Table of contents
A nicotine-free vape isn't harmless, but it is considerably less harmful than a cigarette. The nicotine is gone, and with it the strongest addictive factor. What remains are the carrier substances, the flavourings and whatever forms when the liquid is heated. How big the risk is depends heavily on the product and on how you use it. Here you can read what's in the vapour, which risks are proven and how you can reduce them.
What's in a nicotine-free vape?
The liquid in a vape is almost always made from the same basic ingredients.
Propylene glycol (PG): A carrier that transports flavour well and creates the typical throat hit. PG is approved as a food additive.
Vegetable glycerine (VG): Produces dense vapour and a smoother draw. VG is also known as a food additive.
Flavourings: They determine the taste. Most are approved for eating, but have hardly been studied for inhalation.
Active ingredients: Depending on the product, cannabinoids or other substances are added. They have their own effects, which you need to consider separately from nicotine.
Important: "approved for eating" does not mean "tested for inhaling". A substance behaves differently in the lungs than in the stomach.
Which risks are proven?
Irritation of the airways
The most common complaint. PG draws out moisture, which is why many people report a dry throat, coughing or hoarseness, especially at first. This usually eases after a few days or disappears if you drink more or puff less often.
Harmful substances from overheating
If the liquid gets too hot – for example with an empty tank, very long puffs or too much power – PG and VG can break down. This produces substances such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein. With normal use, the amounts are far below those in cigarette smoke. With a so-called dry hit, which you'll recognise by a burnt, bitter taste, they rise sharply.
Metals from the heating coil
Studies have found traces of metals such as nickel or chromium in vapour, coming from the heating coil. The amounts depend heavily on the material and workmanship. Cheap devices with no proof of origin often perform worse here.
Problematic flavourings
Some flavourings are more concerning than others when inhaled. The best-known example is diacetyl, a butter flavouring that has been linked to a rare lung disease. In Germany, even nicotine-free liquids are subject to tobacco products law, which bans certain ingredients. Products from the black market or direct imports often don't comply with these rules.
Contaminated cannabinoid cartridges
In 2019, thousands of people in the USA developed a serious lung injury that became known as EVALI. The main cause was vitamin E acetate, a cutting agent in illegal THC cartridges. This shows that the biggest risk often doesn't come from vaping itself, but from untested ingredients.
What we don't know yet
Vapes have only been widespread for a good 15 years. That's why long-term data is lacking for diseases that develop over decades. The honest statement is: in the short term, the risks can be well defined; in the long term, some uncertainty remains.
Nicotine-free vape or cigarette: which is more harmful?
The cigarette – by a long way. Burning tobacco produces thousands of chemical compounds, including tar, carbon monoxide and numerous carcinogens. A vape doesn't burn anything; it vaporises. As a result, exposure to harmful substances is many times lower. That's why British health authorities explicitly recommend that smokers switch to e-cigarettes.
However, this calculation only applies to smokers who switch. If you've never smoked or vaped before, every vape exposes you to a risk you didn't have before. "Less harmful than smoking" is not the same as "healthy".
Is a nicotine-free vape bad for your lungs?
The lungs are the organ most directly affected. The best-documented effects are short-term irritations of the airways. In people with asthma or other lung conditions, vapes can make symptoms worse. Serious lung damage is rare with regulated products and has occurred mainly in connection with contaminated black-market products. If you notice shortness of breath, chest pain or a persistent cough after vaping, stop and get checked by a doctor.
Nicotine-free doesn't mean effect-free
Many nicotine-free vapes contain other active ingredients, such as cannabinoids. In that case, you need to factor in their effects too: tiredness, altered perception, reduced reaction time. We've summarised what this means in practice for side effects, drug tests and driving on our page TAC Vape: effects, side effects, drug tests & driving.
How to reduce the risk
Only buy tested products: Look for a manufacturer with an address in the EU, clear ingredient information and lab analyses. Steer clear of cartridges of unknown origin.
Avoid dry hits: If a puff tastes burnt, stop immediately. With disposable vapes, this is usually a sign that they're empty.
Draw gently and not for too long: Short, calm puffs of two to three seconds keep the temperature in the normal range. Our vape guide shows you how to draw properly.
Don't modify the device: Refilling disposable vapes or tinkering with the battery and coil increases the risk of overheating and harmful substances.
Drink enough water: This helps against a dry throat and tickly cough.
Take breaks: Puffing constantly throughout the day puts more strain on your airways than mindful, occasional use. Our article How often should you puff? gives you some guidance.
Our vapes: nicotine-free, with a clear origin
All TAC Vapes from Happy's Amsterdam are free from nicotine and THC and are developed and produced in Germany. Every device has a UFI number, a safety data sheet and a tax stamp. You don't need to refill or adjust anything, which prevents misuse and dry hits. The strains range from relaxing indica varieties such as Forbidden Fruit to fruity sativa strains such as Mango Safari. We explain why you're on the safe side with the original, straight from the manufacturer, on our page Original Happy's Amsterdam TAC Vape.
Frequently asked questions
Is a nicotine-free vape addictive?
Not physically, because the addictive substance nicotine is missing. A habit can still form, though – for example through the ritual or the taste. If the vape contains cannabinoids, psychological dependence can also develop.
How old do you have to be to buy a nicotine-free vape?
You have to be 18. Germany's Youth Protection Act (Jugendschutzgesetz) prohibits selling e-cigarettes to minors, even if they contain no nicotine.
Is second-hand vapour harmful?
Second-hand vapour contains far fewer harmful substances than second-hand smoke, but it isn't free of them. You should avoid vaping indoors and near children and pregnant women.
Is a nicotine-free vape safe during pregnancy?
No. There is no safety data for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Vapes should be avoided completely during this time.
