We've all heard the phrase "it's too good to be true." An offer with a hidden catch, that makes it worthless or even harmful. And with UK high street stores now stocking e liquids and other ecigarette products for £1 or less, more and more consumers are wondering if this is an offer that's too good to be true.
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They're asking themselves, is cheap eliquid safe?
We can answer that question. But before we do, we need to look at whether or not any eliquid is really safe.
What Goes into an Eliquid?
The best place to start with eliquid safety is the ingredients used. New vapers may think that each eliquid is a cocktail of thousands of chemicals. They'd be wrong. Every eliquid on the shelves of any store has just four ingredients. But what are they? And are they safe?
Let's see.
Propylene Glycol - PG
What is it?: A food additive used in ice cream, soups and eliquids.
What is it for?: Providing a "throat hit" and ensuring flavours dissolve in eliquid.
Is it safe?: US and EU authorities say it's safe for the human body
Vegetable Glycerin - VG
What is it?: A clear liquid made from vegetable oils.
What is it for?: Creating a thick mouthfeel and large clouds.
Is it safe?: Doctors say it's safe for the human body, though some people may be allergic
Flavourings
What is it?: Food-safe additives from a range of sources
What is it for?: Adding flavour
Is it safe?: Yes, if it's food-grade, which all UK-made eliquids are made from
Nicotine
What is it?: A stimulant.
What is it for?: Avoiding withdrawal symptoms in ex-smokers
Is it safe?: Nicotine is one of the least dangerous chemicals in a cigarette, and an adult would need to drink multiple bottles of eliquid for a harmful dose.
See, no hidden nasties, just these four generally safe ingredients. That's it. Four ingredients are all it takes to make an eliquid. Could be a cheap bottle of £1 liquid, could be a £20 bottle of "premium vape juice." It only needs those four ingredients.
Problems begin when other ingredients start creeping into the mix.
Not all Cheap Eliquids are Created Equal
If an eliquid is made commercially in the UK, in the EU or in the USA, it has to pass various safety checks before it can go to market. Just like any other product destined for human consumption.
Issues only arise with cheap eliquids if they are homemade, or they're imported from countries that don't have strict laws governing the manufacture of eliquids or food products.
For example, a bottle of homemade eliquid could contain flavourings that aren't food safe, and it will probably have a variable amount of nicotine that hasn't been checked in the same way as a commercial bottle has.
And a bottle of cheap eliquid from overseas might be cut with cheap, unsafe ingredients that can be harmful.
So while UK-made eliquids are safe, you need to remember that not all ecigarette liquids are created equal.
Are £1 eliquids from B&M Bargains, Asda and Poundland made in the UK?
How to Check if Your Cheap Eliquid is Safe
Eliquids made in the UK or EU have to follow strict rules called TPD rules. If it follows the rules, your cheap eliquid should be safe. So here's what to look out for:
Small bottles. Any eliquid containing nicotine can only be sold in a 10ml bottle. Larger "short fill eliquid" bottles exist, but they are nicotine free, and generally more expensive.
The "Nicotine shots" they come with will again be limited to a 10ml bottle.
Warning signs. Any nicotine product in the UK has to have a warning label. That could be a verbal warning on the box, or a red diamond on the label. If it doesn't have such a label, steer clear.
Flags. If an eliquid is made in the UK, the manufacturers will be proud of it. Keep an eye out for the British flag!
If you keep an eye out for these indicators that an eliquid was manufactured in the UK, you can be comfortable and sure that your cheap eliquid is safe. So enjoy a bargain!