E-liquid guide: Vape liquid for your e-cigarette

An e-liquid is a flavoured liquid based on propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), supplemented with food flavourings and, optionally, nicotine. When vaping, the coil in your e-cigarette heats the liquid to around 180–230 °C, creating an aerosol – colloquially known as vapour.

The four main components:

• Propylene glycol (PG): A carrier for flavouring, responsible for the ‘throat hit’ – the scratchy sensation in the throat.
• Vegetable glycerine (VG): Thicker in consistency, produces the visible clouds of vapour and has a slightly sweet taste.
• Flavourings: Food-grade, ranging from tobacco to fruit and dessert.
• Nicotine (optional): As free base or nicotine salt; in Switzerland, up to a maximum of 20 mg/ml for retail sale.

E-liquid should be distinguished from short fills (nicotine-free bases in larger bottles), long fills (flavour concentrates for self-mixing) and pure flavours. Only a fully mixed liquid is ready to vape.

The right vape liquid depends on the device and inhalation style. There are essentially two scenarios:

MTL – mouth-to-lung

A classic draw, similar to a cigarette. Typical examples include pod systems and disposable vapes. Here, you usually vape liquids with a 50/50 PG/VG ratio and higher nicotine strengths (10–20 mg/ml, often as nicotine salt). Flavours are intense, and the throat hit is distinct.

DL – Direct-to-Lung

Deep lung draw with sub-ohm atomisers from around 30 watts. This suits 70/30 VG/PG or thicker mixtures, complemented by low nicotine doses (0–6 mg/ml). The result: dense clouds, a smooth draw, and a gentler taste sensation per puff.

In everyday terms, this means: those switching from cigarettes usually start with a pod and 10 ml of nicotine salt e-liquid. Those who already vape with larger devices opt for short fills in 50 or 100 ml and add a nicotine shot if needed.

Before you order e-liquid in Switzerland, this checklist will help:

• Decide on your device first: Pod system → 50/50 with nicotine salt. Sub-ohm → 70/30 with little to no nicotine.
• Choose a realistic nicotine strength: Heavy smokers (a pack a day) often do well with 10–20 mg/ml nicotine salt. Occasional vapers are fine with 3–6 mg/ml.
• Filling volume for use: 10 ml bottles are handy for testing; short fills (50/100 ml) are better value per millilitre for your favourite flavours.
• Flavour profile: Fruit and menthol are beginner-friendly; tobacco and dessert flavours often require a ‘steeping’ period.
• Origin and labelling: Check for full ingredient lists, batch numbers and best-before dates. Reputable shops supply goods taxed in accordance with Swiss regulations.

Common mistakes: too high a nicotine dose in a sub-ohm tank (extremely harsh), fruit flavours in the same tank as tobacco (blurred taste) or forgetting to change the coil – even the best e-liquid tastes burnt on a burnt-out coil.

How long does e-liquid last?

Unopened, around two years, stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, you should use it within six to twelve months, as flavours and nicotine react with oxygen and light.

How much e-liquid is equivalent to a packet of cigarettes?

As a rough guide, around 2–4 ml of e-liquid with 10–12 mg/ml nicotine is equivalent to one pack. Actual consumption depends heavily on the device, draw duration and wattage.

Can I mix e-liquids?

Yes, provided both e-liquids have similar PG/VG ratios. It is best to mix flavours from the same category (e.g. two fruit varieties) and note down the mixing ratio for consistency.

Is vaping regulated for adults in Switzerland?

Yes. E-liquids containing nicotine may only be sold to people aged 18 and over in Switzerland, and there are limits on nicotine content as well as labelling requirements.

In short: an e-liquid consists of PG, VG, flavours and, optionally, nicotine – and will only really work if the mixing ratio and nicotine strength suit your device and your vaping habits. Take your time to try different flavours, and stick to products with reliable labelling. In our selection of e-liquids, you’ll find 10ml bottles, short fills and nicotine shots for every standard setup – browse through and test your way to your favourite, step by step.