I. The Rise of DIY E-Liquid Mixing in South Africa
Vaping in South Africa has blown up faster than a dry hit at 100 watts. As more people ditch the stinkies, many are looking for ways to take their vaping experience into their own hands—enter DIY e-liquid mixing, the rebellious stepchild of the vape world.Now, what exactly is DIY mixing? It's the art (and sometimes science) of creating your own vape juice by blending propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavour concentrates, and—if you so choose—nicotine. It’s like being a mad scientist in a lab, except instead of trying to reanimate Frankenstein’s monster, you're perfecting the ultimate strawberry custard or nailing that all-day tobacco blend.
Why are South Africans jumping on the DIY train? Three big reasons:
It’s cheaper – Let’s face it, commercial e-liquid prices are climbing faster than a goat up a mountain. Mixing your own can cut costs dramatically.1
Total flavour control – Want a mango-pineapple-cheesecake blend with a hint of cinnamon? You can make it happen.4
Ingredient transparency – Some folks like knowing exactly what’s in their juice. With DIY, you’re the boss.4
That all sounds fantastic, right? Well, hold onto your horns because while DIY is an amazing hobby, it comes with its own set of challenges—especially here in Mzansi.
II. Unleashing Your Inner Flavour Guru
One of the best things about DIY mixing is the ridiculous amount of flavours at your disposal.4 From rich custards to tropical fruits, icy menthols, decadent desserts, and everything in between—if you can dream it, you can probably mix it.5Some local suppliers like BLCK Flavour and The Flavour Mill stock a pretty solid range of concentrates, making life easier for South African mixers.13 But, and this is a big but, tracking down some international flavours can be an absolute mission. Ever tried to get your hands on Beer Nuts (FLV)? It’s like searching for the Loch Ness Monster—lots of rumours, but nobody’s seen it in the wild.
Now, if you’re new to DIY, the flavour selection can be overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Keep it simple – Instead of chucking 10 different flavours into a bottle and hoping for the best, start with two or three concentrates.14
Learn to balance flavours – Some flavours are bullies (looking at you, cinnamon 14), while others disappear faster than a free sample at a vape expo. Understanding how they interact takes time.16
Beware of “flavour mud” – Too many flavours mixed together can turn your juice into an indistinct, weird-tasting mess. Less is often more.14
Use additives wisely – Sweeteners, creams, and sour notes can make or break a mix.4 A little can enhance a juice; too much can ruin it.4
There’s a massive online community of DIY mixers sharing recipes and advice.17 If you’re feeling lost, start with proven recipes before you go full mad scientist.19
That all sounds fantastic, right? Well, hold onto your horns, because while DIY is an amazing hobby, it’s not just about getting creative with flavours—it’s also about saving some serious cash.
III. The Economics of DIY: More Clouds for Less Cash
Let’s face it, fellow vapers—buying commercial juice in South Africa can feel like getting mugged in broad daylight. With 30ml bottles going for R176–R380 2 and 60ml long fills hitting R300 21, your wallet takes a bigger beating than a dry cotton wick at 200W. But DIY? That’s where the real savings kick in.1Breaking Down the Costs
When you mix your own juice, you’re paying for the ingredients—not the flashy branding, not the pretty bottles, and definitely not the shop’s mark-up. Here’s what the basics cost from local suppliers 21:Nicotine: R90–R100 for 100ml of 36mg/ml 24
Flavour concentrates: R9–R195 for 10ml–20ml 23
PG/VG Base: R85 for a whole litre (yep, you read that right) 23
Now, let’s do some quick goat math:
Component | DIY Cost (100ml bottle) | Pre-made Cost (100ml equivalent) | Savings |
Nicotine (3mg/ml) | R3 – R5 | R70 – R127 | R65 – R122 |
Flavours (15%) | R12 – R25 | Included in pre-made price | N/A |
PG/VG Base | R2 – R4 | Included in pre-made price | N/A |
Total Cost | R17 – R34 | R70 – R127 | R36 – R93 |
Of course, there’s an upfront investment—scales, syringes, bottles, and a bit of patience.7 But once that’s sorted, you’ll be mixing for pennies while the rest of the vaping world keeps funding their juice-maker’s next sports car.
IV. Joining the Tribe: The DIY Mixing Community in SA
Vaping isn’t just about blowing clouds; it’s about community—and the DIY scene in SA has some of the best.17 Whether you’re a clueless newbie wondering why your mango tastes like burnt rubber or a seasoned alchemist perfecting your next custard masterpiece, there’s a place for you.Where to Find the Herd
ECIGSSA Forum – The OG spot for SA vapers, especially the DIY Vape Juice & Recipes section.17 Expect thousands of posts, crazy recipes, and top-tier advice.17Vape Africa & Boss Vape – Some retailers are stepping up, offering both supplies and dedicated DIY discussion spaces.23
Facebook & WhatsApp Groups – There are local DIY groups if you dig around, but ECIGSSA remains the best place for deep discussions.17
What You’ll Find in These Communities
Tried-and-true recipes – Avoid flavour disasters by learning from the pros.17Mixing advice – Why does your strawberry custard taste like feet? Someone probably has the answer.17
Steeping secrets – Because some juices age like fine wine, while others just taste like wet socks.25
Meetups & trades – Some vapers even swap flavours or share bulk orders.17
Regulation updates – Because let’s be honest, SA’s vaping laws can be more confusing than a dual-coil build at 0.08Ω.17
If you want to level up your DIY game, get involved. Ask questions, experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail—because even if your first mix tastes like burnt goat hair, you’ll learn something valuable.19
V. Taking Control: Quality & Ingredient Transparency in DIY E-Liquids
One of the biggest reasons vapers turn to DIY mixing is simple: control.4 When you make your own juice, you know exactly what goes in and what stays out. No mystery additives, no questionable ingredients—just pure, custom-crafted vapour tailored to your preferences.30Why Control Matters
Commercial e-liquids often raise concerns about:Unwanted additives – Diacetyl, acetoin, and acetyl propionyl have been linked to respiratory risks 15, yet some juices still contain them.
Inconsistent quality – Not all brands disclose full ingredient lists, leaving vapers in the dark.30
Fluctuating nicotine accuracy – Some pre-mixed juices have been found to contain nicotine levels far off from what’s on the label.33
With DIY, you decide the quality of what you inhale. No surprises—just honest, well-mixed juice.30
Sourcing High-Quality Ingredients
For South African DIY mixers, sourcing from reputable suppliers is crucial.6 Here’s what to look for:Pharmaceutical-grade PG & VG – Always opt for USP/BP-grade bases to ensure purity.6
Vape-safe flavour concentrates – Not all flavourings are designed for inhalation. Avoid essential oils and non-vape flavourings that can pose serious health risks.6
Trusted nicotine sources – Poorly stored or diluted nicotine can degrade over time.6 Stick to reputable vendors with transparent testing practices.25
The rise of DIY starter kits from local suppliers shows that demand for quality is growing.20 These kits make it easier than ever for beginners to get started with trusted ingredients.25
Keeping It Clean: Mixing Hygiene & Safety
DIY mixing isn’t just about flavour—it’s also about responsibility.6 Proper hygiene and handling prevent contamination and keep your juice as pure as possible. Here’s what every mixer should do:




Storing Your Ingredients & E-Liquids Correctly
Good storage practices extend shelf life and maintain quality.6 Here’s how to keep everything in top shape:Nicotine: Store in a cool, dark place.6 For long-term storage, refrigerate or freeze it to slow oxidation.25
PG/VG: Keep sealed and away from heat.6 They don’t degrade quickly, but exposure to air can cause contamination.25
Flavour concentrates: Keep tightly closed and out of direct sunlight.6 Heat and light degrade flavours over time.25
Finished e-liquids: Store in amber glass bottles or dark plastic in a cool area to prevent flavour degradation.6
The Responsibility of DIY Mixing
DIY e-liquid mixing is rewarding, but it comes with responsibility.6 Unlike big manufacturers with quality control labs, DIYers have to be meticulous about measurements, ingredients, and safety.33 Mistakes like miscalculating nicotine or using unsafe flavourings can lead to dangerous results.33Being an informed mixer isn’t just about making great juice—it’s about staying safe while doing it.6
VI. Navigating the Legal Maze: South African Vaping Regulations & DIY
The legal landscape for vaping in SA is shifting, and DIY mixers need to stay ahead of the curve.29 Here’s what you need to know.Proposed Laws & Their Impact
The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill aims to regulate vapes like tobacco products 29, introducing tighter restrictions on:Public use – No more stealth-vaping in malls without risking a fine.29
Advertising & branding – Say goodbye to those eye-catching juice labels.29
Packaging regulations – Could impact how DIY ingredients are sold.29
While DIY isn’t explicitly targeted (yet), future restrictions on nicotine or flavour concentrates could make sourcing harder.39 Staying informed is key.29
The Taxation Factor: Why DIY is More Cost-Effective
SA’s vaping tax, set at R2.90 per millilitre of nicotine solution 29, has made pre-made e-liquids much more expensive.39Nicotine Content | Tax Per Bottle |
30ml (6mg/ml) | R52 |
60ml (6mg/ml) | R104 |
100ml (6mg/ml) | R173 |
Regulatory Challenges for DIY Suppliers
DIY suppliers in SA already face hurdles with customs delays, misclassified imports, and fluctuating taxes.40 Local businesses like Vape King have struggled with incorrect taxation on imported concentrates, delaying shipments and raising prices.40Future regulations could restrict access to certain flavourings or nicotine strengths, making bulk-buying a smart move for serious mixers.39
Staying Legal & Informed
DIY mixing isn’t illegal, but handling nicotine comes with responsibilities.6 South Africa’s laws impose severe penalties for non-compliance 29, including:

To stay on the right side of the law:



The DIY Advantage in a Changing Market
Despite looming regulations and price hikes on pre-made juice, DIY remains a smart and sustainable option for South African vapers.5 With the right ingredients, safety practices, and legal awareness, mixing your own juice is a way to enjoy cost-effective, customized, and high-quality vaping—on your own terms.4VII. A Shifting Landscape: DIY Mixers vs. Vape Shops—Competition or Collaboration?
The relationship between DIY e-liquid mixers and traditional vape shops in South Africa is a mixed bag—some see competition, others see opportunity.20On one hand, DIY mixing threatens vape shops that rely on pre-made e-liquid sales.3 Some vapers outright reject commercial juices, feeling they're overpriced or lack variety.3 The sentiment of “Awesome, f** the commercial ejuice” 3 captures this rebellious DIY spirit. But it’s not all about flipping the bird to retail—many vapers simply enjoy the freedom of crafting their own flavours.4
On the flip side, smart vape shops are adapting.20 Instead of fighting the DIY trend, they’re embracing it by stocking base liquids, flavour concentrates, and DIY kits.20 Some are even positioning themselves as guides for new mixers, offering advice and workshops.42 This shift turns what could be competition into a business opportunity, creating a win-win situation.42
For beginners, vape shops can be a convenient entry point into DIY mixing, providing everything needed without the hassle of online bulk orders.20 The rise of one-shot concentrates (pre-mixed flavour blends) is also helping bridge the gap, making DIY more accessible.3 Shops like BLCK Vapour and The Flavour Mill are already expanding their ranges to cater to this growing market.13
Bottom Line: DIY mixing and vape shops don’t have to be at odds. Shops that embrace DIY can build a loyal customer base by offering supplies, knowledge, and support.42 Instead of resisting change, the industry can evolve to serve both DIYers and those who prefer pre-made juices.42
VIII. The Path to Perfection: DIY Mixing Takes Time, But It’s Worth It
DIY e-liquid mixing isn’t just about throwing ingredients together—it’s a craft that takes time, patience, and a willingness to experiment.7The Learning Curve:
New mixers need to wrap their heads around 7:


Beginners should start simple. Single-flavour mixes help build confidence before diving into complex blends.7
Tools of the Trade:
To mix properly, you’ll need 25:Measuring tools – syringes or, ideally, a digital scale for accuracy 19
Empty bottles – for mixing and steeping 25
Safety gear – gloves and eye protection, especially when handling nicotine 25
The Steeping Process:
Flavour development doesn’t happen instantly.7 Steeping (letting the e-liquid sit and blend) is crucial for a smooth, balanced vape.7

Patience is key. The best juices take time.7
The Commitment Factor:
Mixing itself is quick, but planning, testing, and steeping require effort.7 DIY is a journey of trial and error—some mixes will be gold, others will flop.7 That’s part of the process.25The reward? Custom e-liquids perfectly tailored to your taste and massive cost savings in the long run.1
IX. Beyond the Mix: The Sweet Satisfaction of DIY in SA
Alright, let's talk about the real juicy bit – how satisfied are South African DIY mixers? Well, judging by the chatter online, it's like finding a hidden stash of your favourite flavour concentrate – pure bliss! There's a real sense of "I did that!" when you nail a recipe, and the control you have? It's baa-rilliant! You’re not just vaping; you’re crafting your own experience, tailored exactly to what your taste buds are bleating for.3And let's not forget the ka-ching factor! Saving a buck or two (or a whole herd of them) compared to buying commercial juice? That’s enough to make any vaper do a happy goat dance. Some folks are saving so much they could probably afford to buy an actual goat! 1
But it's not just about the money. There's a whole herd of other reasons why DIY vapers in SA are a happy bunch. They love getting creative with flavours 4, tweaking recipes until they’re just right 4, and being part of a community that’s as supportive as a good fence on a steep hill.17 Plus, if you’ve ever suffered from the dreaded "vaper's tongue," DIY is your woolly saviour, letting you switch up flavours like a goat changes its mind about what to eat next.4
Sure, there might be a few frustrating moments – a mix that tastes like old socks, or a recipe that just won't cooperate. But for most DIYers, these are just little bumps in the pasture. The ultimate reward of puffing on a perfectly mixed, uniquely yours e-liquid? That’s the real goat's cheese right there. It’s about the journey, the learning, and finally, that perfect vape that makes you go, "Maaaa-gnificent!"
X. Conclusion: The Future's Looking Hopping Good for DIY in SA
So, where does all this leave us? DIY e-liquid mixing in South Africa isn't just a trend; it's a firmly rooted part of the vaping landscape.17 With the rising costs of commercial juice and the ever-present possibility of new regulations 29, more and more vapers are realizing the power (and the savings!) of taking matters into their own hands (and bottles!).This DIY movement is fueled by a few key things: the chance to save some serious moolah 1, the freedom to create any flavour your heart (or taste buds) desires 4, and the awesome community of fellow mixers who are always ready to lend a hoof (or a helpful tip).17
Looking ahead, it's likely that the DIY scene in SA will keep on growing. As more vapers get curious about saving money and crafting their perfect vape, they'll discover the wealth of resources and support available. For those thinking about taking the plunge, our advice is simple: start with easy recipes 7, dive into the online communities 17, and always put safety first.6 And for the vape shops out there? Embrace the DIYers! Stock those concentrates, offer some friendly advice, and you'll find a whole new flock of loyal customers.20
Ultimately, DIY e-liquid mixing in South Africa is all about freedom, creativity, and a little bit of that good old-fashioned "I can do it myself" spirit. It might have a small learning curve, but the rewards – both in flavour and in your wallet – are well worth the effort. So, go forth, experiment, and keep your mixes goat-level awesome!
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