degradation over time compared to others. For instance, citrus, mint, and other complex flavour profiles may lose their potency faster than simpler flavours like tobacco or menthol. This is because the chemical composition of these flavourings can change under exposure to light, heat, or oxygen, leading to a decrease in flavour intensity or a change in taste. Manufacturers often formulate e-liquids with stabilizers and antioxidants to help preserve flavours, but the rate of expiration can still vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Proper storage in a cool, dark place and adherence to expiration dates are essential to maintaining the freshness and quality of e-liquid flavours for as long as possible (2). Typically, vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol and nicotine have a shelf life of 2 years if stored properly, however some flavourings may keep the liquid flavourful for 5 years. Even though this is the case, the degradation of the other components are likely to render the liquid unusable before 5 years pass.

Can expired e-liquid be dangerous?

It may be that expired e-liquid could pose several potential dangers due to changes in its chemical composition over time. As e-liquid ages past its expiration date, the nicotine content may degrade, reducing its effectiveness and possibly leading users to vape more to achieve the desired nicotine intake. This could result in nicotine overdose symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or increased heart rate. Moreover, expired e-liquid may undergo chemical reactions that produce harmful byproducts or breakdown products, which could irritate the respiratory system when inhaled. Chemicals like acetoin and pentanedione are known to break down into diacetyl, a chemical associated with the condition bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as 'popcorn lung' (3). Additionally, expired e-liquid might develop an unpleasant taste or odor, indicating degradation of its ingredients. For these reasons, using expired e-liquid is not recommended, as it can compromise both the vaping experience and potentially harm the user's health. At this stage, there is little evidence that vaping expired vape liquid poses a threat to health.

Responsible Disposal of Expired Vape Juice

What Strength Vape Juice Should I Choose?

Choosing the right strength vape juice depends on your smoking habits and personal preferences. Nicotine strength in vape juice is usually measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). If you are a heavy smoker (more than a pack a day), a higher nicotine strength of 18-24 mg/mL may be suitable to satisfy your cravings. For moderate smokers (half a pack a day), a mid-range strength of 12-18 mg/mL is often recommended. Light smokers or those who smoke only occasionally might find lower strengths of 3-6 mg/mL adequate. For those who prefer vaping without nicotine, there are 0 mg/mL options available. It's important to choose a strength that matches your needs to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable vaping experience without overdoing the nicotine intake.

How does my choice of electronic cigarettes impact my choice of e-liquid?

Your choice of vape device can significantly influence your choice of e-liquid due to several factors. Different devices are designed to work optimally with specific types of e-liquids. For instance, pod systems and beginner devices often work best with higher concentrations of nicotine, or nicotine salts due to their lower power output and higher resistance coils. These lower-powered devices provide a smoother throat hit with higher nicotine concentrations without overpowering the user. In contrast, more advanced sub-ohm vaping devices with lower resistance coils and higher wattage capabilities are suitable for use with lower nicotine strengths or nicotine-free e-liquids, with some users using nic salt vape juice to vape higher strengths with a sub ohm device. These sub-ohm vape kits produce more vapor and intense flavour, making them ideal for 'cloud chaser' vapers who prefer larger clouds and more customization in their vaping experience. It is important to keep in mind that advanced vape kits that produce more vapour favour e-liquids with a higher balance of vegetable glycerine, as opposed to propylene glycol, or at least a balanced 50/50 e-liquid. As propylene glycol (PG) also contributes to the throat hit, less PG in addition to low nicotine liquids (or nic salt vape juice) is essential for the mouth to lung vaping style that more powerful vapes provide.

Therefore, understanding your vape device's capabilities and requirements is crucial in selecting the right e-liquid to ensure compatibility, optimal performance, and a satisfying vaping experience.

Are UK Made E-Liquids the Best?

UK-made e-liquids are often considered some of the best in the industry due to stringent regulatory standards and high-quality production practices. The UK enforces strict guidelines through the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), ensuring that e-liquids are produced under rigorous safety and quality control measures (4). These regulations include restrictions on ingredients, proper labeling, and testing for contaminants, which help ensure the safety and reliability of the products. Additionally, many UK manufacturers prioritize using pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and maintain transparent manufacturing processes. This commitment to quality and safety often results in e-liquids that are both reliable and enjoyable, making UK-made e-liquids a preferred choice for many vapers around the world.

What about SMOKO E-liquids?

SMOKO E-liquids use food-grade flavourings and don't include chemicals such as diacetyl, pentanedione, acetoin and vitamin E acetate as our vape juices are made here in the UK, held to the highest standards set out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Tobacco Products Directive (5). Our vape starter kits use rechargeable batteries and we offer a free refill recycling program so you can vape in an envrionmentally conscious way! With a choice of the SMOKO VAPE POD or the SMOKO E-Cigarette as our prefilled devices, or if you prefer refillable vape kits and just need SMOKO E-liquids, you can rest assured you are in safe hands!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Vape Juice Expire? What You Need to Know - Conclusion

So, yes vape juice does expire. Proper storage will maximise the life of your e-liquid, but you are likely to taste when the liquid has past it's 'best before' date. While nicotine may still be present after 2 years, the potency will reduce so the nicotine hit will not be as satisfying. With that in mind, well-made and regulated premium vape juices may well last beyond the 2 year shelf life, however at that point the quality is likely to degrade significantly.

At the end of the day, vaping was designed as a less harmful alternative to smoking, so the aim of the game is to stay off cigarettes. The risk with expired e-liquids is a less satisfying vaping experience that could catch someone at a bad time and, without a suitable alternative, may lead to purchasing tobacco cigarettes and 'falling off the wagon'.

If you are a smoker looking to quit with a hassle-free vaping experience, or maybe you are currently using disposable vapes and need to find an alternative due to the disposable vape ban due to come into effect, consider making the switch with SMOKO!

REFERENCES

(1) Should Cigarette Packs and Electronic Cigarettes Indicate the Expiration Date of Their Product?

(2) The Impact of the Storage Conditions and Type of Clearomizers on the Increase of Heavy Metal Levels in Electronic Cigarette Liquids Retailed in Romania

(3) Clearing up some myths around e-cigarettes

(4) Tobacco Products Directive

(5) MHRA E-Cigarettes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage – is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes. Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking. During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke free.