DIY E-Liquid Recipes

 　　The formula for e-liquid consists of VG and PG, along with additives such as flavorings and nicotine.

  　　The chemical name of VG is glycerol, commonly known as glycerin. The chemical name of PG is propylene glycol, which is often used together with glycerin as a humectant. They are used in everyday products such as toothpaste and soap.   　　There are many kinds of e-liquid formulas and many appealing names for them. Since the more complex the formula, the harder it is to make, I chose the simplest approach. Compared with all sorts of other e-liquids, I think the main differences are in aroma and taste. As for the ingredients, the similarity rate is over 90%. Like tobacco and alcohol, e-liquid is a consumer hobby product, and buyers are willing to pay several times more for a flavor they like. What I want to say is that, from a chemical standpoint, it is not worth paying much more for it.   　　The materials used below were all purchased from Taobao.   　　First comes bathing, burning incense, and praying: may this experiment be a complete success.   　　The main ingredients are VG and PG. Together they make up more than 95% of the e-liquid. VG is thick and can produce more vapor, while PG has stronger fluidity and better solubility, making it easier to blend flavorings while also providing some throat hit.   　　First, prepare the container. Wash the glass container with purified water, then let it air-dry or use a hot-air dryer to dry it.   　　I originally wanted to make the base liquid with a 50/50 ratio, but considering that glycerin has a relatively high specific gravity, I changed it to a formula of 160 ml of PG and 120 ml of VG. This formula was something I came up with on the spot, with no real basis or reason. If there was any reason, it was that the largest measuring cup used in this experiment had a maximum capacity of 160 ml.   　　After pouring in 160 ml of PG, add a few drops of rose essential oil and stir evenly.   　　Add 120 ml of VG (glycerin) and continue stirring by hand. Since I did not have a glass stirring rod, I used a yogurt straw instead.   　　After mixing evenly, let it sit for three hours until the bubbles in the liquid disappear.   　　Bottling the e-liquid: I believe the most classic is also the simplest. Perhaps e-liquid is just like food preferences—after wandering through the five tastes of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty, you may come to like this faint, delicate fragrance.   　　There was still a little e-liquid left, and I thought I could make a stronger flavor, so I added a few more ingredients. I gave it an unappealing name: “Old Lady with Two Guns.” I called the lighter flavor “Phantom of the Castle.” That is just my imagination about the aromas.   　　As for the simplest way to make e-liquid, I think it really is just that simple.