How to Make Vape Juice?

Making your own vape juice at home has become a growing trend among experienced vapers who want more control over flavor, nicotine strength, and VG/PG ratios. While pre-made e-liquids are convenient, learning how to make vape juice yourself can be both cost-effective and customizable. Here’s a complete guide on how to make vape juice safely and correctly.

What Is Vape Juice?

Vape juice—also known as e-liquid or e-juice—is the liquid used in vape devices to create vapor. It typically contains four main ingredients:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): Carries flavor and provides a throat hit similar to cigarettes.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Produces thick vapor clouds and gives a smoother inhale.
• Nicotine (optional): The addictive component found in tobacco, available in different strengths.
• Flavor Concentrates: Provide the taste—ranging from fruits and desserts to menthol and tobacco.

Is It Legal to Make Vape Juice at Home?

In most countries, it’s legal to make vape juice for personal use, as long as you’re not selling it. However, regulations vary. In the UK and EU, for example, nicotine-containing e-liquids are limited under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) to a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/mL. Always check your local vape laws before making or storing nicotine-based liquids.

What You Need to Make Vape Juice

Before you start, gather the essential materials and ingredients:

Ingredients:

• PG (Propylene Glycol)
• VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
• Nicotine Base (optional)
• Flavor Concentrates

Equipment:

• Plastic or glass bottles (preferably amber or opaque)
• Syringes or graduated pipettes for accurate measurement
• Gloves and safety goggles (especially when handling nicotine)
• Labels for tracking flavor name, date, and nicotine level

How to Make Vape Juice

1. Choose Your Base Ratio (PG/VG)

Decide on the balance between vapor production and throat hit.

• 70VG/30PG: Best for sub-ohm vapers who prefer dense clouds and smooth flavor.
• 50VG/50PG: Balanced for both flavor and vapor, suitable for most pod systems.
• 30VG/70PG: More flavor intensity and stronger throat hit, ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) users.

2. Add Nicotine (Optional)

If you want nicotine in your vape juice, calculate the amount using an e-liquid calculator. For example, to make 100mL of 3mg e-liquid using 100mg/mL nicotine base, you’ll need 3mL of nicotine.

Always handle nicotine carefully—it’s toxic in concentrated form. Use gloves and mix in a well-ventilated area.

3. Add Flavors

Flavor concentrates are usually added at 5%–20% of the total mixture, depending on brand and intensity. For example, fruity flavors might require 10%, while dessert flavors may need 15–20%. Mix and adjust to taste over time.

4. Add VG and PG

After adding nicotine and flavor, top up the mixture with VG and PG according to your chosen ratio. Shake the bottle thoroughly for at least 1–2 minutes to ensure all ingredients are evenly blended.

5. Steep the Juice

Steeping allows flavors to mature and blend properly. Store the bottles in a cool, dark place for a few days to several weeks. Shake them occasionally and test the flavor. Fruit-based liquids usually require 3–5 days, while dessert or cream flavors may need up to 2–4 weeks.

Tips for the Best DIY Vape Juice

• Start simple: Experiment with single flavors before creating complex mixes.
• Use precise measurements: Always use syringes or scales for consistency.
• Keep notes: Record your recipes, ratios, and steeping times.
• Test in small batches: Make 10mL samples first to avoid wasting ingredients.
• Store safely: Keep all nicotine and vape juice away from children and pets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much flavor: Over-flavoring can cause harshness or “muted” taste.
• Skipping steeping: Freshly mixed juice often tastes chemical or uneven.
• Incorrect nicotine handling: Always use protective gear and measure precisely.
• Mixing without shaking: Ingredients may separate, leading to inconsistent taste.

Conclusion

Learning how to make vape juice is an enjoyable way to personalize your vaping experience. With the right ingredients, accurate measurements, and patience during steeping, you can craft flavors that suit your taste perfectly. Always prioritize safety—especially when handling nicotine—and follow your region’s regulations.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to make your own vape juice at home?

Yes, making vape juice at home can be safe if done correctly. Always handle nicotine with care—wear gloves, work in a ventilated area, and measure precisely using syringes or scales. Stick to high-quality, food-grade VG, PG, and flavor concentrates from trusted brands. Avoid unknown or non-vaping ingredients, as they can pose serious health risks.

2. What ingredients do I need to make vape juice?

You’ll need four main ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavor concentrates, and nicotine (optional). These can be purchased from reputable vape supply stores. The PG carries flavor and provides throat hit, VG creates vapor clouds, and flavors determine the taste profile. If you prefer nicotine-free e-liquid, simply skip the nicotine base.

3. How long should I steep my vape juice?

Steeping allows the flavors in your e-liquid to blend and mature, improving taste and smoothness.

• Fruit flavors: 3–5 days
• Dessert and custard flavors: 2–4 weeks
• Menthol or mint: Can be vaped immediately Store your bottles in a cool, dark place and shake them occasionally during steeping for best results.

4. What is the best PG/VG ratio for DIY vape juice?

The ideal PG/VG ratio depends on your vaping style:

• 70VG/30PG: Best for sub-ohm tanks, producing dense clouds and smooth vapor.
• 50VG/50PG: A balanced mix offering strong flavor and decent vapor.
• 30VG/70PG: Recommended for mouth-to-lung (MTL) users who want a stronger throat hit. Experiment with small batches to find your preferred balance.

5. Can you make vape juice without nicotine?

Absolutely. Many vapers choose to make nicotine-free e-liquids for flavor enjoyment without the addictive component. Simply mix VG, PG, and your chosen flavors, leaving out the nicotine base. Nicotine-free vape juice is ideal for users who’ve already quit nicotine or want smoother, lighter hits.