DIY e-liquids, simple fashion or sustainable trend?
Vapers, manufacturers, traders. The development of DIY e-liquid is one of the most remarkable trends in the electronic cigarette market in 2022.
While on the one hand vapers, concerned about their future, are worried about not being able to vape in a year ( tobacco directive ) except on sealed material and limited to two millilitres, on the other hand, they are increasingly more numerous to start DIY e-liquids. But maybe this explains it…
DIY e-liquids, what is it?
The principle is very simple, it is a question of making your liquid from PG and/or VG bases. Generally pre-mixed 80/20, 50/50… and of course with the desired nicotine level. Flavours and possibly additives are then added. See the links at the bottom of this article for more information. Expert DIY is an art, like cooking! We compose our recipes, and above all, it costs much less than ready-made liquids. At the very least, 10 times cheaper minimum!
A movement of fear in the face of upcoming regulations
The development of DIY e-liquid is a subject that has occupied a lot of space for a few months on Internet networks, whether Facebook groups or forums. “Experienced” vapers, already familiar with the techniques of reconstructable equipment, are “training” and preparing to stock up. The most frightened even go into “survivalist” mode and exchange addresses to supply themselves with ultra-concentrated nicotine to have enough to last for several decades, even if it is no longer possible to find PG. and VG than in pharmacies. Extremist behaviour could drift into contraband, with all the dangers that this can represent if the authorities persist in the establishment of draconian regulations. A shame!
But it’s not just that…
The development of materials that consume more liquid
Confidential a few months ago, power vaping and vaping in subhom (low resistance) have changed the hardware approach of manufacturers. No longer need to go rebuildable to vape at high power on high-performance atomizers and make huge volumes of vapour. Certainly, there is the “game” of making big clouds, but not only. The quality of the vapour and the flavours delivered by these systems contribute enormously to the pleasure of the vape to stay away from tobacco, more easily. The disadvantage is that consumption is much higher. Especially since the hit is better at high power, it naturally lowers the nicotine level and you vape more to reach your daily dose (concept of self-titration). In short, for vapers who consume 6, 8 or even more than 10 millilitres per day, the cost becomes too high. Switching to DIY e-liquid, therefore, allows you to make substantial savings.
Manufacturers and traders who respond to market demand
Two / three years ago, few traders and manufacturers offered bases and flavours. A few months ago, everything changed! New DIY e-liquid brands are being created, and some historical players are also starting to offer dedicated ranges. On the merchant side, it’s the same. The market is no longer reserved for a few specialized shops, DIY departments are becoming very common on the Internet and increasingly in physical shops. The concept of aromas has also improved since we now find “concentrates” which are already ready-made recipes and which avoid spending too much time in preparation. By paying attention to the dosage and steeping instructions, you are almost sure to find the good taste of your favourite liquid.
Simple fad or lasting trend?
DIY e-liquid is probably not just a fad. This is an economic advantage for the experienced vaper who knows his equipment well. This makes it possible to satisfy the “passion” at reasonable costs to vary the flavours and experiment with the PG / VG dosages according to the assemblies. Clearly, for this fringe of vapers, the bottles of classic liquids at €6 for 10 ml no longer meet expectations. Or else the liquid must be exceptional or impossible to reproduce in DIY. In this case, even higher prices can still be practised, we see bottles at €10 for 10 ml that we buy for pleasure consumption, a bit like a good bottle of wine.
Will the DIY be able to conquer the general public? Not sure either… When you are a beginner, you should not start doing DIY until you have acquired the basics of vaping on the operation of atomizers, resistors and batteries. So “ready to vape” liquids aren’t going away anytime soon. They are more practical to use for ordinary vapers (much more numerous than “experts”) who do not want to be “passionate” either for the material or for the liquids. Let’s not forget that the management of the “equipment” is one of the main obstacles for smokers who find that the vape is complicated, much more complicated than the cigarette…
Still, once again, with this example of the development of DIY e-liquids, we can see how the vape is a young and flexible market, a market that listens to its consumers, a market where the border between manufacturers, traders and vapers is very permeable. It is a very avant-garde atmosphere of complicity which also contributes to this “community” spirit where everyone meets, where there are exchanges, listening and sharing. Of course, regulatory threats help to strengthen ties, but that’s not all, everyone vapes in the vape, it is very easy to talk to each other, we share to improve practices, innovate on materials and take advantage, above all, of common happiness: freeing oneself from tobacco! More than a product, vaping is a movement that combines economic interests and consumer interests in a shared objective. It’s new, and it’s an incredible strength in the face of the ignominious model of tobacco where the salesman knowingly kills his customer.