If you tend to stock up on your favourite e-juice you may have found yourself wondering, “does vape juice expire?” Is it safe if it’s been sitting around for a while in a drawer gathering dust? It’s a valid question, because you don’t want to waste money (and e-liquid) just because your local vape store had a big sale on your brand, and you bought way too much.
Does E-Juice Have an Expiration Date?
So, does e-liquid actually expire? The short and easy answer is yes, just like many consumable products, e-juice has an expiration date. But, do expiration dates vary based on the type of liquid (nic salts vs freebase e-juice) and brand?
How Long Does Vape Juice Last?
On average, a sealed bottle of freebase e-juice lasts about two years, while a similar bottle of nic salts lasts about the same – again depending on the brand and what’s in it. While the propylene glycol in vape juice can last up to three years, the nicotine, vegetable glycerin and flavourings tend to degrade a bit faster. But, that’s the average for your unopened bottles of e-juice. However, if those same bottles have been opened, expect them to keep their freshness for anywhere from three to six months. How long those opened or unopened bottles of vape juice last is also dependent on how you handle them.
How to Extend the Life of Your Vape Liquid
If you do want to stock up on your favourite brand or flavour of vape juice, there are some things you can do to keep it as fresh as possible. Here’s how:
- Keep the bottles sealed and closed until you’re ready to use it
- Dark coloured bottles are preferable to clear glass or plastic
- Keep your bottles in a cool, dark place
How to Tell if Your E-Liquid Has Expired
If your bottle of e-liquid doesn’t come with a best-before or expiration date – and even if it does – there are a few things that will let you know it may be time to toss it.
- Colour change: When nicotine, flavourings and other chemicals in vape juice are exposed to air, they slowly react by changing colour. First, your vape juice gets a bit more yellow, which will eventually deepen to an amber and finally a dark brown.
- Less flavour: If it tastes harsher, or the flavour isn’t as flavourful as previously, this could indicate your e-liquid is past its prime..
Can Vape Juice Go Bad? What Happens If You Use Expired E-Juice?
Is it safe to vape expired e-liquid? The general consensus is that nothing serious can happen. The things that make up vape juice won’t suddenly become toxic and unsafe. But vaping expired e-juice is certainly to be avoided. As mentioned, expired e-juice is likely not going to give you a stellar experience if you vape it. In fact, it’ll likely be a bit harsh or gross tasting – maybe both. Why would you want to willingly have an unpleasant experience?
So, be aware of expiration dates and store your bottles properly the next time you’re stocking up. And stop by your nearest EZ-Vape location to find your favourite brands and check out the latest deals and promotions.
