Last Updated: August 25, 2026
With the growing popularity of vaping, more guests are asking an important question: what is in vape juice? Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time user, understanding vape juice ingredients can help you make informed choices about what you’re inhaling, and what that means for your health and lifestyle.
At Generation V, we believe in transparency, quality, and guest education. So, in this guide, we’re diving deep into what vape juice is made of, the different types of vape ingredients, and what makes one product different from the next. Whether you’re curious about synthetic nicotine, want to understand what “VG/PG” means, or just want to be sure you’re buying the safest e-liquid possible, this blog is for you.
What Is Vape Juice Made Of?
The base of every e-liquid is a mix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Most also include nicotine (natural, salt-based, or synthetic) and flavorings. In some cases, small amounts of distilled water or ethyl alcohol may be added to adjust the consistency.
These ingredients may sound technical, but each one plays a specific role in how your vape performs, how it tastes, and how it feels when you inhale.
Vape Juice Ingredients Summary:
- VG/PG base – Vapor production and throat hit
- Nicotine – Optional, available in different types
- Flavorings – Natural or artificial
- Water/Alcohol – Rare, for consistency or preservation
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol, often listed as PG, is a thin, clear, and odorless liquid that acts as a flavor carrier in e-liquid. It’s widely used in food products, medicines, cosmetics, and inhalers. Its low viscosity makes it ideal for devices that require more fluid consistency.
Benefits of PG:
- Provides a strong throat hit similar to smoking
- Carries flavor extremely well
- Less vapor, more flavor focus
Safety:
The FDA recognizes PG as generally safe for ingestion. It’s also found in asthma inhalers and intravenous medications. However, some users report mild sensitivity, including dry mouth or slight throat irritation, especially at high concentrations.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable glycerin, or VG, is a thicker, sweet-tasting liquid derived from plant oils (usually palm, soy, or coconut). It’s responsible for the large vapor clouds that many users enjoy.
Benefits of VG:
- Produces dense, smooth vapor
- Slightly sweet taste enhances fruit and dessert flavors
- Smoother inhale, especially at higher VG levels
Safety:
Like PG, VG is recognized as safe by the FDA and is commonly used in foods, pharmaceuticals, and skincare products. Because of its viscosity, VG-heavy juices are best used in sub-ohm vape devices.
Flavorings in Vape Juice
Vape flavors come in a massive variety; everything from blue raspberry and vanilla custard to menthol and tobacco. These flavors are created using food-grade natural and artificial flavorings. The exact formulations are proprietary, but reputable manufacturers use flavoring compounds approved for ingestion.
What About Diacetyl?
Diacetyl is a butter-flavored additive that was once used in popcorn flavoring. Some low-quality vape products historically contained diacetyl, raising concerns about lung health. However, reputable vape juice manufacturers no longer use diacetyl, and most premium brands (like those carried at Generation V) are lab-tested and diacetyl-free.
Choosing Safe Flavors:
- Look for transparent labeling
- Prefer e-liquids made in certified U.S. labs
- Buy from reputable shops like Generation V
Nicotine in Vape Juice: Freebase, Salt, and Synthetic
Nicotine is an optional component in vape juice and is available in multiple forms. Some e-liquids are nicotine-free, while others offer customizable strength options ranging from 3mg to 50mg+.
Freebase Nicotine
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine used in most vape juices, delivering a strong throat hit typically found in standard open-system vape devices.
- Stronger hit, slower absorption
- Works well for those transitioning from cigarettes
Nicotine Salt
Nicotine salt is chemically altered with benzoic acid to allow smoother inhalation at higher strengths. It’s found in pod systems and low-wattage devices.
- Smooth and fast-acting
- Best for moderate to heavy nicotine users
Synthetic Nicotine
Synthetic nicotine is a newer innovation, made without tobacco. Chemically, it’s identical to traditional nicotine but created in a lab from non-tobacco sources.
- Often used to avoid tobacco classification
- Some find it offers a cleaner flavor and smoother feel
- Still interacts with the body in the same way as traditional nicotine
Are Vape Juice Ingredients Safe?
There’s no such thing as a 100% “safe” inhaled product, but vaping is widely considered a less harmful alternative to smoking. A 2015 review by Public Health England concluded that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than combustible tobacco, largely because it eliminates the byproducts of combustion.
Key Considerations:
- Always buy lab-tested products
- Avoid black-market or homemade vape juice
- Check for certifications like ISO lab standards and USP-grade ingredients
How to Read Vape Juice Labels
Learning how to interpret e-liquid labels can help you choose better products. Here’s what to look for:
Key Terms:
- VG/PG Ratio – A 70/30 VG/PG blend is common for sub-ohm, while 50/50 works well in pod systems
- Nicotine Strength – Usually listed in mg/mL or percent (e.g., 6mg or 0.6%)
- Ingredients List – Look for PG, VG, nicotine (optional), and flavorings
Avoid products that:
- Lack ingredient transparency
- Offer vague descriptions or missing nicotine data
- Have no manufacturer listed
Generation V’s Commitment to Transparency
At Generation V, we’re committed to offering the highest-quality vape products available. All our e-liquid is:
- American-made in certified labs
- Free from diacetyl and harmful additives
- Backed by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Researched and tested before brought into stores
- Sold by knowledgeable team members who can guide you through flavor, strength, and device compatibility
We’ve been serving the Midwest since 2014 and have grown to become a regional leader in vape and alternative wellness products across Nebraska and Iowa. Our guests choose us because they trust what’s on our shelves and the information we provide.
FAQs About Vape Ingredients
What are the main ingredients in vape juice?
PG, VG, flavorings, and optionally nicotine (freebase, salt, or synthetic).
Is there antifreeze in vape juice?
No. While PG is used in antifreeze, it’s the non-toxic kind. It’s also used in inhalers and food.
Are vape juice ingredients FDA-approved?
While vape products are not FDA-approved, the individual ingredients (PG, VG, and flavorings) are typically recognized as safe for ingestion.
What is in synthetic nicotine?
Lab-created nicotine identical to tobacco-derived versions, but made without the tobacco plant.
Is it better to vape PG or VG?
It depends on your preference. PG offers a stronger throat hit and flavor. VG produces more vapor and a smoother inhale.
Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Vaping
Understanding the ingredients in vape juice empowers you to make safer, smarter decisions. Whether you’re choosing between freebase and synthetic nicotine or trying to understand what VG actually does, knowing what’s in your vape gives you more control over your experience.
At Generation V, our mission is to offer clean, consistent, and high-quality products and to educate every guest who walks through our doors. From Omaha and Lincoln to McCook and Chadron, we’re here to help you find the best products for your lifestyle.
Have questions about what’s in your vape juice? Stop by your local Generation V location and talk to a team member today.
