It may be a surprise to you, but yes the vape juice comes with an expiry date. However, it is also known for being shelf-stable, meaning it takes a long time before it can no longer be good for vaping. After an e-liquid is manufactured, it often takes two years for the e-liquid to expire. It may become shorter when the e-liquid is opened or stored inappropriately. This depends also on the type of e-juice. Vapers have to be aware of some ways to figure out if a vape e-juice is already expired.
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How long does an e-liquid last?
The type of e-juice and the ingredients that compose it have an impact on its shelf life. The two main ingredients that have to be looked into are the VG and PG. PG (propylene glycol) naturally prevents the degradation of the e-liquid over time. It only means that vape e-liquids that contain a higher PG can have the ability to last much longer. However, proper handling and correct usage also matter. VG (vegetable glycerine) on the other hand is not as potent as PG in preventing degradation. But it also doesn’t mean that it has a short expiry date. The truth is that if VG and PG have nicotine, they can both have the same shelf life.
What are the rules and regulations regarding the e-liquid expiry date?
There are no specific legal requirements for e-liquid manufacturers to follow when it comes to the duration of expiry dates and that includes the display and advertising of these substances. The e-liquid shelf life is not covered by the TRPR (Tobacco and Related Products Regulations) which is the agency governing such rules and regulations. However, there are existing non-legally binding standards on e-liquids that deal with vape juice shelf life. Responsible manufacturers have to do product stability studies that will support their products’ shelf lives.
How can you tell if your e-liquid is past its expiry date?
The expiry date on the e-liquid bottle is only an estimate. This date is to ensure that you enjoy the e-liquid at its best taste. Beyond the date, it may not be as good as it is before the expiration, but most often it is still safe to consume. This makes it significant for you to know the signs if an e-liquid has gone bad for consumption. Several characteristics can help you to decide whether to dispose of or use a stored e-liquid.
The e-juice may have a significant color change. It is typical for an e-juice to have a slight change in color due to the oxidative nicotine that reacts with other ingredients, but a drastic color change is often a sign that the e-liquid has gone bad.
Another thing is that e-juice is like food. Once it gets near the end date, it will start to smell bad. Before you vape, it’s imperative to take a whiff of the e-liquid to be more sure if it has not gone bad yet. You can also shake the bottle and try to observe if to some degree the e-liquid separates from the sediment that forms at the bottom of it. When it remains that way even after shaking the bottle, chances are the e-liquid has gone bad.
Lastly, if you really want to be extra sure, you can give it a try. If it tastes stale or gives off a bad aftertaste, that means it’s better to dispose of it. If you store the vape liquid properly, after a couple of years it can still taste and smell normal, whether it is past the expiry date or not.
Is an expired e-liquid safe to vape?
No one knows for sure whether it is safe to vape an e-liquid that smells and tastes normal even when past its prime. Just like vaping in general, only a few studies are done about e-liquids, all the more the expired ones. What’s certain is that an expired e-juice has only a little amount to no nicotine at all and there’s a high probability that it will lend you an unpleasant taste.
What is a safe way to dispose of an expired e-liquid?
The simplest method is to pour this on used coffee grounds or throw it into the kitty litter. Any substance that can absorb it is good to go.
