Category: Blog

Ever wonder if your favorite flavor of e-liquid expires if left unused for a long time? Even though there is little evidence that e-juices do expire, it has been suggested that some of the ingredients can go bad if left unused for an extended period of time. E-liquid manufacturing companies, as well as vape shops, have now started to include an expiration date so that users are aware of the timeframe before the liquid goes bad. So how long does an e-liquid bottle after unsealing it before it goes bad?

The ingredients such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are usually best for up to 2 years when in storage. If left unused for a longer period of time, they start to separate from one another inside the bottle. Another e-liquid ingredient that can expire is the nicotine. The e-liquids that don’t contain nicotine tend to last longer than the ones that contain nicotine. If left unused, nicotine will start to go bad after about a year – which can affect the e-liquid taste when vaping. Thus it is usually recommended to finish up the vape juice within two years from its manufacturing date if stored in the right way.

There are a few ways to know if your e-liquid has expired. As the ingredients have a finite amount of time before they go bad, e-liquid bottles should be finished before any of the following changes start to appear:

• The color of the e-liquid starts to change. This can happen due to nicotine oxidation as its effect on a larger scale can affect the liquid.
• Usually e-liquids should be shaken before using them. If the liquids aren’t as thick as they used to be even after shaking, it is time to part ways with that particular bottle of e-liquid.
• Another way to know if the bottle of e-liquid has gone bad is if it starts to smell funny. If it smells corrupt or it doesn’t smell like it used to, it is best to probably not use the e-liquid.
• The taste of e-liquid is also important to know if the juice has expired. When vaping expired e-liquids, the vaping experience may seem different as the liquids do not taste as they should.
• You may also experience a lack of vapor if you vape expired e-liquids. Also, the flavor may seem odd as it usually tends to fade quicker if left unused for more than 2 years.

There are two major reasons for vape e-liquids to expire. As aforementioned, one of the reasons the juices expire is due to nicotine oxidation whereas the other reason is flavor degradation. If kept in direct sunlight or warmer places, the nicotine starts to oxidize which can leave the e-liquid in an unusable state. Another reason for oxidation is if the bottle is left open for a longer period of time. Oxidation affects the flavor of the liquid and leaves a harsher throat hit when vaping.

Similarly, a change in flavor is usually the result of flavor degradation. If left idle for about 2 years or more, the flavors will start to degrade because of its ingredients. Such e-liquids when vaped usually carries a chemical taste. However, since every flavor is different from the other, even though it is usually assumed that the e-liquids can expire after 2 years, some flavors can also last as long as 5 years when stored properly in a cold place.

An Intro to Nicotine Salt E-liquids : A guide by Blue Monkey Vape Shop

If you have recently been to any vape shop, I am sure you have noticed a type of e-liquids called salt e-liquids. Ever wondered what’s the difference? Well, we are here to help.

What are nicotine salts?

Nicotine salts are comprised of the same exact nicotine that’s found in its natural state within the tobacco leaf. Nicotine Salt requires a higher temperature in order to properly vaporize and the ions don’t travel to the nicotine receptors in your body as easily.

The Chemistry:

The term “Nicotine salt” just refers to the scientific definition. It doesn’t mean it’s infused with actual salt.

Nicotine Salt e-liquids have a special ingredient called Benzoic Acid that helps to make Nicotine Salts as smooth and palatable in higher strengths while allowing our body to absorb it much more efficiently.

Why is Benzoic acid added?

– It allows the Nicotine Salt to vaporize at much lower temperatures.

• It lowers the pH levels in the Nicotine Salt, which in turn produces a smoother hit.
• It causes a reaction which allows Nicotine Salt to be absorbed as easily as Freebase Nicotine.

So what’s the difference between traditional e-liquids and salt e-liquids?

When you vape traditional freebase nicotine, most people wouldn’t choose something over 18mg, as the hit would be much too harsh.  However, with Nicotine Salts, most people who vape 3mg freebase nicotine are able to comfortably vape 25mg-50mg Nicotine Salts and Nicotine Salts help mimic the sensation of smoking a combustible cigarette.

Who should use salt e-liquids?

• Heavy smokers: Nicotine Salts are one of the most effective types of nicotine to help aid cigarette smokers in ditching the habit. Due to the higher nicotine content, Nicotine Salts more closely resemble the effects of smoking a cigarette and therefore help curb the craving.
• People looking for inconspicuous vaping experience: Nicotine Salts are designed for use in smaller, lower wattage devices. So, if you want an extremely portable device for when you’re on the go, or you don’t want to blow massive clouds in public, Nicotine Salts will help to satisfy your craving in smaller and more concentrated doses.

Advantages of nicotine salt e-liquids:

• Stronger nicotine hit to satisfy cravings.
• Smoother nicotine hit.
• More flavorful feel from compared to freebase nicotine.
• Cheaper.

Disadvantages of nicotine salt e-liquids:

• Too strong of a nicotine hit for some.
• Usually vape shop have fewer options for both e-liquids and devices for nicotine salts available.
• Lack of clouds.

So there it is. Nicotine salt e-liquids are the newer type of e-liquids created from naturally occurring nicotine. A chemical called benzoic acid is added as to allow it to vaporize at lower temperatures and to help our body absorb it easily. They provide a stronger nicotine hit, are more flavorful, relatively cheaper, generate less clouds and perfect for heavy smokers looking to quit. Find yourself interested? Check into a vape shop near you and find a perfect flavor! Happy vaping!

Vaping has become a new trend among smokers as the number of people who are switching to smoking e-cigarettes instead of traditional cigarettes is ever increasing. Along with the health benefits, vaping has other advantages over traditional smoking. One of such benefits can be seen in oral health and hygiene. Unlike traditional smoking, vaping isn’t associated with bad breath or teeth stains. The presence of tars and ashes in cigarettes are what causes the degradation of oral hygiene. As there are no tars and ashes in e-cigarettes, e-cigarettes have another advantage over traditional smoking.

There have also been a couple of researches to see whether vaping leaves vapers with stained teeth. A 2018 review carried out by National Academy of Sciences stated after reviewing various researches that vaping reduces oral damage than the traditional cigarettes. Another 2016 study concluded that switching from traditional smoking to vaping was associated with an overall improvement of oral health. Similarly, another research carried out in 2018 inspected gum inflammation among people who smoke cigarettes, people who vape and people who abstain from both. The results showed that people who smoked experienced higher levels of inflammation following an ultrasonic cleaning than people who vape or people who have abstained completely.

According to dentist Dr. Richard Marques , “Vaping does not stain your teeth generally unless you are using a vape with tar or colourings in. This is because the vapour is mainly steam and the flavouring from the liquid contained within. It is the tar and ash from cigarettes that stain the teeth. Vapes do not contain this.”

Another research conducted by British American tobacco (BAT) compared the teeth of cigarette smokers and vapers alike over a period of 2 weeks. The results concluded that the teeth of vapers were indistinguishable from teeth that weren’t exposed to anything at all whereas teeth of cigarette smokers became discolored pretty quickly.

Doesn’t matter how you started vaping – whether it is because you were worried about your health or because it was a cool new trend or because of peer pressure, there’s no denying that vaping is now accepted worldwide instead of traditional cigarettes. However, it is also necessary to note that purchasing e-liquids and other accessories from reputed vape shops will be beneficial on the longer run than purchasing knock-off brands. After all, who doesn’t want to satisfy the urge to smoke without having any teeth stains? In a world where appearance matters as much as anything else, having stain-less teeth is a benefit when engaging in conversations or carrying out daily tasks.

E-cigarette has established itself as a replacement product for the traditional cigarettes. It is seen as a healthy alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes as it offers a similar experience of inhaling tobacco smoke – without the side effects of a traditional cigarette. However, there have been instances where vapers have complained about their e-cigarette explosion. Even though it is the battery that causes the explosion, the explosion is commonly referred to as ‘e-cigarette explosion’.

Operated with lithium-ion batteries, the explosions caused by such batteries aren’t as common as it sounds but can be very dangerous when it happens. In the United States between the year 2009 and 2016, 195 cases of e-cig explosions have been recorded. As is the case with lithium-ion batteries, sometimes they explode. Samsung had to recall Galaxy Note 7 phones as videos emerged of the phones catching fire or exploding.

The lithium-ion batteries have two electrodes – a cathode and an anode. The two electrodes are separated by a film. This film contains a combustible liquid electrolyte. When a battery overheats, it can ignite the electrolyte, which may rupture the battery in such devices. This is how e-cigarette explosions mostly occur.

There can be various reasons that may cause the battery to overheat, catch fire or explode. Often times it occurs when batteries aren’t properly taken care of. If the batteries aren’t properly taken care of, it may cause severe injuries due to the explosion.

Some of the major reasons that cause the explosion are:

– Using a separate charger than the ones that come with the packaging.
Solution: Instead of using phone and tablet chargers, users should charge the batteries with chargers recommended by the manufacturers.

– Faulty batteries may also cause explosions.
Solution: When purchasing batteries, make sure you get them from reputed vape shops. Having knockoff or faulty batteries can always lead to scary incidents.

– Carrying loose batteries in the pocket.
Solution: Proper containers must be to carry batteries in order to prevent any mishaps.

– Usage of damaged and wet batteries.
Solution: Batteries should be replaced once the plastic coating of the battery comes off.

– Charging the device overnight.
Solution: Vape devices shouldn’t be charged overnight or for longer periods of time.

– Lack of information on the recommended charging limits for batteries.
Solution: Read the manual or visit a vape shop near you.

– Improper use of mech mods.
Solution: If you have just started vaping, stay away from mechanical mods. They are cool but dangerous when used by novices.

Consider using vape devices with safety features such as vent holes, firing button locks and protection against overcharging. Vape shops have a plethora of such devices with safety features. Also, make sure to read the recommendations from the manufacturer for proper use. Being aware of battery safety is therefore necessary.