How to Make Vape Juice at Home: A Complete Guide

Why Make Your Own Vape Juice?

Making your own vape juice allows you full control over flavours, nicotine levels, and vapour production. You can easily make your own vape juice by mixing propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) in a preferred ratio—most start with 50/50. 

 It can also be more affordable and tailored to your exact preferences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, from understanding the ingredients to bottling and storing your homemade vape juice.

1. Understanding Vape Juice Components

Knowing what goes into e-liquid is crucial for crafting a blend that suits your taste. Typically, vape juice or e-liquid contains:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): Enhances flavour and provides a sharper throat hit.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Creates thick vapour clouds and provides a smoother inhale.
• Nicotine (optional): Choose the strength that best matches your previous smoking habits.
• Flavour Concentrates: These add the distinctive tastes you enjoy, allowing you to personalise each session.

Understanding these components will help you balance flavour, vapour production, and nicotine for a satisfying vape.

2. Choosing Your Base Liquids

Your vape juice base will consist of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), each with unique properties:

• PG: Provides a strong throat hit and enhances flavour.
• VG: Produces thicker vapour clouds and offers a smoother inhale.

For a balanced experience, a 50/50 PG/VG ratio is a popular starting point. If you prefer a smoother inhale with more vapour, increase the VG content. For a stronger flavour and throat hit, increase the PG.

Tip: Experiment with small batches to find your ideal VG/PG blend.

3. Selecting Flavour Concentrates

Choose flavour concentrates designed specifically for vaping to ensure safety. Here are some common flavour categories and suggested starting points:

Experiment: Blend different flavours and note your preferences. Many flavour concentrates may need to steep for several days to reach their full taste.

4. Deciding on Nicotine Levels

Choosing the right nicotine level depends on your previous smoking habits and desired throat hit. If you’re switching from a device like the Hayati Pro Max or a disposable vape with preset nicotine levels, you’ll have more flexibility in DIY to tailor nicotine strength to your exact needs.:

• Heavy Smokers: 12mg/ml to 18mg/ml for a strong throat hit.
• Light or Social Smokers: 3mg/ml to 6mg/ml for a milder experience.
• Non-Smokers: Consider zero nicotine if you’re vaping purely for flavour and vapour.

In the UK, the maximum legal nicotine strength is 20mg/ml, typically achieved using nicotine shots. If unsure, start low and adjust gradually.

5. Essential Equipment Needed

For accurate, safe mixing, gather the following equipment:

These tools help you achieve consistent results with every batch.

6. Safety Precautions

Safety is essential when making vape juice. Keep these tips in mind:

• Wear Gloves and Goggles: Nicotine can be absorbed through the skin, so protect yourself.
• Ventilate Your Workspace: Good ventilation reduces exposure to fumes and vapours.
• Store Ingredients Safely: Keep everything in child-proof containers, out of reach of children and pets.

Note: Nicotine is a powerful substance; handle it with care to prevent accidental exposure.

7. Measuring Ingredients Accurately

Accuracy in measuring each ingredient ensures a balanced vape juice:

• Use Syringes for Small Batches: Syringes allow for precise measurements of nicotine, PG, and VG.
• E-Liquid Calculator: Utilise an online calculator to determine the exact amounts based on your preferred nicotine level and VG/PG ratio.

Precise measurements are crucial for consistent quality and safety in your homemade vape juice.

8. Mixing the Base Liquids

Start by mixing your PG and VG base:

1. Choose Your Ratio: Decide on your VG/PG blend.
2. Measure Accurately: Use a graduated cylinder or syringe to ensure accuracy.
3. Blend Thoroughly: Mix the base liquids well to form a smooth, even foundation.

This step sets the stage for adding flavours and nicotine.

9. Adding Flavour Concentrates

Once your base is ready, add your flavour concentrates:

• Concentration: Aim for 10-20%, depending on taste and flavour type.
• Blend Well: Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavour.
• Keep Notes: Document the flavours and percentages used for consistency in future batches.

10. Incorporating Nicotine

Adding nicotine requires extra care due to its potency:

• Calculate the Required Nicotine: Use an e-liquid calculator to ensure accuracy.
• Measure Precisely: Use syringes or pipettes, and avoid over-pouring.
• Blend Thoroughly: Mix well to incorporate the nicotine evenly throughout.

Store the final mixture in a dark, child-proof container.

11. Steeping Your Vape Juice

Steeping is essential for developing the best flavour:

• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Let your juice sit for 4-5 days.
• Shake Occasionally: Promotes even blending.
• Allow to Breathe: Remove the lids occasionally to let your juice breathe, aiding flavour development.

12. Bottling and Labelling

Proper labelling helps you track your recipes:

1. Use Clean Bottles: Suitable for e-liquids and available in various sizes.
2. Label Clearly: Include flavour, nicotine strength, VG/PG ratio, and date.
3. Store Safely: In a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

13. Testing Your Creation

After steeping, it’s time to test:

Tip: Keep a log of each test to refine your recipes over time.

14. Adjusting Flavour Profiles

Fine-tune flavours by adjusting concentrates as needed:

• Start with 5-20%: Adjust slightly for stronger tastes.
• Avoid Overpowering: Menthol and strong flavours should remain around 10-12%.
• Steep After Adjusting: Allow additional steeping time to balance adjustments.

15. Storing Your Vape Juice

Proper storage helps preserve your vape juice:

Storing in a cool, dark place prevents oxidation and extends freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions.

1. What Are the 4 Main Ingredients in Vape Juice?
   Vape juice generally includes Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), flavour concentrates, and nicotine.
2. Can I Use Water in Vape Juice?
   No, water isn’t suitable as it can damage coils and dilute the flavour. Stick to PG for thinning if needed.

Final Words

With these steps, you’re ready to craft vape juice tailored to your own taste! Experiment with flavours, adjust your VG/PG ratios, and enjoy the process of perfecting your own unique blend. Happy Vaping!