YOUR GUIDE TO ARTIFICIAL CIGARETTES AND VAPING

Key Takeaways

• A cleaner way to smoke — Artificial cigarettes and vapes deliver nicotine (or a nicotine-free experience) without burning tobacco, cutting out tar and thousands of harmful chemicals.

• Inhalable air products are on the rise — Options like NEAFS and FUM offer a tobacco- and nicotine-free alternative, giving the hand-to-mouth satisfaction of smoking without addiction or smoke.

• Only E-Cigarettes are proven quit smoking tools — Whether you choose vaping, heated sticks, or air-based products, understanding your options properly will help you achieve your goals.

When you hear the term “artificial cigarettes,” what comes to mind? It’s a broad term that covers any alternative to traditional smoking that doesn’t involve setting tobacco on fire. This includes a whole range of devices, from nicotine-containing vapes that help manage cravings to nicotine-free inhalers designed to mimic the physical habit.

While some believe that artificial cigarettes only produce harmless water vapor, this is a misconception—these devices can emit substances beyond harmless water vapor, including potentially harmful chemicals.

What Are Artificial Cigarettes?

Artificial cigarettes were born out of a simple, powerful idea: to tackle the well-documented dangers of smoking tobacco cigarettes. For decades, we’ve known the real harm comes from the thousands of chemicals created when you burn tobacco. These alternatives are all about getting rid of that combustion process.

Instead of burning anything, they use clever methods to create a similar experience. Many devices use a heating element to vaporise liquids or other materials, which is central to how they function. Some heat a liquid to produce a vapour, others gently warm real tobacco, and some just deliver flavoured 'air'. The goal is to replicate the hand-to-mouth ritual that’s so ingrained for smokers. This fundamental shift is why they’re often seen as a practical harm-reduction tool for adults who want to move away from smoking cigarettes.

A Quick Guide to Smoking Alternatives

To get a clearer picture of what’s out there, it helps to break down the main types of artificial cigarettes. The table below gives a quick summary of the options we’ll be exploring in this guide, showing how they work and whether they’re designed to tackle nicotine cravings or just the physical habit.

The nicotine-containing liquid used in e-cigarettes is called e liquid, and its composition—including nicotine concentration and flavours—can vary between products.

Looking at this, you can see the market is quite varied, but the most important difference usually boils down to one thing: nicotine.

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are built as smoking cessation tools. They give smokers the nicotine their body craves but in a way that’s significantly less harmful than burning tobacco. This approach addresses the chemical side of the addiction head-on.

On the other hand, nicotine-free products are all about the physical habit. They replicate the act of smoking without delivering any nicotine. While this might help with the behavioural triggers, they don’t do anything for the powerful chemical cravings that make quitting so incredibly tough. Grasping this distinction is the first step to finding an alternative that actually works for you.

Exploring the Main Alternatives to Conventional Cigarettes

If you’re looking into artificial cigarettes, you’ll quickly realise there’s a lot out there. So, let’s break down the main players. For the most part, these alternatives fall into a few key categories, and knowing the difference is vital if you’re serious about switching from traditional smokes.

E-Cigarettes, also known as vapes, work by heating a nicotine-containing liquid (e-liquid) to create an inhalable vapour. E cigarette vapour contains ultrafine particles and other substances, which can reach into the lungs and may have different health implications compared to traditional cigarette smoke, though the consensus from public health bodies like Public Health England and Cancer Research UK are that E-Cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than smoking. The purpose of E-Cigarettes is to deliver nicotine to satisfy cravings without the smoke, tar, and thousands of chemicals produced by burning tobacco. The variety is massive, as you can see in this guide to the different types of e-cigarettes.

Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), like IQOS, use real tobacco but heat it to a high temperature instead of burning it. This process releases a nicotine-containing vapour, avoiding the combustion that creates the most harmful elements of cigarette smoke.

Nicotine-Free Artificial Cigarettes

Then there are nicotine-free alternatives designed to mimic the physical act of smoking. Products like NEAFS heat specially treated tea leaves to produce a vapour, while others such as FUM are simple flavoured air inhalers that don’t involve any heating.

However, these non-nicotine alternatives are unlikely to be effective for quitting smoking. They only address the behavioural habit—the hand-to-mouth action—while completely ignoring the powerful chemical addiction to nicotine. Without a way to manage the intense physical withdrawal symptoms, most smokers will find it incredibly difficult to stay off cigarettes.

Some users of nicotine-free alternatives report mouth irritation, especially when using products with certain flavourings or heated materials.

Furthermore, while products like NEAFS and FUM are often marketed with appealing health benefits, a scientific review published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that some brands may be playing ‘fast and loose’ with their claims (1). The article cautions that inhaling any heated substance, even from “natural” sources like tea leaves, could pose unknown risks as long-term safety data is non-existent.

The Proven Path to Quit Smoking

In contrast, E-Cigarettes have strong scientific backing as a tool for smoking cessation. A recent major analysis in Addictive Behaviors found that e-cigarettes are more effective for quitting than traditional nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like patches or gum (2). The study included a large number of studies, 24 of which had participants randomized to different intervention groups, which strengthens the reliability of its findings. The reason is simple: vapes successfully address both the physical act of smoking and deliver the nicotine needed to manage cravings, making them a powerful tool for smokers.

For smokers trying to quit, the combination of satisfying nicotine cravings and mimicking the behavioural habit makes e-cigarettes a uniquely powerful tool, a conclusion supported by growing scientific consensus.

This strong evidence is exactly why public health bodies across the UK now recommend regulated vaping as a key harm-reduction strategy for adult smokers who can’t quit on their own.

The Science Behind Vaping to Stop Smoking

When a major health body like the NHS gives the nod to vaping for adult smokers trying to quit, you know it’s not a recommendation they’ve made lightly. This advice is built on a mountain of solid scientific evidence that consistently points to one thing: E-Cigarettes are a seriously effective tool for ditching tobacco for good. In fact, systematic reviews—methodologically rigorous evaluations of the available evidence—have consistently found E-Cigarettes to be effective for smoking cessation. The reason why is actually quite straightforward, but incredibly powerful.

Vaping tackles the two biggest hurdles of quitting smoking head-on, at the same time. Firstly, it delivers the nicotine your body is screaming for, which helps manage those often brutal physical withdrawal symptoms. Secondly, it mimics the hand-to-mouth action and the sensation of inhaling – the whole behavioural ritual of smoking. This dual-pronged attack is what really gives it the edge over many other methods!

Unpacking the Scientific Evidence

The scientific community has been scrutinising artificial cigarettes for years, and the evidence keeps piling up. A recent, major analysis from Cochrane Library has added even more weight to the argument, concluding that e-cigarettes are more effective for quitting smoking than traditional Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) like patches or gum (3).

The numbers don’t lie. Participants using e-cigarettes were hitting higher rates of smoking abstinence compared to those using standard NRT. It just goes to show that combining nicotine delivery with that familiar behavioural simulation gives smokers a real, measurable advantage in their fight to quit. While these studies demonstrate the effectiveness of e-cigarettes, they also monitor for adverse events. Most reported adverse events are mild, but it is important to consider them when evaluating the overall safety profile.

This growing body of evidence is exactly why vaping has become a cornerstone of harm reduction strategies here in the UK. Public health experts see it as a pragmatic way for adult smokers to move away from the massive harm caused by burning tobacco. While it’s not 100% risk-free, the overwhelming consensus is that vaping is a substantially less harmful choice.

The Principle of Harm Reduction

Understanding the concept of harm reduction is key to seeing where artificial cigarettes fit in. The idea acknowledges that while it would be perfect if no one used nicotine, helping current smokers switch to a much less dangerous alternative is a huge win for public health. The real danger in smoking isn’t the nicotine; it’s the thousands of toxic chemicals created when you burn tobacco. (4)

This approach offers a realistic and effective path forward for millions who’ve tried and failed with other quitting methods. Reducing the harm from smoking by switching to vaping brings about many of the same benefits as quitting smoking without vaping, so while it isn't entirely risk free, an effective alternative that reduces harm significantly cannot be discounted.

Compared to other nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum, E-Cigarettes may offer advantages for some smokers, especially when combined with support. It’s a way to manage a nicotine addiction without the devastating health fallout from smoke and tar. When you look at all the science, it points to vaping as the most successful quitting tool available to adult smokers today.

Why Nicotine-Free Alternatives Often Fall Short

Trying to quit smoking is a two-front battle. On one side, you’re fighting the physical habit – the hand-to-mouth motion, the ritual of lighting up, inhaling and feeling the smoke go down. On the other, you’re up against a powerful chemical addiction to nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, which is why managing withdrawal is so challenging (5). This is exactly why many nicotine-free artificial cigarettes, however well-intentioned, just don’t hit the mark for most smokers.

Products like herbal vapes or aromatic inhalers can feel like they’re helping because they tackle the behavioural side of things. They give your hands something to do and mimic the physical act of smoking. But here’s the problem: they do absolutely nothing to satisfy your brain’s intense craving for nicotine, which is the real engine driving the addiction.

Without a way to manage the powerful physical withdrawal symptoms—the irritability, anxiety, and overwhelming urges—the odds of going back to traditional cigarettes are incredibly high. Simply replacing the action is rarely enough to win the war. For most people, quitting for good means tackling both the habit and the chemical dependency at the same time.

The Problem with Non-Nicotine Vapes

A lot of people assume that if a vape has no nicotine, it must be completely safe. This is a common and understandable misconception, but it’s crucial to know that the absence of nicotine doesn’t automatically mean zero risk. You can learn more about this in our detailed guide exploring whether vaping without nicotine is safe.

Flavoured air products like NEAFS (which heat tea leaves) and FUM (aromatic inhalers) are often marketed with appealing, health-conscious language. A 2022 study in Cureus noted that while these products avoid nicotine, the long-term effects of inhaling heated non-tobacco materials and flavouring chemicals are largely unknown, creating potential health risks. Additionally, these products may contain other chemicals, the long-term effects of which are not well understood.

Research from the scientific journal Cureus highlights that the long-term effects of inhaling heated non-tobacco products and flavouring chemicals are largely unknown, cautioning that a lack of nicotine does not equate to a lack of potential harm. (6)

This lack of long-term data means users are essentially stepping into uncharted territory.

Why E-Cigarettes Have the Scientific Edge

In stark contrast, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes have substantial scientific backing as a successful tool to help people stop smoking. A recent analysis in the journal Addictive Behaviors confirmed that they work because they address both sides of the addiction. The vapour, or more technically the 'e-cigarette aerosol', delivers the nicotine your body craves to stop withdrawal symptoms, while the device mimics the physical act of smoking.

This large-scale analysis found that e-cigarettes are a more effective tool for quitting smoking than traditional Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) like patches or gum. The study shows that vapers achieve higher rates of successfully quitting compared to those using other methods. This growing body of evidence is precisely why UK health bodies recommend regulated vaping for adult smokers who want to quit for good.

The Murky Waters of Flavoured Air Products

The market for smoking alternatives is getting more crowded by the day. A new type of product has popped up, using flavoured air or heated non-tobacco materials, and they’re often wrapped up in appealing words like ‘natural’ or ‘healthy’. This really brings up a critical question for anyone looking to quit smoking: what are the actual health implications of inhaling something that isn’t tobacco or nicotine? Some artificial cigarette devices can even be modified to deliver other drugs, raising additional health and regulatory concerns.

You might see brands like NEAFS, which heat tea leaves instead of tobacco, or FUM, which are basically aromatic air inhalers. The whole point of these is to mimic the physical habit of smoking. But while they successfully sidestep nicotine, it’s a huge mistake to think that a lack of nicotine automatically makes a product safe. The real issue is the simple act of inhalation and what exactly you’re delivering to your lungs.

A Closer Look at The Marketing Claims and Health Effects

Many of these nicotine-free alternatives are being pushed as wellness products, but this can be incredibly misleading. The research underscores the unknown risks of inhaling heated non-tobacco substances and various flavourings, urging consumers to look past the marketing.

The fundamental problem is that we just don't have the long-term data. We have no real idea what the cumulative effect of inhaling heated tea leaves or the complex chemical cocktails used in flavourings will be over months or years. This glaring lack of evidence makes it impossible to declare them a genuinely safe alternative to smoking.

All these different flavouring agents and non-tobacco materials can introduce new, completely unstudied variables into the equation of respiratory health. We’re moving beyond the known risks of just nicotine or tobacco into uncharted territory. It hammers home a crucial point: just because an ingredient is safe to eat doesn't mean it's safe to inhale.

Why E-Cigarettes Have Stronger Scientific Backing

On the other hand, regulated nicotine-containing e-cigarettes have a solid body of scientific evidence behind them as a tool to help people stop smoking. By satisfying nicotine cravings while simultaneously replicating the behavioural ritual of smoking, it is a fairly easy switch to make (with a little commitment, of course). Studies on e cigarette users often highlight that many are current or former smokers seeking to quit, making this group especially relevant to research on smoking cessation.

It’s this two-pronged approach that gives vaping its scientific edge. A major analysis published recently provides strong evidence that people using e-cigarettes have a higher success rate in quitting smoking compared to those trying other methods.

For any adult smoker serious about quitting, the evidence points clearly towards regulated vaping as a well-researched harm reduction tool. In stark contrast, the safety profile of these new flavoured air products remains a massive, and potentially risky, unknown.

Making an Informed Choice That's Right for You

Trying to find your way through the world of artificial cigarettes can be confusing. The options range from properly regulated E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products all the way to flavoured air inhalers like NEAFS and FUM. Each one is built for a different job, and picking the right one boils down to a simple question: are you fighting a nicotine addiction or just trying to break a physical habit? Young adults are particularly susceptible to experimenting with artificial cigarettes, so careful consideration is needed when choosing alternatives for this age group.

For a long-term smoker, it’s pretty clear that non-nicotine alternatives just don’t cut it as a quitting tool. Kicking the habit is a war on two fronts: the chemical craving for nicotine and the deep-seated, hand-to-mouth behavioural habit. Any product that only tackles the habit, while ignoring the intense physical withdrawal from nicotine, usually just sends smokers straight back to their old pack of cigarettes.

Questioning the Health Claims

You also have to be a bit wary of the marketing messages swirling around some of these non-nicotine products. It’s common to see brands that sell heated tea leaves or aromatic inhalers using trendy ‘wellness’ language to sell their wares.

Without that long-term data, anyone using these products is essentially stepping into uncharted territory with their health.

Got Questions About Smoking Alternatives?

We get it. The world of smoking alternatives can feel a bit confusing. Let’s tackle some of the most common questions to help you get a clearer picture of what’s out there.

What role does the tobacco industry play in the development and marketing of artificial cigarettes?

The tobacco industry has been heavily involved in the development and marketing of artificial cigarettes. Major tobacco companies have invested in these products and often use similar strategies as they did with traditional tobacco products to influence public perception and regulatory policies. Their involvement is aimed at maintaining market share as consumer preferences shift away from conventional cigarettes.

What Are The Different Types of Alternatives?

The market has exploded with options beyond just traditional cigarettes. You’ve got E-Cigarettes (or vapes), which heat a nicotine-infused e-liquid. Then there are Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), which, as the name suggests, warm up real tobacco just enough to release a vapour without actually burning it.

And the list doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find more unique products like NEAFS, which uses heated tea leaves, or FUM, which is essentially an aromatic air inhaler designed to mimic the hand-to-mouth action.

Are Nicotine-Free Products Any Good for Quitting?

For the vast majority of smokers, going straight to a nicotine-free alternative is a bit like trying to run a marathon without training. It can be done, however it could take many attempts and could see you delaying the healing process that quitting smoking brings.

Products that don’t contain any nicotine only really help with the hand-to-mouth ritual. They leave the intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings completely unchecked, which is why so many people find themselves reaching for a regular cigarette again. These alternatives are not recommended for non smokers, as they are intended to help current smokers reduce or quit nicotine use, not for those who do not already smoke.

Why Do E-Cigarettes Seem to Get All the Scientific Backing?

There’s a good reason for that: E-Cigarettes are now supported by a huge and growing body of scientific evidence as a genuinely effective tool for quitting smoking. When compared to other nicotine replacement products, e-cigarettes have shown higher success rates, especially when combined with expert support.

The “why” is pretty straightforward: they successfully tackle both sides of the addiction. They deliver the nicotine your body craves to keep withdrawal at bay, while also mimicking the physical act and ritual of smoking. It’s this dual-action approach that makes them so successful!

Your Guide To Artificial Cigarettes and Vaping - Conclusion

So - it comes down to the science. With essential oil or tea-infused alternatives, we just don't have much data to say how safe it is or how effective they may be in helping people to quit. We know much more about E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products, primarily because they have now been around for a while, but also because they incorporate nicotine which is, generally, a well regulated substance.

At SMOKO, we provide UK-made e-liquids to ensure the highest standards of safety are met. With pharmaceutical-grade ingredients, submissions to the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) for each of our devices - including refills of all our flavours at all nicotine strengths - SMOKO offers peace of mind with our premium product. Quitting smoking has never been easier!

Ready to find a scientifically-backed alternative to help you quit smoking for good? Explore the range of UK-made e-cigarettes and vapes at SMOKO and start your journey today. Visit us at https://smoko.com.

References

(1) Alternative Flavored Inhalable Products—A New Respiratory Hazard?

(2) Examining e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation treatment: A critical umbrella review analysis

(3) Latest Cochrane Review finds high certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) in helping people quit smoking

(4) Cancer Research UK: What’s in a cigarette?

(5) Cleveland Clinic: Nicotine Dependence (Tobacco Use Disorder)

(6) Flavoured Vaping Products in Tobacco Harm Reduction: A Regulatory Perspective

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.

Last updated 06/10/2025