Many vapers want to know if e-liquids expire. Firstly, vape juices isn’t food; however, it is made with ingredients that are often classified as food-grade and safe for human consumption. Moreover, vape juices do have a “best-by” date.
Does vape juice expire? Before answering this question, we should explain more about the most common ingredients present in vape juices. As you may know, vape juices are mainly composed of two ingredients: propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin and then nicotine (in nicotine e-juices) and flavorings. Both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are commonly used in the food industry. For example, propylene glycol is used in soft drinks, ice creams or coffee-based drinks.
E-liquid Ingredients
Does vape juice expire? The answer is yes and no. Let me clarify it, you can vape your e-liquids after many years, but its flavor and potency will not be the same.
E-liquids last for a very long time and they are mainly composed of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.
Propylene Glycol
It’s widely used in many industries. Propylene glycol is generally considered safe by the FDA. For example, propylene glycol is used as a vehicle for many pharmaceutical preparations in the US.
In addition, propylene glycol is used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins and even in water based acrylic paints. Other uses of propylene glycol include humectant, antifreeze (for example to de-ice aircrafts) and obviously, in vape juices.
Furthermore, propylene glycol provides that coarse throat hit that resembles tobacco smoking.
Vegetable Glycerin
In the food industry, vegetable glycerin has been used as a thickening agent, sweetener and also as a humectant and a solvent. In addition, glycerin is also FDA approved for its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
Vegetable glycerin has very similar uses to propylene glycol. For example, it’s also used as an anti-freeze.
Furthermore, it’s also used in the film industry to create smoky environments.
In vaping, vegetable glycerin is the key ingredient for vapor and cloud production.
Does Vape Juice Expire? Other ingredients
Other common ingredients are flavorings such as diacetyl and also nicotine in nicotine e-liquids.
Vape Juice and Expiration Date
Does vape juice expire? You can vape e-liquids that are old. However, bear in mind that the chemical compounds will possibly begin to break down.
Nonetheless, some oxidation is used in the production process of nicotine e-liquids as it helps to enhance the flavor. On the other hand, too much oxidation will make the e-liquid taste bad and go stale.
It’s recommended not to let e-liquids get exposed to air for a long time.
Does Vape Juice Expire? How Should I Store e-Liquids?
Firstly, do not expose your e-liquids to direct sunlight. In other words, store your e-liquids in a dark and cool place. If you store it in unsuitable places, then you might notice a weird taste.
In addition, you can also smell the vape juice. If it smells strange, then it has possibly spoiled. Some e-liquids change smell more drastically than others. In conclusion, if it smells strange, don’t vape it. It won’t hurt you, but obviously, vaping a spoiled e-liquid isn’t very pleasant.
Moreover, you can pay attention to its color. Sometimes, the color changes slightly and this isn’t a big issue. However, if you notice a drastic color change, then you should pay attention if the e-liquid tastes strange. Most likely, drastic color changes means that it has gone stale.
To keep your e-liquid in good conditions, you should:
1) Store your e-liquids at room temperature.
2) Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
Will my E-Liquids Go Stale?
Usually, your e-liquids will have a lifespan of two years. Nonetheless, some e-liquids can last up to five years.
However, most of vapers won’t encounter this issue as they usually finish a bottle of e-liquid before it spoils. In other words, if you vape every day you will go through e-liquid too quickly.
To determine if you e-liquid has gone stale, you should also pay attention to its thickness. It varies from one to another e-liquid. However, if you notice that your e-liquid has sediments and they don’t blend after you shake it, then it probably has gone stale.
Conclusion: Does Vape Juice Expire?
It usually lasts for approximately two years and sometimes up to five years. There are several ways to determine if your e-liquid has gone stale. Remember to pay attention to:
1) Color: Has the color changed drastically?
2) Thickness: does it have sediments? Does it blend together when you shake it?
3) Smell: does it smell weird?
Finally, to store and keep your e-liquids in good conditions, you should:
1) Avoid direct exposure to sunlight.
2) Store at room temperature.
3) Always keep your e-liquids sealed.
In conclusion, it’s unlikely that vaping expired vape juices will do any harm. Nonetheless, there aren’t enough studies about it and therefore it’s better to avoid vaping spoiled e-liquids.
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