If you’re an avid vaper, you might have a collection of different flavours you like to explore and enjoy. If you’ve held onto your bottles for a while, you might be wondering, does e-liquid expire?
In this blog, we’ll explore how long vape juice lasts, what causes e-liquids to expire and how to spot the signs. We’ll also give you our top tips on how to get the most out of your vape juices so you can enjoy a fresh taste for longer.
Does e-liquid expire?
The short answer to this question is yes, e-liquids do expire. In the same way that all confectionaries and food products have sell-by, use-by and best-before dates, vape juice also has a limited shelf life. E-liquids typically have an expiration date of between 1 and 2 years, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer or brand. Every bottle of vape liquid should have a date of manufacture and an expiry date. This is one of the many legal requirements for E-cigarettes and is one of the best ways to see if an e-liquid is authentic.
The expiry date on e-liquids isn’t definitive and is seen as more of a guideline for use or “best before” date similar to what we see on dried foods. There is no set expiry date across the vaping industry and these dates are determined by manufacturer research. The period before an expiry date is when the product will have the best taste, consistency and vapour production.
High VG e-liquids
Vegetable Glycerin or VG is the main component in higher VG liquids like 70/30 mixtures. This plant derivative offers a thinner mixture that allows for bigger vapour clouds. Vegetable Glycerin has no set expiry date when stored correctly, but it does have a best-before date of 1 to 2 years.
High PG e-liquids
Propylene Glycol or higher PG e-liquids are made with higher levels of PG to deliver a stronger flavour. Designed for an intense taste and throat hit, this synthetic ingredient has a longer life span and can last mouth-to-lung vapers 2 years and above.
It’s important to remember that whilst these are the guidelines for best use, there are several factors that can affect the life of an e-liquid. If you’re unsure of the difference between PG and VG liquids, you can take a look at our handy guide.
Nicotine e-liquids
Freebase nicotine or nicotine shots can also expire just like flavoured shortfills. Nicotine is a naturally occurring alkaloid originating from plants, and as a natural plant derivative, this too will expire over time. The guidance on nicotine liquids is usually 1-2 years, especially freebase nicotine that isn’t chemically altered like nic salts.
How to tell if an e-liquid is expired
When it comes to expired e-liquids, there are some telltale signs that your vape juice is ready to be thrown away. It’s also important to mention that vape liquids can go off before the given expiry date, so be aware of the signs below:
Unusual smell
When you first purchase your vape juice, the smell should resemble your chosen flavour profile. For example, if you purchase a dessert-flavoured e-liquid, you can expect a sweet, sugary baked smell in the bottle and on exhale. If you notice your liquid has an unusual, or unpleasant smell, this can indicate that the liquid has expired.
With odourless options like pure nicotine, there should be no smell when your liquid is in date. If you notice a peculiar or bad smell, then you should discard the product.
Change in taste
A change in taste can range from a significantly reduced flavour profile to a harsh, bitter or unpleasant taste. If you’ve identified that it isn’t a burnt coil causing a change in taste when vaping then your vape juice is most likely expired.
Liquid colour change
When you first purchase your vape liquid, it will usually be clear or have a slightly yellow tinge if you’ve chosen a sweeter flavour. As the liquid oxidises over time, it will begin to change colour to a deeper yellow or brown colour. This is not an indication that your e-liquid has expired on its own, as liquids with higher sugar/ sweetener or nicotine content will naturally darken over time.
If however, you notice a dark colour with any other signs like an unpleasant smell, reduced flavour or foul taste, it’s time for disposal.
Sedimentation or separation
Before using your vape juice, it’s always best practice to shake before, especially if you’ve added nicotine to a shortfill bottle. If you notice separation in the liquid that doesn’t mix when shaken, it’s time for a new bottle. The same goes for any sediment you notice at the bottom of your vape juice bottles.
It’s important to know that sedimentation is not a sign of expiration in CBD e-liquids. This is because high levels of CBD can cause crystallisation in these liquids. If you notice sediment or crystals in your CBD e-liquid, this can be resolved by gently warming the contents in warm water.
Do disposable vapes expire?
Just like bottles of e-liquid, disposable vapes also expire. These vapes are single-use devices and last around 600 puffs. Typically a disposable vape will be used or out of puffs before it expires. However, if you’re only an occasional vaper then it’s important to know that most disposables last 1 - 2 years after their manufacturing date.
The issue here is that it’s not always clear when a disposable vape was manufactured. If you want to estimate how much life your e-cig has left you can check the packaging for an expiration date or scan the authentication code. This should produce a batch number and manufacturing date which will help indicate if your vape is still fit for use.
The same telltale signs of expired e-liquid including foul taste, smell and reduction in flavour are also indicators of expired disposable vapes. The only difference is that disposables have a built-in coil, so any burnt or bitter tastes can be due to an expired coil rather than a bad liquid. Regardless, if any of these signs are present, you should dispose of your vape.
What causes e-liquids to expire?
When asking ‘Does e-liquid expire?’ it’s important to know what factors cause expiration outside of the estimated date. Knowing the causes can help you prolong the life of your vape juice and continue to enjoy your vaping experience.
Exposure to air
When you first purchase your vape liquid, it should be factory sealed, but once open, the liquid is exposed to oxygen. This causes gradual oxidation and continuous exposure to air can exacerbate this process. If you leave the lid off of your bottle for extended periods, you’re increasing the rate of oxidation. This in turn causes your vape juice to expire faster.
Exposure to heat
High temperatures can cause accelerated loss in the strength of flavour and nicotine hit in an e-liquid. Leaving your e-liquid in a hot room or in direct sunlight can cause this type of breakdown.
Light exposure
Not only does leaving your vape liquid in direct sunlight heat it, but it also exposes the solution to UV rays which can cause reactions with the chemical components. This can lead to altered taste, smell and viscosity.
How to correctly store e-liquid
In order to maximise the life of your e-liquid, you need to practice proper storage habits. Always store your vape juice in a cool, dry place. Keep your e-liquid bottles and disposables away from heat and direct sunlight. Always ensure the lid is secured tightly after refilling pods or tanks and avoid leaving the bottle open for prolonged periods.