Let's discuss one of our most commonly asked questions about e-liquid.
In this latest blog we will be discussing a frequently asked question…does e-liquid expire? Let’s explore the facts and discover how to identify expired vape juice and what happens when you use expired e-liquid.
Does Vape Juice Have An Expiration Date?
Yes, vape juice has an expiration date, but e-liquid is also what we call ‘shelf stable’. This means that it takes a long while before it reaches a point that you shouldn’t vape it.
After the e-liquid has been manufactured it has a shelf life of around two years. This date might be shorter if the bottle of e-liquid is opened, not stored correctly, or depending on the type of vape juice. This is a very broad window of time so vapers will also have to use other methods to determine whether their e-liquid has expired.
Why Does Vape Juice Expire?
Believe it or not, the type of vape juice and its ingredients, can have an impact on an e-liquids expiry date. E-liquid is made up of several components, and ingredients can spoil due to sunlight exposure or oxidation.
The two ingredients we need to look at are PG and VG, an e-liquids diluent. Learn more about What is 50/50 Vape Juice?.
How Long Does PG E-liquid Last?
PG (propylene glycol) naturally prevents degradation over time due to its greater resistance to bacteria and fungal molds. This means that vape juices which have a higher PG content have the ability to last longer. But this is again down to correct handling and storage of the e-liquid.
How Long Does VG E-liquid Last?
VG (vegetable glycerine) vape juice doesn’t feature the antimicrobial elements that fend off degradation over time. But this doesn’t mean it reaches its expiration date any sooner. In fact, if both e-liquids contain nicotine, they would both get to that point at the same time.
Rules and Regulations Around E-liquid Expiration
In the UK there are no specific legal requirements that distributors or manufacturers have when it comes to the expiration dates of vape juices.
An e-liquids shelf life is not specifically covered under TRPR (Tobacco and Related Products Regulations) that govern our rules and regulations. However there is a non-legally binding standard which places responsibility on manufacturers to conduct product stability studies to fully support the shelf life of their products.
We always conduct checks on all the products we stock on our site to ensure user safety for our customers.
How Long Does E-liquid Last Once Opened?
Once you open a bottle of e-liquid the vape juice will begin to experience oxidation and overtime it will begin to turn darker. If it gets to a point that it is much darker than you have seen before it is probably past its expiration date.
It’s important to note that different e-liquids will last longer than others. Check out this table to discover more!
| E-liquid Type | Lifespan | |
| 0mg | Up to 2 Years | |
| Nic Salts | 6 months – 1 Year | |
| Freebase | 1-2 Years |
Unopened bottles that feature nicotine tend to have a shelf like and around 1-2 years.
How to tell if your E-liquid has expired?
There are a few tell-tale signs that an e-liquid has passed its expiration date. One of the first things you will notice it that the taste of your juice has altered. It might taste different, or of nothing at all. Along with this you might not be able to smell your vape juice in the bottle anymore. Although most e-liquid will not change its smell significantly. However if it does smell unfamiliar or significantly different to how it is supposed to, then it is probably past its best.
Another sign is a change in the colour of your juice. As liquid is exposed to oxygen the colour of your juice will naturally darken over time. Be sure to store your bottles out of sunlight to avoid issues.
Vape juice is made up of multiple ingredients, some denser than others. This means if they have been sat for too long the ingredients will start to separate, with the thicker liquids sitting at the bottom of the bottle.
If this is clearly visible it is a sign the e-liquid has expired. With most liquids a few shakes should mix everything back together, however with vape juice this isn’t the case.
Is It Safe To Vape E-liquid After Expiration Date?
It is important to note that like many other products an e-liquids expiration date is a guide. On the day of an expiration date your vape juice doesn’t automatically turn bad and become dangerous to vape.
Your juice will instead start to degrade over time and eventually won’t taste the same. You also might not be able to smell it and you won’t be getting the same hit or uptake of your nicotine level.
While it is not advisable to vape e-liquid that is past its expiration date, there is currently no evidence that it is dangerous to do so.
How To Correctly Store Vape Juice
Storing your vape juice correctly is one of the best ways to ensure that it stays as fresh as possible throughout its lifespan.
E-liquid doesn’t like direct sunlight, extremes of temperature, or being exposed to too much oxygen. What does this mean? It means that the best possible place for your vape juice is a nice dark, room temperature cupboard.
Some vapers prefer keeping their e-liquid in the fridge and if we are having an extremely warm summer (yes even in the UK), then we would advise this too.
Once the bottle has been opened the main difference over time will be the e-liquid turning darker, as the nicotine is oxidised due to its exposure to oxygen. It matters more how the e-liquid is stored rather than if the bottle has been opened before.
As long as your bottles of vape juice are sealed well when not in use and not sat on a window sill or by the oven or a radiator then it will be ok. Plus, with the amazing flavours available you won’t have them around long enough to worry about storage.
Can You Over Steep Vape Juice?
Steeping is where the e-liquid is sat idle for a long period of time in order to mature the flavour. When left for too long it can over steep. This can either result in a weaker flavour, or the flavour can become too strong and become unpleasant to vape. Certain e-liquid flavours take longer to steep than others so it can be difficult to determine when it is ready. Fruity concentrates usually reach their optimum flavour after 1 or 2 days whereas a Tobacco or dessert flavour can take over 2 weeks.
Summary Of E-liquid Shelf Life
So that’s everything you need to know about if e-liquid expires. While vape juices do have an expiration date, it doesn’t mean that they immediately go bad and can’t be vaped after this date.
Ensure that you are storing your liquids correctly, in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Make sure you keep tabs on your e-liquids and when you bought them so you know when an expiration date is near. If you want to learn more read our guide on What is Vape Liquid?.
