Your Beginner’s Guide to What’s Inside Your Vape—and Why It Feels the Way It Does
If you’re new to vaping, you’re probably curious—and maybe even a little confused—about what goes into your vape and why it sometimes feels a certain way. Why does it make your throat tingle? Why does your mouth get dry? And what’s really in that bottle of e-liquid?
We’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick-start FAQ that answers the most common questions beginners have about e-liquids.
1. What Are VG and PG?
Two main ingredients make up the base of almost every e-liquid:
- VG (Vegetable Glycerin): A thick, slightly sweet liquid responsible for creating dense vapor clouds. The higher the VG, the smoother the inhale and the bigger the clouds.
- PG (Propylene Glycol): A thinner, flavor-carrying ingredient that provides more “throat hit.” It helps deliver the sensation you might miss from traditional cigarettes.
Most e-liquids are a mix of VG and PG in varying ratios—like 70/30 or 50/50—to balance vapor and flavor.
2. Why Does Vaping Make My Mouth Feel Dry?
VG and PG are both hygroscopic, which means they absorb moisture—including from your mouth. That’s why dry mouth is a common side effect of vaping.
Solution? Stay hydrated. Drinking more water while vaping helps relieve the dryness and keeps your throat comfortable.
3. What Does “Steeping” Mean—and Do I Need to Do It?
Steeping is like letting wine or tea sit to develop a deeper flavor. E-liquids contain both oil- and water-based ingredients, which can separate or taste “sharp” if not fully blended.
Letting a new bottle sit for a few days—or gently shaking it—can help improve its flavor. However, most commercial e-liquids are pre-steeped and ready to use.
4. Is Aged E-Liquid Always Better?
Not always. While some flavors (especially dessert or tobacco types) improve with time, others may lose intensity or become unpleasant.
If an e-liquid is more than a year old or has changed color/smell significantly, it’s best not to use it.
5. Why Does My Tongue Tingle When I Vape?
A slight tingling sensation can happen if:
- The vapor isn’t fully atomized and small droplets reach your tongue.
- The nicotine content is too high.
- Your coil is old or your wattage too low, causing uneven heating.
If the feeling is strong or unpleasant, consider adjusting your settings or trying a lower nicotine strength.
