Storage of E-liquid, How Long Will it Last?

Is my e-liquid expired? A recurring question that many vapers ask themselves. We will try to answer you as accurately as possible so that you can vape with complete peace of mind.

How to store your e-liquid?

The first question is often “How to store your e-liquid?”. Opinions differ on how to proceed, but everyone agrees that you should avoid leaving your bottle in the sunlight. We are not talking about your e-juice inside the disposable vape, but a bottle of e-liquid. The e-liquid does not appreciate UV rays which will have an accelerated “maturation” action. If a liquid stays too long in the sun, its color will change (brown), and the aromas will gradually dissipate. UV will also affect nicotine; if your bottle stays too long in the sun, the nicotine level will drop without you noticing. If you are in withdrawal, a lack of nicotine is the best way to fall back into smoking tobacco.

A second important parameter is the heat. In the case of an e-liquid with nicotine, it will accelerate the oxidation of this one, reducing nicotine’s effects. As for UV, in complete weaning, an e-liquid without nicotine can quickly make you fall into the past through. Conversely, the cold will “freeze” the degradation process and delay the moment when your e-liquid will no longer be usable.

How long can an e-liquid be kept?

The shelf life of an e-liquid will depend mainly on its category and your method. The times indicated below are convincing when storing the e liquids correctly (no light and room temperature).

Fruity: a classic lifespan that more or less corresponds to the DDM indicated on the bottle; from 18 months, they will begin to become blander.

Menthol: Like fruity, the fresh side will last a little longer.

Classic & Gourmand holds up well over time, keeps well, and can cause excellent surprises even after 2 years.

Classic & Gourmand complexes: perfect hold over time as well, but the e liquids will lose specific nuances that give them complexity after 2 years. For some products, the rendering will be better; disappointment will point its nose at others.

The degradation of an e-liquid can also be caused by contact with air or nicotine. These two components act over time and oxidize your e-liquid, which results in a more yellowish color. This speeds up the process, and your e-liquid may lose its aromatic properties more quickly.

At what temperature should I store my e-liquid?

The ideal temperature for keeping an e-liquid is between 18 and 20°. Below this temperature, the collision between the molecules of your e-liquid will freeze little by little and slow down the process, which allows you to keep the e-liquid longer. Conversely, above 20°, the reaction will be faster and faster, and the molecules will stir to create new ones and change the composition of your preparation, which will induce a change in color in most cases.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a wine cellar dedicated to e-liquids with temperature regulation and tutti quanti. Suppose your interior environment is at a stable and low temperature, below 25°. In that case, the most exciting thing will be to place your bottles of e liquids (if possible without air) in a cupboard sheltered from light and heat. In summer, an excellent place for all your bottles will be recommended to avoid a loss of aroma, nicotine, or too rapid coloring of your e liquids.

Should e-liquids be stored in the refrigerator?

Here is a point on which many opinions differ. The refrigerator or freezer will be perfect for long-term storage or during summer heat waves. The components of an e-liquid, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or nicotine, will not be affected by the cold. This will freeze the system and prevent the usual collision of the molecules of your product, which makes it possible to delay the process of oxidation, maturation, etc. Your e liquids can therefore be kept longer.

When taking an e-liquid from the freezer or refrigerator, it must be allowed to return to room temperature before use to avoid thermal shock. For optimal cold storage, we recommend using small containers (10, 20, 50, 100, or even 200 ml), depending on your habits, which will be more practical for daily use. Taking out the 1-liter base is not the most useful when letting it come back to temperature before using it, especially for DIY in small quantities.

What is the difference between DLUO, DLU, DDM, and DLC?

How to understand all these names? Which ones correspond to vaping products? As a preamble, let’s start by describing these denominations.

• DLUO: Optimal Use Limit Date
• DLU: Use By Date
• MDD: Date of Minimum Durability
• DLC: Use By Date

We can already evacuate the DLC, which is not currently in the world of the vape and only concerns very perishable foodstuffs, which must be withdrawn from sale once the deadline has been reached. The components of the e liquids are not part of this category, which is no problem at this level. The DLU attracts non-food products, rather industrial, such as foam, glue, or even mastic. It, therefore, has no connection with the vape either.

Back to our sheep with the DLUO. It corresponds, since 2015, to the DDM; this is the new name. The purpose is similar and generally called on the bottles or foodstuffs: “To be consumed before XX/XX.” The DDM indicates a delay before the product loses some of its qualities. This does not affect the possibility of consuming the product in question. For an e-liquid, the flavors will generally be a little less present, just as the nicotine will lose power once the DDM has been exceeded.

Does an e-liquid expire?

Expiry is a word that always arouses a lot of interest. Unfortunately, sometimes some people do not distinguish between DDM and DLC, which is very important. The e liquids dedicated to vaping are governed by the DDM, which therefore induces a recommendation and not an obligation to consume before the date. An e-liquid is consequently not subject to expiration, strictly speaking. Once the date has passed, the aromas will lose complexity or intensity, resulting in a less potent product in terms of flavors or different notes when vaping.

For nicotine, the effect is quite similar; the more time passes, the less effective the molecule is. Whether for a DIY or even a 10 ml nicotine liquid, the regressive action of nicotine will be the same. If you still appreciate the e-liquid but lack a hit, do not hesitate to add a little nicotine again, sparingly and gradually, to avoid a rate that is too high, of course.

How to know if an e-liquid is expired?

Here is a question that ultimately has no real answers. You can find an indication of DDM directly on the bottle, usually under it. But as previously stated, an e-liquid remains consumable even if the date has passed. Its aromatic rendering and the effect of nicotine will be less present. And this will be one of the only ways to know if your product is “expired.”

The DDM applies to many e-liquids, but this is not necessarily true for all products. Some gourmet or classic flavors will gain momentum over time, and the e-liquid is sometimes much better or simply different, like a good wine. Some of the vapers leave some of their preparations for several months, even years, before opening them and tasting them.

What are the risks of vaping an outdated e-liquid?

Quite simply, nothing, except a possible bad experience due to the alteration of flavors or loss of the nicotine. An e-liquid that is “too old” will have a flat finish, even without flavor, which is not necessarily pleasant to vape, but may be suitable for troubleshooting or when a shortage occurs.

In conclusion, the expiration in the field of e-liquids for an electronic cigarette does not have to be. Manufacturers mainly indicate the maximum time before your product is less attractive to vape. So there is no need to worry if the DDM (or DLUO) of your e-liquid is exceeded; the clouds will always be present. To avoid any problems with flavors and loss of nicotine, we recommend placing your bottles at room temperature in a cabinet that will cover UV rays. Your weaning will thank you for it, and you will be able to enjoy the aromas of your favorite juices fully.