Have you ever considered how you store your e-liquid? If you've been considering buying vape juice in bulk, perhaps because your favorite vape store is having a great sale, now is the time to do so. Although vape juice is not perishable in the same way that food is, it does not last indefinitely.
E-liquid chemicals are volatile, and they will alter over time when they are exposed to the environment.
Do vape juices have an expiry date, or do they go bad over time? There may not be a hard and fast rule about when e-liquid loses its potency, but using an old bottle of vape juice will give you a very different experience than using a brand-new one.
In this article, we will find the answer to whether vape juices expire or not. We will also look into the basics of what happens to e-liquid over time and how to keep it good for as long as possible.
Does E-liquid Actually Expire?
In short, yes, e-liquids do eventually expire. However, it takes a long time to happen.
Since e-liquids deteriorate slowly over time, you shouldn't worry about them becoming "bad" on the label date. Instead, this "best if used by" date shows you when the juice will begin to degrade.
The typical lifespan of a vape juice is 2 years from the date of production. This can slightly vary, depending on the specific formulation. For instance, nicotine salt e-liquids last longer than free-base nicotine e-liquids because of this difference. Also, simpler flavors, like fruity ones, do not last as long as more complex ones, like dessert flavors.
How you store your vape juice might also hasten its deterioration. Keep your e-liquids sealed and store them in a cold, dry, dark place to extend their shelf life. On the other hand, if the juice has been exposed to heat, moisture, or light for an extended period of time or if the lid has been left off, it is highly likely to be spoiled.
Check out some of the best e-liquids to elevate your vaping experience.
How Long Does Vape Juice Last?
The shelf life of your e-liquid may depend on the specific vape juice you use and the ingredients it contains. PG and VG, a diluent for e-liquids, are the two components we must analyze. Let’s have a look at each of those types separately-
PG Vape Juice
Propylene glycol (PG) naturally prevents vape juice from degrading over time. Therefore, e-juices with higher PG content can last longer. But once again, this is an issue of proper care and storage of the e-liquid.
VG Vape Juice
Vegetable glycerine (VG) vape juice does not naturally resist deterioration over time in the same way that propylene glycol (PG) juice does. However, this in no way accelerates the product's expiration date. Specifically, if the nicotine content of both e-liquids is the same, they will reach that point around the same time.
What Happens After Vape Juice Expires?
A few warning indicators indicate that your e-liquid may have been past its expiry date. The first thing you'll probably notice is that your vape juice tastes different, or maybe even like nothing at all.
In addition, you can find that your vape juice has lost its aroma while still in the bottle. Most e-liquid won't change its fragrance noticeably, but if it smells really different from how it's intended to, it's probably expired.
Another indicator is a change in the color of your vape juice. Your juice's color will naturally darken with time as it is exposed to oxygen; if it has become noticeably darker than it was when you first bought it, it is likely past its expiry date.
Some of the chemicals in vape juice are more dense than others. This means that the ingredients will begin to separate if they have been sitting for a long period of time, with the thicker liquids settling to the bottom of the bottle. If this is clearly visible, then it is safe to say the e-liquid has gone bad. If that happens, unlike other liquids, you can’t get your vape juice back to its original form after a few shakes.
Is It Dangerous to Use Expired Vape Juice?
It's worth noting that e-liquid expiration dates are merely recommendations, much like the dates on most other consumables. However, just because your vape juice has an expiration date doesn't mean it's no longer safe to use. This is not how things work.
Over time, the quality of your vape juice will decline. This means that the flavor will be changed or completely lost. It's possible that your sense of smell and nicotine absorption will be diminished.
Although it is not recommended to use e-liquid that has passed its expiry date, there is no evidence to suggest that doing so is harmful.
Instructions for Properly Storing Vape Juice
Properly storing your vape juice is one of the best ways to extend its shelf life and keep it tasting as good as the day you bought it.
E-liquid should be kept out of the sun, away from high temperatures, and away from excess oxygen. This means it is ideal to store your vape juice in a cool, dark cabinet. If it's going to be a particularly hot summer, it’s recommended to store your e-liquid in the refrigerator, which is preferred by many vapers.
When a bottle of vape juice has been opened, the nicotine within it begins to oxidize, and the liquid gradually darkens. However, how the e-liquid is stored is more important than whether or not the bottle has been opened.
If you keep your vape juice in well-sealed bottles and keep them away from heat sources like a window sill, oven, or radiator, you should be fine.
Final Words
While e-liquids do come with an expiry date, it doesn’t imply that they've gone bad and are no longer suitable for vaping immediately after the date has passed. Your vape juice might not be suitable for use if you don’t store it properly or store it for too long.
However, instead of directly expiring, e-liquid just loses quality with time, to the point that it's no longer as satisfying to use as it was just after purchase. Vape juice has a shorter shelf life when exposed to air, light, and heat, so if you keep your vape juice in a cool, dark place, you should be able to enjoy it for a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DIY vape juice expire differently?
DIY juice can have varying shelf lives based on ingredients and storage, but it still expires.
Can proper storage prevent vape juice from expiring?
Proper storage can slow down the expiry process but not prevent it entirely.
Is there a way to revive expired vape juice?
Reviving expired vape juice is challenging; it's best to dispose of it and use fresh juice.
Does freezing vape juice extend its shelf life?
Freezing vape juice is not recommended, as it can alter the flavor and consistency.
Can I stock up on vape juice without worrying about expiry?
It's wise to stock up moderately to avoid purchasing more than you can use before it expires.
How can I responsibly dispose of expired vape juice?
Contact your local hazardous waste disposal facility for guidance on proper disposal.