That Hot Nic Salt Feeling

We’ve all been guilty of forgetting that we left our juice bottle outside on a hot day, or inside a car that was parked in direct sunlight. Many times, we can just grab that bottle once we remember where we left it and go on vaping like we normally would. But, still, it’s always best to avoid exposing your vape juice to high heat, especially if it contains salt-based nicotine.

So, what happens to e-liquid that gets too hot? As you’ll learn, it can definitely prevent you from enjoying a truly satisfying vape. After reading this article, you’ll likely be more careful with where you leave your juice from this point on.

What Happens When Salt Nic E-Liquid Gets Too Hot?

Salt nic e-liquids consists of five ingredients:

• Salt-based nicotine
• Benzoic acid
• Flavoring
• Vegetable glycerin (VG)
• Propylene glycol (PG)

Each of these ingredients boasts its own molecular composition, and when these ingredients are combined, they become homogenized so that all of the molecules are evenly integrated.

However, certain conditions can cause those molecules to detach from each other, bond with other molecules and evaporate. The most common conditions are bright light and high heat. The process that occurs is known as oxidization, and it’s the same thing that happens when you steep e-liquid.

Now, as you may know, steeping is a promoted practice as it intensifies the vape juice flavor. However, steeping occurs when e-liquid has been oxidized only slightly, and in a controlled environment. Over-steeping results in an unstable liquid that’s lost its flavor and nicotine potency, and its consistency may become so thick that the coil is unable to heat it properly, resulting in a product that just can’t turn into vapor.

If you leave your nic salt e-juice out in high heat for too long a period of time, it will likely over-oxidize, which means that it will be ruined.

Does This Happen with Freebase E-Liquid as Well?

Any e-liquid can over-oxidize under specific conditions. Freebase liquid can also be ruined by exposure to high heat. However, salt nic juice is more at risk of this occurring because of benzoic acid, the ingredient that allows salt nic juice to be as potent as it is without becoming harsh. Benzoic acid can act as an antagonist under conditions like high heat and bright light, causing the molecules to break down at a far more rapid pace.

Is Overheated Salt-Based E-Juice Unsafe to Use?

While over-steeping can destroy the integrity of your batch, it doesn’t make it unsafe to vape. There’s nothing in e-juice that would rot and become dangerous to consume.

How Can I Tell if my Nic Salt E-Liquid Has Been Damaged by Heat?

You’ll know that your e-liquid is no longer good after being exposed to high heat because it will look, smell and taste strange. Visually, you’ll notice that the juice has taken on a syrupy quality, and your coil just won’t be able to turn that into vapor. Meanwhile, its aroma will be slightly off, and its flavor will likely be weak and far different from the way it was when you first purchased the bottle.

How Can I Prevent my Salt Nic E-Juice from Becoming Overheated?

Obviously, the best thing you can do is keep your bottles out of high heat. Don’t leave your e-liquids outdoors or in your car during the summer. It’s always best to store your juice bottles in places that are cool and dark such as cabinets and closets.

Nicotine Salt E-Liquids Can Definitely Be Ruined by Exposure to High Heat

Luckily, it’s easy to make sure that your e-liquid stays out of super-hot environments. Use this guide to keep that salt nicotine liquid safe all summer long.