The introduction of water into e-liquid creation is a topic of discussion within the vaping community. It involves incorporating distilled water into the base mixture of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine (if desired), and flavorings that constitute vape juice. While sometimes used to adjust viscosity or create a thinner vapor, this practice raises questions regarding its impact on vapor production, flavor delivery, and overall vaping experience. An example would be a vaper adding a small percentage of distilled water to a high-VG blend to improve wicking in their device.
The potential advantages of adding water include a perceived reduction in throat hit harshness, especially with high-nicotine liquids, and potentially better wicking in certain vaping devices that struggle with thicker, high-VG e-liquids. However, the presence of water can also dilute the flavor intensity and potentially reduce the lifespan of the vaping coil. Historically, water was sometimes used in early e-liquid formulations but is less common now due to the availability of alternative thinning agents and advancements in coil technology.