Does disposable vape juice expire? what you need to know

Smokers are turning towards e-cigarettes because vaping products are considered the 95% safest alternative. This is the biggest reason for the increasing popularity of disposable vapes in the United Kingdom. With this fame, questions about the quality, safety, and longevity of vaping products also arise.

Everything has a specific lifespan, and after that time, it expires. That's why most of the vape users want to know if the disposable vape liquid expires. Or can they use it after a long time? In this in-depth guide, we will discover each and everything that you should know. We will discuss the shelf life of vape juice, what changes occur after they expire, and whether you can use the expired e-juice. 

Plus, we will talk about how to store vape juice incorrectly to affect the flavour quality and give you tips to prolong the lifespan and flavour of your vape juice. We promise you will get valuable insights after reading our blog because we created it specifically to improve your experience and save you money in the long run.

Understanding the Composition of Vape Juice

Before knowing about the expiration date and other things, it's important for you to know which ingredients are used in the vape juice. Vape liquid is also known as vape juice, which consists of three main ingredients:

1. Propylene Glycol (PG)
2. Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
3. Flavourings

Propylene Glycol is a tasteless liquid with a thin texture that delivers a throat hit similar to smoking a regular cigarette. Vegetable Glycerine is a thicker and sweeter liquid that helps to create more vapors and provides a smoother inhale. Hence, flavouring is added to create a variety of tastes so that everyone can enjoy it fully.

These ingredients are mixed in different amounts to offer unique options for vapers. Moreover, each component has a specific role and also contributes to the shelf life of vape liquid and the expiration of the product.

E-Juices Expiration Rules: What You Need to Know

The vapers must remember that the makers regulate this limit based on their own tests and customer feedback; there are no universal stick rules and regulations for the expiration dates of vape juices of disposable vapes. 

In addition, the manufacturer provides the expiration date because the main purpose of this date is to confirm that the users consume the vape liquid within a reasonable time frame. The makers also mostly focus on quality rather than safety and make sure the vape liquid tastes and performs at its best during this specific time period.

Does Disposable Vape Juice Expire?

The short answer is YES. All vape juice has an expiration date, which is usually 1-2 years after it is made. Manufacturers are required by law to include this date, but it serves more as a guideline set by themselves. Thus, it's worth noting that this shelf life applies to unopened products kept in optimal conditions.

How Long Does the Disposable Vape Juice Last?

The actual life of disposable vape juice depends on the two main ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG). Both have different lifespans. PG is quite a stable synthetic food chemical that can last 2-3 years. 

On the other hand, VG comes from plant oil and can last much shorter, almost 1 to 2 years. Hence, the active ingredients can also lose quality after some time. It has a typical shelf life of 1 to 2 years and can also turn darker in colour. 

As you know, vape juice lasts 1-2 years. However, several factors affect its life, meaning how long it lasts. Here, we will discuss them. These factors include storage conditions, handling practices, and base ingredients.

However, you must understand these factors. It will help you keep your favourite vape juice fresh and effective for as long as possible. 

How Long Does Vape Juice Last Once Opened?

There is no specific time limit on how long vape juice lasts after opening. The best way to check is by tasting it yourself. A visual inspection will quickly tell you if your e-liquid has gone off. Once the vape juice starts to spoil, it changes colour and turns darker brown, adds a smell, or grows bacteria, mold, and fungi. 

In addition, it might be possible that you notice the consistency of vape juice, which means that the taste may have gone bad or become overly sweet. If any of these happen, it’s best to throw the e-juice away and use the new one.   

Once you open a bottle of e-liquid, the ingredients will react with the air and start to oxidize and weaken faster than in a sealed bottle. Some vapers can open the bottle early and store it in a darker place, thinking that it will improve the flavour quality. This process is known as steeping.

Why Does Disposable E-Liquid Turn Brown?

The ingredients, such as sweeteners, flavourings, and the active ingredient, start reacting with oxygen over time. This chemical process is called oxidation, and the first thing of this process is a colour change. That’s why the e-liquid turns light yellow, browner, or darker than what you originally purchased.

It is completely normal because this happens in almost all types of e-liquids. As we mentioned above, the active ingredients and storage conditions can also change the colour of vape liquid. If you store your vape juice away from the sunlight and in a darker place, the darkening is likely just due to natural oxidation, which isn’t a problem.

Moreover, the coil is one of the main reasons for the darker colour of vape juice in a vape pod or tank. This is because the oxidation process is faster in the vaporizer. Dessert-flavoured e-liquids may contain more sweeteners and flavourings, which makes them naturally darker. If you recently bought a new e-liquid and its colour is brown, it may be that you received an expired vape liquid.

Can You Vape Expired E-Juice?

No, the quality of the vape liquid starts to decline after the expiration date. The flavour may not be as strong as in a fresh bottle.

Plus, sometimes it might be possible for the taste and color to change and lose their original depth. If you notice that the e-liquid is too thick or too runny, it's a great step to avoid vaping from it.

How to Store Vape Juice Properly?

Proper storage is also crucial if you want to use the vape liquid for a long time without any problems. It helps your e-liquid last longer. Three main factors can negatively impact the vape liquid quality and cause faster degradation: air, light, and air. 

Extreme heat degrades the flavour of the e-juice, damages it, and causes it to spoil quickly. That is why you must take care of your vape juice and store it in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard.

Light and air can also damage e-liquid through oxidation, which often shows as a darker or browner color. To keep the vape fluid in good condition, seal the bottle tightly and keep it away from direct sunlight.

Important Note: Select a place with a temperature between 15°C and 21°C. This temperature limit is best for storing e-liquids.

How to Dispose of Expired Vape Juice?

It's important to dispose of expired vape juice very carefully. This helps to protect the ecosystem and wildlife. Expired vape juice can’t be recycled. If you need to dispose of expired vape juice, pour it onto something absorbent like coffee grounds, kitty litter, or sawdust. Once it is absorbed, throw it away with your regular trash.

Summary

The shelf life of vape juice is usually 1-2 years, but some factors also affect its life, such as storage condition, packaging, and ingredients. While expiration dates are required by law, they’re set by the manufacturer as a guideline for when the e-liquid tastes its best.

In addition, you can still use expired e-juice because it is not unsafe, but you must keep an eye on the taste, texture, and colour of the vape fluid. This helps you decide whether it is still good or not. We advise you to avoid using it after such a long time. We hope you find it valuable.