Ultimate Guide to Vape Juice & E-Liquids
Looking for vape juice or e-liquids? A free nicotine vaping script unlocks your options.
What is vape juice?
Vape juice, also known as e-liquid or vape liquid, is the liquid used in refillable vaping devices and pod systems. When heated by a vape device, the liquid produces an aerosol that is inhaled.
Although people often use the terms 'vape juice', 'e-liquid' and 'vape liquid' interchangeably, they all describe the same product.
Most vape juices contain four key ingredients:
- Pharmaceutical propylene glycol (PG)
- Vegetable glycerin (VG)
- Nicotine (where applicable)
- Approved flavourings
In Australia, nicotine vape juice is regulated and is primarily supplied to help adults quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence through approved therapeutic pathways.
Unlike cigarettes, vape juice doesn't contain tobacco. Instead, it's designed to deliver nicotine without burning tobacco, which is where many of the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke are produced.
Related guides:
How to access vape juice or e-liquids in Australia
-
Check Eligibility
Complete our pre-screen and one of our nurses will give you a call.
-
Doctor Review
Our doctor reviews your application and relevant medical records.
-
Shop Online
Once approved you can shop medication via our online portal.
What's Inside Vape Juice?
Although vape juices come in many flavours and nicotine strengths, the ingredients are generally quite simple.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol, or PG, is a colourless liquid used to carry flavour and create the familiar throat sensation many people experience when vaping. Higher PG liquids usually produce a stronger throat hit and deliver flavour more intensely.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable glycerin is thicker than PG and is responsible for producing vapour. Vape juices with a higher VG ratio generally feel smoother and create larger vapour clouds.
Nicotine
Nicotine is the ingredient that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for people quitting smoking. Vape juices are available in a range of nicotine strengths, allowing treatment to be tailored to each individual's needs.
Flavourings
Australian therapeutic vaping products use approved flavour categories under current regulations. Choosing a flavour you enjoy can make switching from cigarettes easier and improve long-term success.
Want to learn more about what's inside vape juice? Read our detailed guide explaining the key ingredients, how they work, and what they mean for your vaping experience.
Is Vape Juice Safe?
While often promoted as a safer alternative to smoking, vape juice is not harmless. When heated, it forms an aerosol that can contain:
- Nicotine (which is highly addictive)
- Toxic chemicals and fine particles
- Substances that may irritate the lungs and airways
Nicotine exposure can:
- Increase heart rate and blood pressure
- Affect brain development (especially in younger people)
- Lead to strong dependence and withdrawal symptoms
What about prescription vape juice?
In Australia, legally prescribed vape products are regulated under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This means they must meet stricter quality and safety standards compared to illicit or retail vapes.
Prescription vape liquids are typically:
- Manufactured under controlled conditions
- Free from many banned or harmful additives
- Accurately labelled with known nicotine concentrations
While this makes vape juice safer and a more controlled option, they are still intended as a short-term tool to help people quit smoking or manage nicotine dependence.
Nicotine Salts vs Freebase Nicotine
There are two main forms of nicotine found in vape juice: nicotine salts and freebase nicotine.
Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts provide a smoother inhale, even at higher nicotine strengths. They are commonly used in pod systems and are often preferred by people transitioning directly from smoking.
Freebase Nicotine
Freebase nicotine has traditionally been used in refillable vape devices. It provides a more noticeable throat hit and is available in a wide range of strengths.
Neither option is inherently better. The right choice depends on your device, nicotine requirements and personal preference.
Read next: Nicotine Salts vs Freebase Nicotine
Choosing between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine? Our guide explains the key differences to help you decide which may be the better option for your vaping journey.
Australian Vape Juice Laws
Australia has some of the world's most tightly regulated laws for nicotine vaping products.
Therapeutic nicotine vaping products are intended to support adults quitting smoking or managing nicotine dependence. Access is regulated through approved healthcare pathways, and regulations continue to evolve.
Because Australian vaping laws can change over time, it's important to obtain products through legitimate Australian providers and follow current regulations.
Read next: Australian Vape Laws Explained
Australia regulates access to nicotine vaping products through therapeutic pathways. Click here to read the latest vaping laws.
Choosing the Right Vape Juice
There isn't a single vape juice that's perfect for everyone.
The right choice depends on several factors, including:
- Your smoking history
- The nicotine strength you require
- Whether you use a pod system or refillable device
- Your preferred flavour profile
- Whether you prefer nicotine salts or freebase nicotine
Finding the right combination often makes the transition away from cigarettes much easier.
If you're unsure where to begin, speaking with an experienced healthcare practitioner can help you choose an option suited to your goals.
Read more: Ultimate Nicotine Vape Prescription Guide
Whether you're switching from cigarettes for the first time or returning after previous quit attempts, we're here to support you every step of the way.
The bottom line
Vape juice is not just flavoured water - it’s a chemical mixture designed to deliver nicotine efficiently. While it may be used by some as a step away from smoking, it can also lead to ongoing nicotine dependence.
If you’re using disposable vapes and finding it hard to stop, support is available. At Kicko, we help people break free from nicotine dependence with evidence-based treatment and personalised care.
Pharmacies are permitted to dispense E-liquids and vape juice under 20mg/ml without a prescription.
While Australian regulations allow pharmacies to supply certain low-strength vape liquids (up to 20mg/mL nicotine) without a prescription under specific conditions, this process is complex and subject to strict controls.
To ensure compliance, safety, and a consistent standard of care, Kicko requires all patients to hold a valid prescription when purchasing e-liquids or vape juice.
This approach ensures you receive regulated products, appropriate medical guidance, and support as part of a structured plan to reduce and stop nicotine use.