The Real Distinction Between E-Liquid and E-Juice Explained

Whether you’re completely new to the world of vaping or have a good few years under your belt in the UK vape market, you will likely have heard people using the terms e-liquid and e-juice as if they mean the same thing. Step into a vape shop, check online listings, or speak to fellow vapers, and you’ll see those two terms thrown around everywhere. But, there is a catch – the distinction between e-liquid and e-juice can leave some scratching their heads when they are a beginner.

Consider it this way, in our daily lives, we may have two words to refer to one thing. For example, certain persons use the word crisps which others use chips. The definitions are close, but the word varies according to one particular direction. This is what happens in vaping as well, with vape liquid vs vape juice, and that understanding as much is not about fancy terminologies but making the right choice whenever purchasing your next bottle.

In the UK, the vaping industry has grown massively. According to recent reports, there are now over 4.7 million vapers in the UK, with a large percentage using refillable tanks and bottles of liquid. That means when you’re shopping online or in-store, you see endless possibilities all named slightly differently. Without really knowing what these terms mean, you could end up with something that doesn’t suit your device or your nicotine requirements.

Which is why we’re here to clear through the cloud of confusion. Understanding what e-liquid is, what e-juice is, and what the REAL difference between the two is, and you’ll be able to have smarter, better vaping sessions.

What is E-Liquid?

E-liquid, often called vape liquid, is the liquid that fuels your vape kit or pod system. When heated by the coil, it turns into a vapour that you inhale. It’s made from four main ingredients:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): provides flavour and delivers a stronger throat.

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): produces thicker more smoother clouds.

• Flavourings: everything from fruit mixes to desserts and menthol.

• Nicotine (optional): offered in varying strengths to match various needs.

The balance of the PG/VG ratio determines the feel of the liquid. For instance, 50/50 is a balanced throat hit and vapour ideal, and high VG liquids (such as 70/30) are much smoother and cloudier, so would suit sub-ohm vapers.

In the UK, types of e-liquid include:

• Fresh base nicotine: conventional, stronger on the throat.

• Nicotine salts (Nic Salts): faster delivery of nicotine, which is smoother and makes these salts very popular among beginners.

• Shortfills: bigger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid to which the consumer can add their own hit of nicotine.

E-liquid is the technical term used by law and on product packaging in the United Kingdom, so that is the official term used in stores and online retailers.

What is E-Juice?

E-juice is simply another term to explain the same product as your vape juice. The technical term is e-liquid, but vapers tend to use juice on a colloquial level, particularly to refer to e-liquid flavours. Such a vaper would say, “What is your favourite e-juice flavour?” rather than saying, “What is your favourite e-liquid?”

You will notice the use of phrases such as the best e-juice UK or flavoured e-juice online because the juice feels lighter and more taste-oriented. Indeed, most shops put both terms in the list so that none of them is missed.

Like e-liquid, e-juice is made of PG, VG, flavourings, and, if selected, nicotine. You can also find nicotine-free e-juice to satisfy individuals who only want clouds and flavour and not the vice-like grip of nicotine.

The difference is not in the ingredients but in the use of the words. E-liquid is more present in the product labelling and regulations, whereas the term e-juice is used more on the community level between vapers.

The answer is short: E-liquid = E-juice = Vape liquid. They are interchangeable; both of them refer to the same thing; however, they have been used differently in different contexts according to needs.

The Distinction Between E-Liquid and E-Juice

Having compared both names, the fact remains that when you hear vape juice vs e-liquid, these are just two different terms that are used to refer to one and the same product. Nevertheless, e-liquid and vape juice have slight differences in the ways they are used by individuals.

• E-liquid is also regarded as the official name. It is one that you will see on labels and packaging, and in documentation around regulations in the UK. It is utilised in brands where the brand is more interested in sounding more formal or professional.

• E-juice, on the other hand, is a friendlier nickname. It’s what you hear in vape shops or online communities. It feels less technical, more casual, and focused on flavour and fun.

To make it even clearer, let’s put it side by side:

Shortly, if you are a purchaser, then in whichever name the shop sells it (e-liquid or e-juice), the substance that gives life to your vape remains the same bottled liquid. The difference between e-liquid and e-juice does not regard its ingredient lists but rather the context and use of terms.

As vaping has become one of the most developed habits in the UK, and more than 8.7% of adults engaged in vapour products in 2024, there is no doubt that various terms have become an inseparable part of the vape culture.  Some prefer the technical sound of e-liquid, while others like the easy flow of e-juice. Either way, they’re both part of the same cloud.

Common Ingredients in E-Liquid and E-Juice

Since the difference between e-liquid and e-juice isn’t about what’s inside, let’s look at the ingredients both share. Whether you buy a bottle labelled “premium e-liquid” or “best e-juice UK,” you’ll find the same base elements that make vaping possible.

Here’s what every bottle contains:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): A clear liquid that carries flavour well and hits a strong throat. It’s what makes vaping feel closer to smoking.

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A thicker liquid that produces smooth vapour and big clouds. The higher the VG, the denser the smoke.

• Flavour concentrates: These are food-grade flavourings that make your vape taste like fruits, desserts, menthol, or tobacco. The UK market has thousands of options.

• Nicotine (optional): Available in various strengths. In the UK, nicotine shots are often used to adjust strength in shortfill bottles.

Most bottles have different VG/PG ratios, and that’s where choosing the right option for your device matters. For example:

• High PG e-liquids are great for pod kits and provide a sharper throat hit.

• High VG vape liquids are ideal for sub-ohm kits and produce bigger clouds.

• 50/50 e-liquids give you a balanced experience and are very popular among new vapers.

Regardless of the difference in name, whether it is e-liquid or an e-juice, the common ingredients remain the same. The difference consists in the way the brands address them and in how the vapers discuss them. This knowledge takes away confusion, as well as it aids in selecting the best bottle depending on your flavour, nicotine, and style of vaping.

Learn more in our guide on Shortfill vs Nic Salt E-Liquids

How to Choose the Right Vape Liquid for You

Since we already understand what the major components in e-liquid and e-juice are, the next question then arises: what can you do to ensure that you end up with the one that best fits you? Fruity, menthol combinations, big VG and low PG, with the range of bottles gadding on the shelf, it can be quite daunting. Making choices should not be so difficult, though, as long as you concentrate on the following three points:

1. Nicotine Strength

• If you’re switching from smoking, you’ll want to match your previous habit.

• Light smokers often do well with 3mg or 6mg e-liquid.

• Heavy smokers may start at 12mg to 18mg before lowering over time.

• Or you can even try nicotine-free e-juice if you just want flavour without nicotine.

2. VG/PG Ratio

• High VG vs High PG makes a big difference.

• High PG liquids give you a sharper throat hit, perfect for smaller pod systems.

• High VG liquids create thicker clouds, best for sub-ohm devices.

• 50/50 vape liquid is a safe choice for beginners balanced throat hit and vapour.

3. Flavour Profile

• Some people love sweet, fruity blends.

• Others prefer menthol for a cooling effect.

• Tobacco flavours are popular among those who want a familiar taste.

• The UK market offers hundreds of the finest vape juice flavours, and there is nothing to hold back when it comes to experimentation.

Here is one fast tip: get the smaller bottle first. Try one or two different options until you like it before taking up a large shortfill. This way, you are not going to waste cash in case the flavour or the amount of nicotine provided does not suit you properly.

Whatever you refer to it as, be it vape liquid, e-liquid, or e-juice, the secret to a great vaping experience is finding the right balance of strength and flavour to the VG/PG formula to your device and your own personal taste.

Along with choosing the right vape juice, keeping your device clean is equally important. Read our guide on Vape Care Essentials

Safety Considerations When Using E-liquid and E-juice

Obviously, vaping is also aimed to be a less harmful substitute for smoking, but the usage of e-liquid and e-juice still carries things that you should treat with care. Products are already controlled in the UK by TPD provisions, meaning that bottles must be no bigger than 10ml in size, and cannot have an e-liquid strength higher than 20mg/ml. These regulations are put in place to maintain consumer safety, but as a vaper, there are still some things you should take into consideration.

• Safety in storage: Always store your bottles where they are not accessible to children and pets. This nicotine can be toxic even in small doses when swallowed in.

• Proper labelling: Never purchase any e-cigarette that is unlabelled with nicotine strength and VG/PG ratio clearly stated. This gives you confidence in what you are breathing.

• Avoid counterfeit products: Inexpensive, generic bottles are not necessarily safety compliant. Avoid unfamiliar brands that have not been certified to the UK standards.

• Check expiry dates: E-liquids are converted like food: they lose flavour and quality with time. Consumption of expired vape juice will not be as good and satisfying.

• Device Compatibility: It is important to use the right e-liquid type with your vape device, as an incompatible e-liquid type may lead to leakages, burnt coil, or otherwise, the device may not perform well. Such as, high VG liquids are not compatible with small pod kits.

An interesting fact: PHE notes that vaping poses at least 95% less harm as compared to smoking. However, this figure supposes you use regulated, well-labelled products, and not black-market bottles.

Although using your favourite flavoured e-juice can be a pleasant experience, putting safety first enables you to have the pleasure without any unnecessary dangers. Responsible use is what makes the difference between a smooth and problematic vape.

Your vape liquid works best when paired with the right coil. Check out our guide on Mesh Coils VS Regular Coils

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the Distinction Between E-Liquid and E-Juice isn’t about what’s inside the bottle; it’s about how the terms are used. Both names point to the same thing: the liquid that powers your vape, whether you call it vape liquid, vape juice, or e-liquid. What really matters is understanding the basics, the ingredients, the VG/PG ratio, the nicotine strength, and the flavour profile that fits your style.

In the UK, the key factor in the vaper's matters should be how to pick the right bottle, whether you know your nicotine strength, the right ratio of VG/PG, and the correct flavour you may love. And paying an equally significant amount of attention to safety concerns, such as how to buy regulated goods, checking drugs, and refining liquids correctly, ensures that you have the most outstanding experience that is safety-guaranteed.

The number of vaping adults in the UK has reached over 4.7 million, and the number of options has grown with it. Therefore, be an informed vaper whether you term the e-liquid or e-juice. The better you understand the terminology, the more you become able to shop smart, remain safe, and enjoy the journey of vaping.