What do e-cigarettes contain?

E-cigarettes have become a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes, but what do they actually contain? Instead of burning tobacco, e-cigarettes use a so-called e-liquid that is vaporised and inhaled. But what do e-cigarettes contain, and how do they differ from regular cigarettes? In this article we look at what's in e-liquids and how different ingredients affect the experience.

What does the e-liquid in e-cigarettes contain?

E-cigarettes use a liquid that vaporises instead of burning tobacco. This liquid, also called e-juice or e-liquid, consists of a few main ingredients:

• Propylene Glycol (PG) - A common food additive that helps create vapour and carry flavour.
• Vegetable Glycerine (VG) - Gives a thicker vapour and a smoother feel when inhaled.
• Nicotine - May be present in varying amounts, from 0 mg/ml (nicotine-free) up to 20 mg/ml in nicotine salts.
• Flavourings - Used to give the e-liquid different flavours, such as fruit, tobacco or menthol.

These ingredients are liquid-based and vaporise when heated, unlike in regular cigarettes where tobacco burns and forms smoke.

Try IQOS ILUMA i for 60 days

Discover a better alternative by heating tobacco instead of burning it.

No smell of smoke

Heats tobacco & nicotine without burning it

No second-hand smoke and no ash

With IQOS there is no fire and therefore no smoke or ash follows - and no cleaning required, ever, with our latest ILUMA series!

Try IQOS ILUMA i

Try IQOS ILUMA i for 60 days

Discover a better alternative by heating tobacco instead of burning it.

No smell of smoke

Heats tobacco & nicotine without burning it

No second-hand smoke and no ash

With IQOS there is no fire and therefore no smoke or ash follows - and no cleaning required, ever, with our latest ILUMA series!

Try IQOS ILUMA i

What do e-cigarettes contain compared to regular cigarettes?

The main difference between e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes is that e-cigarettes do not contain tobacco. Also, because there is no combustion, there is no formation of tar or carbon monoxide, which are otherwise present in cigarette smoke.

What is the nicotine salt content of e-cigarettes?

In addition to traditional e-liquids, there is also nicotine salt, a form of nicotine used in some e-cigarettes. Nicotine salt has some unique properties:

• Contains nicotine in a more natural form than that used in classic e-liquids.
• Provides a smoother sensation in the throat, allowing higher nicotine levels to be used without feeling too strong.
• Faster absorption into the body, producing an effect similar to that of smoking traditional cigarettes.

Can e-cigarettes contain other substances?

Yes, some e-liquids may contain extra additives that affect taste and sensation, for example:

• Menthol - Provides a cooling effect when inhaled.
• Sweeteners - Used to give a sweeter flavour.
• Caffeine or vitamins - Found in some speciality products, but relatively uncommon.