Several factors can cause your e-liquid to change colour: The age of the e-liquid, whether it has been opened and exposed to air, and the flavour of the vape juice are all important details.
Have you ever wondered why the colour of your favourite e-liquid seems to have changed since you purchased the bottle? If so, you might also have had concerns about other aspects of your e-liquid. For instance:
- Is your e-liquid “thicker” when it is a darker colour and “waterier” when it is a clear liquid?
- Is this colour change going to affect the flavour of the vape juice?
- Do you prefer the flavour of the e-liquid after a few weeks of storing it on my shelf at home? Do you prefer it to be consumed straight from the bottle after purchasing it?
We all know that one of the main draws of e-liquid is the individualised experience it gives vapers. Taste, colour, and even e-juice thickness perception all depend on the individual. To better understand why your e-liquid changes colour and how this affects the flavour of your vape juice, we can, however, use a little bit of science. This blog post will explore why vaping liquid changes colour, what factors contribute to this transformation, and whether it is a cause for concern.
Understanding the Ingredients in Vape Liquid
Understanding the makeup of e-liquids is a prerequisite to understanding why vape liquid changes colour. Several main components make up vape liquids:
- Propylese Glycol
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a clear liquid with no flavour or colour that is frequently used as a base in e-liquids. It is renowned for having a strong throat hit and carrying flavour.
- Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
VG is a base that is a thicker, sweeter liquid. The vaping experience is smoother and produces dense vapour.
- Nicotine
Nicotine is an optional ingredient in vape liquids, and depending on the user’s preferences, the concentration can range from zero to high levels.
- Flavourings
Different spices are included in e-liquids to add flavour and aroma to the vaping experience. These flavourings come in a variety of flavours and can be either artificial or natural.
- Water
Distilled water may occasionally be added to e-liquid to thin it out and facilitate vaporisation.
The Effects of Ingredients Together
The interaction of these components with environmental elements like heat, light, and oxygen is the main cause of the change in colour of vape liquid. Let’s examine some of the primary causes for the colour change.
- Oxidation
Oxidation is one of the most important elements changing the colour of vape liquid. Vape liquid can gradually turn darker as a result of a chemical reaction that occurs when it is exposed to air (oxygen). When exposed to air, apples go through a similar process that causes them to turn brown.
- Nicotine
Nicotine can oxidise and change colour when it is exposed to heat and oxygen. Higher nicotine content vape liquids have a more pronounced effect of darkening.
- Flavourings
Some flavourings, particularly those made with natural ingredients, can oxidise and change colour. Spices contain specific chemical compounds that react differently to heat and oxygen, changing their colour. This can be seen in various e-liquids, including 50/50 e-liquids.
- Heat
In order to produce vapour when vaping, the e-liquid must be heated. Over time, the colour of the liquid may change due to oxidation, which is accelerated by the heat from the coil.
- Light
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as prolonged exposure to artificial light or direct sunlight, can change the colour of vape liquid. This results from photochemical reactions that happen when particular liquid molecules are exposed to UV rays.
Types of Colour Changes
Colour changes in vape liquid can appear in a variety of ways, each with its own implications:
- Darkening
The most frequent colour change occurs when a liquid turns darker, typically from clear or pale to amber or brown. This is frequently linked to the oxidation of nicotine and the disintegration of flavour molecules.
- Opacity or Cloudiness
Over time, some e-liquids may lose their transparency or become cloudier. This may happen as a result of the viscosity of the liquid changing or the precipitation of particular compounds.
- Colour Separation
With multi-flavor e-liquids, colour separation may become apparent over time. This happens when various flavouring ingredients settle into the liquid at varying rates, resulting in distinct layers of colour.
Is Colour Change a Cause for Concern?
Now, the question is whether we should be concerned about the colour changing when we know why. Typically, the response is no. This is why:
- Safety
A change in the colour of a vape liquid is primarily a cosmetic concern and does not always mean that the liquid is no longer safe to vape. The safety of the product shouldn’t be impacted by the colour change as long as you store your e-liquids properly and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Flavour:
While the liquid’s appearance may change due to the colour change, the flavour is typically not significantly affected. The taste and aroma of vape liquids are kept constant even as the colour changes.
- Nicotine Content
Although nicotine oxidation darkens the liquid, the liquid’s actual nicotine content is relatively stable. Even if the liquid’s colour changes, vapers can still count on consistent nicotine delivery.
- Quality Control
Reputable e-liquid producers follow stringent quality control requirements. Regardless of colour changes, they make sure that their products maintain consistent quality and safety.
Managing Vape Liquid Colour Changes
Although most vapers don’t mind when the colour of their vape liquid changes, some might still prefer to stop or delay the process. Here are some pointers for controlling colour shifts:
- Proper Storage
Keep your e-liquids out of the sun and away from heat sources in a cool, dark location. The best container for limiting UV exposure and oxidation is a closed, opaque one.
- Shake well
Multi-flavour e-liquids that have colour separation should be gently shaken before use to recombine the ingredients.
- Rotate Stock
If you have several bottles of e-liquid, rotate your stock to make sure that the older bottles are consumed first. Any bottle’s exposure to air and light may be shortened as a result.
- Keep Lids Tight
To reduce oxygen exposure, always keep bottle caps firmly fastened when not in use.
- Take Into Account the Nicotine Level
If you are sensitive to the flavour changes brought on by nicotine oxidation, you might choose products with lower nicotine levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the colour of vape liquid frequently changes due to oxidation, heat, light, and the interaction of different ingredients. Although it might change how the liquid looks, it typically has no effect on nicotine content, flavour, or safety. Even as the colour of their e-liquids changes, vapers can still enjoy their experience. The rate of colour change can be reduced and a more consistent visual experience can be achieved with the use of proper storage and handling techniques. The most important thing is to put safety and fun first while realising that colour change is a normal part of the vaping process.
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