Stocking up on vape supplies couldn't be easier with our convenient online store and in-person shop at Accolades Retail. Not only can we offer you high-quality products from some of the best brands on the market at competitive prices, but we can also answer your queries and questions about vaping and the products you’re interested in. One question we often get asked is about the expiry date of vape juices and whether e-liquids can go off.
The short answer to this question is yes, vape juice does go off and every bottle will have an expiry date. Don’t worry though, vape juice isn't like a pint of milk and it won’t ‘go bad’ overnight. The shelf life for e-liquid is actually quite a long time and you will likely use your vape juice long before it reaches its expiry date.
What is the Shelf Life of Vape Juice?
Generally speaking the shelf life for an unopened bottle of vape juice is about two years. However, this date will differ from one brand to the next and it will be dependent on whether you’re correctly storing the bottle. We would recommend paying close attention to what is printed on the bottle you purchase, as that will give you a good idea of just how long it will last.
One of the key things that impacts how long vape juice lasts is the ingredients, specifically the ratio of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. Propylene glycol naturally prevents degradation over time, meaning that it will help your e-liquid to last longer as long as you properly store it. On the other hand, due to the nature of vegetable glycerine, it tends to degrade faster though its shelf life is still quite considerable.
We just want to highlight that using vape juice that has ‘gone off’ isn’t dangerous. Typically, it will just taste bad and if it contains nicotine, then it may be weaker than it once was. So, don’t worry if you accidentally use an old bottle of vape juice.
How Long Does Vape Juice Last When Open?
Once a bottle has been opened, how long it lasts will depend on the type of vape juice. Generally speaking, it can last anywhere from one to two years when stored properly in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Keeping your e-liquid in a cupboard is often the best way to extend its shelf life once opened.
Lots of vape juice contains nicotine, which will start to oxidise over time. Without a tight seal, air can enter the vape juice bottle and cause the liquid to break down and produce an off taste. As well as air, exposure to heat and light can also speed up the oxidation process, so it’s important to store your vape juice correctly
If you like to change up your vape juice flavours quite frequently, resulting in you having several bottles open at once, make sure you’re keeping track of how long each bottle has been open. This can help to prevent you from having to throw away bottles that are still half full, which can be very expensive in the long run.
How do you Know if Vape Juice has Gone Bad?
One of the first things you will likely notice when your vape juice starts to turn is the colour. Often, the liquid in the bottle will start to get darker as it oxidises and if your vape juice is now an off-brown colour, it’s best not to use it.
Your e-liquid may also have a strong, unpleasant smell and this can be a sign that it’s time to throw the bottle away and start a new one. The taste is a clear indication that vape juice has gone bad too. You may find that it tastes ‘off’ and sometimes, it will lose all of its flavors, so it’s not enjoyable to vape.
We want to make sure you have the best possible vaping experience, which is why our shop is dedicated to bringing you high-quality products. You can even ring ahead on +1 540-428-1926 to make sure we have your preferred vape juice brand in stock.