How Long Does Vape Juice Last?

Vape juice, or e-liquid, is a principal component of the vaping experience. Some swear by bubblegum flavours, others are stalwart supporters of the mellow apple and wouldn’t dream of trying more radical incarnations. Vape juice incorporates a particular taste, but sometimes also the nicotine strength of the vapour produced. It’s a vital part of the entire process, but one question we often get is, how long does vape juice last?

How Long Do Vape Juices Typically Last?

Vape juice typically comes in three quantities: 10ml, 50ml, and 100ml. While you might assume they’d all be the same regarding shelf life, that’s not entirely true. You can also get 2ml juice bottles, common with disposable vapes, but because of their naturally short lifespan, we haven't included them here.

10ml E-Liquids

The smallest of the three sizes is popular among casual vapers. 10 ml bottles are the most popular in the UK, with much of this down to government regulations limiting juice with nicotine to this size.

These small bottles are perfect if you only occasionally use your vape, but their size reflects a slightly shorter lifespan than other sizes. If unopened and stored correctly, 10 ml bottles typically last up to 2 years. After opening, we’d suggest using them within three months, at which point the optimal flavour and overall quality will begin to fade.

50ml E-Liquids:

The next step up is 50ml, which is popular for those who vape more regularly. As with the 10 ml bottles, these have a standard shelf life of 2 years when opened. However, once opened, they will last a little longer than their smaller companions, with 4 to 6 months generally a reasonable time frame to work with. 

100ml E-Liquids

100 ml bottles are the big hitters of the e-liquid world. These are the least common of the three sizes but are popular with those who vape frequently or prefer to buy in bulk - which will save you money in the long run. 

Again, they come with a shelf life of 2 years, but once opened, you can continue using it for anywhere between 6 and 12 months before you begin to see a change in quality.

How Can You Tell if Your Vape Juice Has Expired?

Do Vape Juices Have Expiry Dates?

Absolutely. Every vape juice bought from a reputable source should clearly have an expiry date somewhere on the bottle. Remember that this relates to the juice’s overall shelf life unopened, but once the seal has been broken, the clock starts ticking.

Is It Safe to Vape Expired E-Liquids?

We don’t recommend vaping with expired e-liquid. It probably won’t cause you any serious physical harm - apart from irritated throat and lungs - but the vaping experience will undoubtedly be affected. Vape juice isn’t particularly expensive or hard to find these days, so why bother with something that makes you wince each time you inhale? 

The time frames for the three sizes above can be quite wide, so you need to be aware of some tell-tale signs that the juice has expired or ‘gone off.’ These are: 

• Expired juice sometimes changes colour 
• You may notice a change in smell - and not for the better
• The flavour will gradually disappear
• Ingredients sometimes separate, leaving a clearly visible layer in the bottle

How Do You Correctly Store E-Liquids?

The time frames mentioned above only apply to e-liquids stored correctly, and for this, the three most significant things to avoid are light, heat, and air. Ideally, you want to keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures are a big no-no, so forget about anywhere very hot or cold. The fridge is a popular location for many, and while it isn’t strictly necessary, it does tick all of the relevant boxes. 

Also, ensure the bottles remain tightly sealed and keep them that way. Any air exposure can lead to oxidation, which essentially begins the degradation process. 

How Should You Dispose of Expired E-Liquids?

Rather than risk using expired e-liquids, it’s best to dispose of them responsibly and purchase quality e-liquids. E-liquid does have a chemical composition, so ideally, don’t pour them down the sink. You can pour it out onto toilet paper or a kitchen roll and dispose of it, then put the empty bottles into your standard recycling bin. Some companies even have send-back services for expired e-liquid, so it’s worth checking with your supplier first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2-Year-Old Vape Juice Still Good?

This depends on the expiry date, but you’re probably right at the limit. Check for visible signs of expiration, altered colour, smell, and separation of ingredients, and if nothing seems obvious, give it a try.

How Long Does a Bottle of Vape Liquid Last?

This depends on the size of the bottle and the frequency of the vaper. A small 10 ml bottle might last a few days or a week for somebody vaping on a regular basis, while 50 ml or 100 ml bottles will obviously last much longer.

How Long Does 2ml Vape Juice Last?

A 2 ml vape juice cartridge won’t last too long. On average, this equates to around 600 puffs, so depending on the frequency of vaping, usually in the region of 1 to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

A great vaping experience isn’t only about buying the right vape and finding a flavour you love. It incorporates aspects like proper vape maintenance, ensuring your e-liquid is stored correctly, and using it within the appropriate time frame. We all experience vape juice that’s gone bad at some point, but it’s an experience you won’t want to revisit anytime soon. 

If you’re looking to optimise your vaping experience, head to Relxfor a wide range of high-quality products and delicious flavours to choose from. Whether you’re a bubble gum fan or a sweet apple die-hard, you’ll find what you’re looking for.