Like other consumable products, vape juice, too, has a limited shelf life and can expire. When e-liquids expire, you will notice flavor, smell, and thickness changes. Oxidation and improper storage conditions contribute to the expiration of e-juice. Understanding these consequences can help users make informed decisions and ensure a safe vaping experience.
What Happens When Vape Juice Expires?
There are many chemical reactions that can happen to vape juice when it goes bad. Some of them are as follows:
Separation
When vape juice goes bad, the various components, like VG, PG, nicotine, and flavoring concentrates, will separate over time. Separation of these components is a natural process, and it is one of the reasons the manufacturer mentions “Shake Well” on the label. However, if the vape juice is too old to be used, it will not mix properly despite shaking it well several times.
Moreover, it is possible for flavor concentrates to crystallize or for the residue to not dissolve even with heat or mixing.
Change in Color
If your vape juice starts to turn a darker shade, particularly nicotine e-juices, it could be an indication that it has gone bad. Nicotine goes through a natural process called oxidation, wherein it reacts with oxygen and changes its shade. This will result in your vape juice turning brown or a darker shade. If this happens, it is probably time to replace your e-liquid with a new one.
Foul Smell
When vape juice expires, it can emit a foul smell, a significant indicator of its oxidized state. The expiration of e-liquid is accompanied by various chemical changes that can result in unpleasant odors. This can be a clear signal that your e-juice is not suitable for use anymore, as inhaling an expired vape juice can lead to several health risks.
Thickness
Fresh vape juice typically has a consistent viscosity; however, chemical changes may make your e-liquid thicker or denser as it nears the expiration date. This can restrict the flow of the e-liquid through the vaping device and cause damage to the coils.
Moreover, it may indicate the vape juice ingredients, like flavorings, have started to degrade. Thus, it is imperative to exercise caution and consider replacing it, as it will no longer deliver the desired flavor.
Decreased Nicotine Strength
Nicotine can degrade over time due to exposure to certain factors, like heat, light, and oxygen. This can also decrease the nicotine strength in the vape juice, leading to a less satisfying vape experience. It can be discouraging for vapers who rely on vaping to curb their nicotine cravings.
Therefore, it is essential to dispose of the used vape juice appropriately and use a fresh one to guarantee a satisfying vaping experience.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can E-Juice go bad in the Tank?
Yes, your e-juice can go bad in the vape tank, especially if the tank is heated up and moved around frequently.
Is it safe to use E-liquid after the Expiration Date?
As the e-liquid surpasses the expiration date, it starts to degrade over time. There will be many chemical changes, leading to a change in color, consistency, nicotine strength, flavors, etc. Thus, to ensure your safety and an enjoyable vaping experience, it is recommended not to vape expired e-juice.