Why Does E-Liquid Change Color? Can You Still Vape It?

Why does e-liquid change color? Can you still vape it after it changes color? Color change in e-liquid is a very normal phenomenon. It happens because the propylene glycol in the e-liquid oxidizes after coming into contact with oxygen in the air. This is a normal reaction and does not produce harmful substances. So there is no need to worry—you can continue using it.
 
After e-liquid is opened, three kinds of changes may occur.

1. Color change. It may go from colorless to light white, light brown, and so on. In general, the color tends to stabilize after 1 to 2 months. If the color of e-liquid stored for half a year continues to change dramatically, it may have deteriorated.

2. Flavor change. E-liquid undergoes a maturation reaction during storage, somewhat like alcohol aging, so a slight change in flavor is normal.

3. Deterioration. The shelf life printed on e-liquid is a conservative estimate. In reality, mature e-liquid formulas have shown no deterioration in stress testing. Usually, when deterioration occurs, it is because the formula itself is poor or the proportions are unreasonable. The most accurate way to judge whether it is still usable is simply to try it and see whether the flavor has changed significantly.

How long is the shelf life of e-liquid?

1. The ingredients in vaping e-liquid are relatively stable molecules and can be stored for a very long time. Although the shelf life is usually labeled as one to two years, in practice it can still be used after more than three years. If you are concerned about using e-liquid that has been stored for a long time, then it is best not to use it.

2. When judging whether e-liquid has gone bad, many variables need to be considered: the quality of PG, VG, nicotine, and flavorings; the ratio in which they are mixed; and the storage conditions, all of which affect its shelf life.

How soon should you finish e-liquid after filling your tank?

Different atomizers have different tank capacities. Common tank sizes include 1.8ml, 2ml, 2.5ml, 3ml, and 3.5ml. Depending on how frequently the user vapes, the time required to consume it will also vary.

So the amount of e-liquid you fill should depend on your own vaping habits. In general, it is best to finish filled e-liquid within 2 days. If it sits too long, it can easily be contaminated by carbon buildup on the coil, and leakage is also more likely. Therefore, depending on your own usage, if you cannot finish it within 2 days, you should fill a little less e-liquid each time.