Crafting your own vape oil at home is an appealing option for those who prefer greater control over ingredients, strength, and flavour. Whether you're aiming to customise your vaping experience or reduce costs, making vape oil can be a rewarding process when done safely and precisely. As with any DIY activity involving consumables, cleanliness, accurate measurement, and proper storage are essential. Fortunately, with the right tools and guidance, creating your own e-liquid is both achievable and enjoyable.

Essential Equipment

Before you begin mixing your own vape oil, it's important to ensure you have the correct tools on hand. The right equipment not only makes the process smoother but also ensures the safety and consistency of your final product. In particular, proper containers - like amber glass dropper bottles - are key for both mixing and long-term storage.

To get started, you'll need:

• Amber glass dropper bottles (various sizes available from Freeman & Harding)

• Syringes or pipettes for precise measurement

• A digital scale (preferably 0.01g accuracy) for weighing ingredients

• Protective gloves and eyewear

• Labels for marking ingredients and dates

• A mixing container (preferably glass or high-quality plastic)

• A funnel for easy transfer into bottles

• A clean, well-ventilated workspace

At Freeman & Harding, we supply dropper bottles in a range of sizes, including 10ml, 30ml, and 100ml options - perfect for creating and storing vape oils. These bottles are made of UV-protective amber glass and come with tamper-evident caps or pipettes for accurate dispensing. They’re ideal for home mixers as well as independent vape oil businesses looking for reliable, professional packaging.

Gather Ingredients

The basic ingredients in vape oil are straightforward: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavour concentrates, and (optionally) nicotine. PG provides the “throat hit” and helps carry flavour, while VG produces vapour and adds smoothness. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste and safety of your final product, so always purchase food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade liquids from reputable sources.

Know Your Measurements

Precision is essential when making vape oil. Using the wrong ratios can lead to an unpleasant or even unsafe experience. Most e-liquids are composed of a PG/VG ratio that suits the user's device and preferences - commonly 50/50 or 70/30 VG to PG. If you're including nicotine, its concentration must be measured very carefully to ensure compliance with legal limits and to suit your tolerance.

You’ll typically use:

• 50–80% VG (for cloud production and smoothness)

• 20–50% PG (for flavour and throat hit)

• 5–20% flavour concentrate (depending on strength)

• 0–18mg/ml nicotine (depending on your chosen level)

Always start small when experimenting, noting your measurements so you can replicate or adjust future batches. Use syringes or a scale to ensure each ingredient is added accurately.

Prepare Your Base Mixture

The base mixture refers to the combination of PG and VG. This will form the foundation of your vape oil. Decide on the desired ratio based on your device (sub-ohm coils prefer higher VG content) and the vaping experience you want. Mix the PG and VG in your container before adding other ingredients. Stir or shake gently to ensure the liquids combine thoroughly. This mixture can be made in larger quantities and stored in bulk dropper bottles for later use.

At this stage, it’s particularly helpful to use amber glass dropper bottles for your base mix. Not only do they protect the liquid from light degradation, but they also allow for easy dispensing when you’re mixing smaller batches with different flavour profiles.

Flavour Concentrates

Flavour concentrates are what make your vape oil enjoyable and unique. These are usually highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. The ideal percentage will depend on the specific flavour and your personal preference, but a good starting point is around 10%. Too much can overpower the mix or result in an unpleasant taste, so it’s best to add gradually and test.

Once added to your base mixture, allow the flavour to steep - this is the process of letting the liquid sit for a few days or weeks so the flavours meld properly. Store your bottles in a cool, dark place during this time, and shake them occasionally.

Add Nicotine (Or Don’t!) 

Nicotine is optional in homemade vape oil. If you choose to include it, be extremely cautious. Nicotine is a toxic substance in concentrated form and must be handled with gloves and eye protection. Always use a syringe or precise scale, and never guess measurements.

The strength of nicotine will be dictated by your preference but must not exceed legal limits (in the UK, that’s 20mg/ml). You can buy nicotine in base mixes (VG or PG) to make measurement easier. Add the required amount to your prepared base/flavour blend and mix thoroughly.

If you're making nicotine-free vape oil, simply omit this step and proceed with your mixture. Many users prefer this option to enjoy flavour and vapour without the stimulant effect.

For more information, contact Freeman & Harding now

If you're looking to start mixing your own vape oil or need reliable storage solutions for your blends, Freeman & Harding is here to help. We offer a wide selection of high-quality amber glass dropper bottles available in bulk, perfect for small-scale production or personal use. Our bottles are designed to preserve the quality of your e-liquids and provide easy, accurate dispensing.

For expert advice or to place an order, contact Freeman & Harding today and discover how we can support your vape oil venture.