Many vapers, both novice and experienced, aren’t sure about the shelf life of e-juice – does it expire? And if so, how can you tell? To answer those questions and more, the team at South Beach Smoke has put together a handy guide for everything you need to know about how long vape juice lasts, how to know if yours has expired, and how to properly store and dispose of your e-liquid.

6 Questions & Answers Regarding E-juice Shelf Life

You have a lot of questions about your vape liquid and we have the answers. If you don’t see the answer you seek, use the form below to ask yours.

Tobaccolicious e-Juice
See It

#1 Does E-Liquid Expire?

You might have noticed “best by” dates on some of your e-liquid bottles and wondered if the juice goes bad after that date. While there isn’t much evidence that vape juice goes “bad” in the same way that old food does – think moldy bread and sour milk – it is known that the flavor and quality can deteriorate over time. The ingredients can begin to separate, leading to a noticeable change in the flavor of the vape juice. Additionally, liquid nicotine can oxidize over time, particularly if the container is not sealed tightly, becoming less effective and less potent.

#2 What Is the Shelf Life of Vape Juice?

Most bottles of e-liquid that are printed with expiration dates will be labeled with a shelf life of one to two years. If stored correctly, the ingredients of vape juice (nicotine, PG, and/or VG) have an official shelf life of about two years. The one ingredient in every vape juice that acts as the “wild card” is the flavoring. For some flavors, shifts in taste happen within a year or so, while others can last up to five years if properly stored.

Fool's Gold e-Juice
See It

#3 How Long Does E-Juice Last Once Opened?

If you vape at a fairly average pace and frequency, odds are that you’ll finish a bottle of e-juice before it ever expires. The average shelf life of a bottle is between one and two years, but the average vaper will finish a 10mL bottle in about a week (and a 30mL bottle in 2-3 weeks). This means that as long as you don’t plan to buy bottles and store them for a long period of time, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about deteriorating flavor or quality.

#4 Has Your E-liquid Expired?

If you have any vape juice that you aren’t sure about, there are a few ways you can tell if it’s reached the end of its life:

  • Flavor. If the vapor tastes “off,” you may just want to toss it.
  • Smell. Like many products, the smell of e-juice will start to shift when it’s past its prime.
  • Separation. If you see that the ingredients have clearly separated, and a good shake doesn’t mix them back up, it’s time to get rid of the bottle.
  • Storage. If you know the e-juice wasn’t sealed properly or was stored in the light/heat, save yourself the trouble and just throw it out.
Samoa Apple Slices e-Juice
See It

#5 What’s the Best Way to Store E-Liquid?

To maximize the lifespan of your e-juice, store it in a tightly-sealed glass bottle (preferably dark-colored), out of direct heat or sunlight. Don’t freeze it, and don’t leave it in your car.

#6 How Do I Get Rid of Expired Juice?

Disposing of expired vape juice responsibly is important, so avoid dumping it straight down the drain. There are a few options for getting rid of your expired juice in a smart, safe way:

  1. Dilute it heavily with water before emptying it into the drain.
  2. Pout it into a small bag of cat litter or used coffee grounds, which will absorb the liquid and make it safe and easy to throw out.
  3. Dilute with water and put in a spray bottle, then use in your garden to get rid of pests.

Shop Your Favorite Flavors on South Beach Smoke Today

Although expired e-juice isn’t harmful to your health, it doesn’t provide the top-notch vape experience you want – so keep these handy tips in mind and enjoy your South Beach Smoke vape juice to the fullest.