THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF E-CIGARETTES AND VAPING: FROM INNOVATION TO REVOLUTION

Key Takeaways

• Vaping emerged from harm-reduction innovation: E-Cigarettes were developed to offer smokers a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco, evolving through decades of experimentation and technology.

• Rapid innovation reshaped nicotine consumption: From early cigalikes to modern pod systems, vaping has transformed how people access nicotine, prioritising convenience, customisation, and reduced smoke exposure.

• Regulation and public perception continue to evolve: As vaping grew into a global movement, it sparked ongoing debates around health, safety, and policy—shaping its role in the future of smoking alternatives.

The history of E-Cigarettes and vaping represents one of the most significant technological disruptions in the tobacco industry over the past century. What began as a simple idea to provide a safer alternative to traditional smoking has evolved into a multi-billion pound global industry that has fundamentally changed how millions of people consume nicotine. Understanding this evolution helps explain not only where vaping technology stands today, but also why it has become such a powerful tool for smoking cessation and harm reduction.

The Early Origins and Patent History

The concept of electronic cigarettes predates modern vaping by several decades. The first documented reference to an electronic cigarette is a patent granted to Joseph Robinson in 1930 (1). In 1963, Herbert A. Gilbert is credited with the creation of the first device that closely resembled the modern e-cigarette, receiving a patent in 1965. His design featured a device that heated flavoured air, creating vapour without combustion or tobacco (2). Gilbert’s invention included replaceable E-Cigarette cartridges and even proposed different flavours—concepts that remain central to modern vaping devices.

Some early vaporiser devices were intended for inhaling medicinal compounds and were considered drug delivery devices by regulatory authorities, highlighting their therapeutic and medical applications.

However, Gilbert’s invention never reached commercial production. The 1960s smoking culture, combined with limited technology and manufacturing capabilities, meant there was little market demand for smoking alternatives. Traditional cigarettes were still widely accepted, and the health risks weren’t fully understood by the general public.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, several inventors attempted to create similar devices. Most notably, Phil Ray and Norman Jacobson developed a device they called the “electronic cigarette” in the 1980s, but their product used evaporated nicotine instead of vaporised liquid, making it fundamentally different from modern e-cigarettes.

The Modern E-Cigarette Revolution Begins

The breakthrough that launched the modern vaping industry came from Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik in 2003. After his father died from lung cancer caused by heavy smoking, Hon Lik became determined to create a safer alternative to cigarettes. Working for a company called Golden Dragon Holdings (later renamed Ruyan), he developed the first commercially successful electronic cigarette using ultrasonic technology to vaporise a liquid solution containing liquid nicotine (3).

Hon Lik’s design was revolutionary because it successfully mimicked the experience of smoking while eliminating combustion entirely. His device heated a propylene glycol solution infused with nicotine liquid, creating a vapour that users could inhale. This innovation addressed both the physical addiction to nicotine and the behavioural aspects of smoking that previous attempts had failed to capture.

The first commercial e-cigarettes appeared in Chinese markets in 2004, with international expansion beginning in 2006. These early devices were often called “cigalikes” because they were designed to closely resemble regular cigarettes in size and appearance. While primitive by today’s standards, they proved that there was significant demand for smoking alternatives.

E-cigarettes were introduced to Europe in April 2006 and to the U.S. in August 2006.

Key Technological Innovations Of Electronic Cigarettes

The early e-cigarettes, also known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), used simple technology: a battery, an atomiser (heating element), and a cartridge containing e-liquid. These devices were designed to deliver nicotine efficiently to users through vaporisation. Users would puff on the device, activating a sensor that heated the liquid and produced vapour. These devices were typically disposable or used replaceable cartridges, making them convenient but limited in customisation options.

E Cigarette Sales - Global Expansion and Market Development

The introduction of e-cigarettes to Western markets began around 2006-2007, with the United States and Europe becoming key early adopters. Both e-cigarette companies and cigarette companies played a significant role in the expansion of the market. E-cigarette companies like NJOY and Blu began importing and modifying Chinese designs for Western consumers, while cigarette companies started to see the potential of vaping as a safer alternative and began to invest in the industry. Others developed their own proprietary technologies.

In the UK, the vaping market began developing around 2007-2008. British companies recognised the potential for locally manufactured products that could meet higher quality standards and comply with emerging regulations. Major tobacco companies entered the E-Cigarette market by acquiring startups and developing their own product lines, further accelerating industry growth. (4)

The period from 2008 to 2012 saw explosive growth in the global vaping market. The e-cigarette market began to grow rapidly in the early 2010s, with significant increases in sales and product variety. According to research from Statista, the global e-cigarette market grew from virtually nothing to over $2 billion by 2012. By 2019, the global e-cigarette market was valued at over $19 billion, reflecting widespread adoption as a smoking cessation tool, and SMOKO E-Cigarettes emerged as one of the UK’s leading brands during this period, focusing on British-made products that offered reliability and consistency that early imported devices often lacked. This growth was driven by several factors: increasing awareness of smoking’s health risks, rising cigarette prices, smoking bans in public places, and word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied users.

Technological Evolution and Product Diversification

E-cigarettes have evolved through several generations, each improving performance and user experience. The first-generation devices, known as 'cigalikes', closely resembled traditional cigarettes in appearance and function. These were followed by second-generation vape pens, which offered larger batteries and refillable tanks. Third-generation e-cigarettes, called 'mods', combined tank systems with even larger batteries, allowing for enhanced aerosol production and more customisable nicotine delivery. The fourth generation introduced pod-style devices, such as JUUL, which are compact and use nicotine salts for a smoother and stronger inhalation experience. The introduction of pod-based systems popularised nicotine salt e-liquids, offering a stronger and smoother nicotine delivery.

As the market matured, e-cigarette technology evolved rapidly. The simple cigalike devices of the early 2000s gave way to more sophisticated systems offering greater customisation and performance. E-liquid manufacturers have played a key role in driving product innovation and variety, adhering to industry standards and regulations to ensure quality and safety.

The vaping industry was driven by consumer preferences for easier and more sustainable vaping options, especially as regulatory challenges increased. Alongside technological advancements, a passionate vaping community emerged, forming a vibrant subculture. This community connects through online forums, social media groups, and vape meets, where enthusiasts share experiences, showcase devices, and advocate for vaping. Vaping culture includes events and gatherings that foster camaraderie, innovation, and advocacy within the community.

Second-Generation Devices

Around 2009-2010, second-generation devices emerged, featuring larger batteries, refillable tanks, and more powerful atomisers. These devices, often called “vape pens” due to their cylindrical shape, offered longer battery life and more vapour production. Users could refill their own e-liquid, choosing from an expanding variety of flavours and nicotine strengths. This innovation allowed users to control their nicotine intake by selecting the nicotine level that best suited their needs.

Pod Systems and Modern Innovation

The introduction of pod-based systems around 2015 marked another significant evolution. These devices used pre-filled or refillable pods instead of traditional tanks, offering convenience and improved flavour delivery. Companies like JUUL popularised this format, though their marketing practices later attracted regulatory scrutiny. (5)

Modern vaping devices now include advanced features like temperature control, variable wattage, smartphone connectivity, and sophisticated safety systems. The evolution from basic cigalikes to today's smart devices demonstrates the rapid pace of innovation in the vaping industry.

Regulatory Development and Health Research

As vaping gained popularity, governments worldwide began developing regulatory frameworks to regulate e cigarettes as part of broader tobacco control efforts. The approach varied significantly between countries, with some embracing vaping as a harm reduction tool while others imposed strict restrictions or outright bans.

In the European Union, the EU Tobacco Products Directive established strict regulations on tank size, nicotine strength, and e-liquid volumes starting in 2016. This directive also set standards for product safety, restricted advertising, and controlled the sale and ingredients of vaping products across member states.

In the UK, E-Cigarettes are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, which require manufacturers to notify the healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA) of their products. The MHRA is responsible for registering and monitoring vaping devices and nicotine delivery systems to ensure safety and compliance with health standards. 

E-cigarettes are subject to various regulations that vary by country, including restrictions on sales to minors and advertising. In the United States, many states have imposed taxes on e-cigarettes as part of their tobacco product regulations, and the FDA has increased enforcement efforts against e-cigarette manufacturers and retailers for selling unauthorised products. However, e-cigarette marketing remains largely unregulated in the U.S, allowing companies to promote their products through various media, including social media.

These evolving regulations reflect ongoing tobacco control strategies and the challenges faced by public health authorities in balancing harm reduction, youth prevention, and consumer safety.

UK Leadership in Harm Reduction

The United Kingdom emerged as a global leader in evidence-based vaping policy. Public Health England’s comprehensive reviews concluded that e-cigarettes are at least 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes (6), leading to supportive regulatory policies that encourage vaping as a potential smoking cessation aid and smoking cessation product. There is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid, with some experts highlighting their role in harm reduction for adult smokers. While e-cigarettes may serve as a smoking cessation tool for some smokers, they have not been approved by the FDA for this purpose. In contrast, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like nicotine gum, is an approved and widely recognised smoking cessation product, with proven safety and effectiveness supported by regulatory agencies.

This supportive approach has enabled UK companies to thrive and innovate. British manufacturers have developed reputation for high-quality, safe products that comply with stringent EU and UK safety standards, setting benchmarks for the global industry.

International Regulatory Variations

Other countries adopted different approaches. The European Union implemented the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) in 2016, establishing common standards for e-cigarette products across member states. The United States took longer to develop comprehensive regulations, with the FDA gaining authority over e-cigarettes in 2016. The FDA has denied permission to market many flavoured e-cigarette products, including those popular among youth.

The World Health Organization (WHO) does not consider e-cigarettes a legitimate smoking cessation tool and has called for marketing restrictions, influencing regulatory decisions in many countries. As of June 1, 2025, single-use disposable vapes are banned in the UK due to environmental and youth-use concerns.

Some countries, including Australia and several Asian nations, maintained restrictive approaches, limiting or banning nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. These varying regulatory landscapes have significantly influenced market development and product innovation in different regions.

Scientific Research and Health Impact

The history of vaping is closely intertwined with evolving scientific understanding of its health effects. Early tobacco research and nicotine and tobacco research compared e-cigarettes to traditional tobacco smoking, tobacco cigarettes, and combustible cigarettes, consistently showing that e-cigarettes are less toxic per puff than combustible cigarettes. However, e-cigarette vapor still contains toxic chemicals and harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and volatile organic compounds, which pose health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Longitudinal studies have demonstrated vaping’s effectiveness as a smoking cessation tool. Cochrane reviews have found that e-cigarettes with nicotine are more effective than traditional nicotine replacement therapies for helping people quit smoking tobacco (7). Despite being marketed as safer alternatives to smoking tobacco, e-cigarettes still carry health risks and have been associated with an increase in respiratory symptoms among adolescents.

Research into second-hand vapour has shown minimal health risks compared to cigarette smoke, supporting policies that treat vaping differently from smoking in terms of public use restrictions. However, ongoing tobacco research continues to refine our understanding of long-term effects, optimal usage patterns, and the broader impact of vaping on nicotine addiction and youth health.

Market Impact and Smoking Cessation Success

The impact of e-cigarettes on smoking rates has been substantial. In the UK, smoking rates have declined to historic lows, with vaping credited as a major contributing factor in helping smokers quit and stop smoking, especially among adult smokers. Millions of people have successfully transitioned from smoking to vaping, avoiding the health risks associated with combustible tobacco. Notably, vaping has led to a significant decline in traditional tobacco use among young people, with many young e-cigarette users having never smoked before.

Companies like SMOKO have played crucial roles in this transition. Over twelve years of operation, SMOKO has helped prevent over 850 million cigarettes from being smoked, while customers have saved over £510 million that would otherwise have been spent on traditional cigarettes. These figures demonstrate the real-world impact of accessible, high-quality vaping products.

Current State and Future Outlook

Today’s vaping industry bears little resemblance to the simple devices Hon Lik created twenty years ago. The global vape market is expected to surpass $61 billion by the end of 2025, reflecting explosive growth. The vaping population grew from 7 million in 2011 to tens of millions by the 2020s, mirroring the industry's rapid evolution.

Modern e-cigarettes offer sophisticated technology, extensive customisation options, and proven effectiveness for smoking cessation. Many users are drawn to vaping for its variety of flavours and the ability to customise their experience. The rise of vaping has been attributed to targeted marketing strategies, including e-cigarette advertising and aggressive tactics for selling e-cigarettes that appeal to younger demographics. These strategies often use social media, celebrity endorsements, and flavoured products, raising concerns about misleading health claims and the promotion of e-cigarettes as a safe or cessation device. The prevalence of young e-cigarette users has increased, with many young people choosing to use e-cigarettes for recreational or experimental purposes.

Major tobacco companies, such as Imperial Tobacco through its Fontem Ventures subsidiary, have played a significant role in the vaping industry by acquiring intellectual property and launching products like Puritane. The emergence of e-cigarettes has sparked debates about public health, addiction, and the potential for a new generation of nicotine users.

The regulatory landscape is stabilising in many markets, providing clarity for manufacturers and consumers. As more long-term research becomes available, evidence-based policies are likely to become more widespread, potentially accelerating adoption in markets that currently restrict vaping.

Looking forward, the vaping industry faces both opportunities and challenges. Continued innovation in product design and safety features will likely improve user experience and satisfaction. However, ongoing regulatory scrutiny and public health debates will continue shaping market development.

The Complete History Of E-Cigarettes And Vaping - Conclusion

The history of e-cigarettes and vaping demonstrates how innovative technology can disrupt established industries while providing genuine public health benefits. From Hon Lik’s initial invention to today’s sophisticated devices, vaping has evolved into a proven tool for reducing smoking-related harm. As the industry continues maturing, its role in global tobacco harm reduction strategies seems increasingly secure, offering hope for millions of smokers worldwide seeking safer alternatives.

At SMOKO, we aim to provide smokers with a hassle-free vaping experience that helps to make the switch to vaping as easy as possible. Utilising prefilled refills containing our UK-made e-liquid to avoid any messy filling, changing coils and spending lots of time on cleaning and maintaining, SMOKO has a range of starter kits to help you quit cigarettes.

Just check out our FREE* starter kit deals and make the switch today! 

(*when you buy a box of refills. One per household.)

Frequently Asked Questions

When were E-Cigarettes first invented?
The modern E-Cigarette was invented in the early 2000s, building on earlier nicotine delivery concepts dating back to the 1960s.

Why were E-Cigarettes created?
E-cigarettes were developed as a harm-reduction alternative to smoking, aiming to deliver nicotine without burning tobacco or producing smoke.

How has vaping technology evolved over time?
Vaping has progressed from early disposable “cigalikes” to refillable devices, pod systems, and advanced temperature-controlled mods designed for better performance and user experience.

Are E-Cigarettes safer than traditional cigarettes?
While not risk-free, E-Cigarettes are considered 95% less harmful than smoking (according to Public Health England) because they eliminate combustion, which is the main source of toxic chemicals in cigarettes.

Why is vaping still controversial?
Vaping remains debated due to concerns around youth use, regulation, long-term health research, and differing public health approaches worldwide.

References

(1) Historical timeline of Vaping & Electronic Cigarettes

(2) Plans for the First E-cigarette Went Up in Smoke 50 Years Ago

(3) E-cigs a 'consumer-driven' revolution born from a bad dream

(4) E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General

(5) The Disturbing Focus Of Juul's Early Marketing Campaigns

(6) E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products: evidence review

(7) 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

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 19/12/2025