Are there e-cigarettes without nicotine? And are they harmful?

Yes, nicotine-free vaping is possible. In our shop in Freiburg it is mainly customers who have reduced their nicotine strength step by step who ask us about it. But “without nicotine” does not mean “without risk”. In this guide we explain what nicotine-free liquids are, which rules apply and what is known about their effects.

Are there e-cigarettes without nicotine?

Yes. The e-cigarette itself contains no nicotine; the liquid is what matters. Nicotine-free liquids are available.

According to the BfR, e-cigarettes usually contain nicotine-containing solutions, but nicotine-free liquids are also available. With refillable devices, you therefore determine the nicotine strength through the liquid. With disposable devices and pre-filled pods, the liquid is fixed. Here the nicotine content is stated on the packaging.

What are e-shishas?

According to the BfR, e-shishas are mostly e-cigarettes that contain no nicotine and whose taste is often modelled on hookah smoke.

Do the same rules apply to nicotine-free liquids?

Largely, yes. In Germany, nicotine-free liquids are also covered by the Tobacco Products Act and the Tobacco Products Ordinance.

The BfR points out that all ingredients must be declared for both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free liquids. Certain substances are prohibited, for example diacetyl, caffeine, taurine or vitamins. This also applies to sales: we only sell nicotine-free e-cigarettes and liquids to adults, too.

Are e-cigarettes without nicotine harmful?

According to the BfR, nicotine-free liquids are not harmless to health either. The risk of nicotine addiction disappears, other risks remain.

Nicotine-free liquids also consist of vaporising agents such as propylene glycol and glycerin as well as flavourings. According to the BfR, the ingredients of the vapour can damage the cardiovascular system, and formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acrolein can also be produced here when heated. Some flavourings can trigger allergies. Long-term studies on inhaling propylene glycol and glycerin are still lacking.

What disappears without nicotine?

Nicotine is highly addictive and, according to the BfR, affects blood pressure and blood vessels, among other things. A nicotine-free liquid does not have these effects.

Who is nicotine-free vaping intended for?

Mainly for adults who already vape and want to reduce their nicotine strength. For non-smokers it is not a sensible way to start.

Many switchers lower their nicotine strength over time. With nicotine-free liquid the ritual can remain at first while the nicotine disappears. The next step is to stop completely. The smoke-free portal offers support for this.

Which questions do we hear most often in the shop?

Does nicotine-free liquid taste different?

Without nicotine, many miss the familiar scratch in the throat. The taste of the flavour remains.

Can I just keep using my device?

Yes. Any refillable device is suitable. Just make sure you use a base that suits your coil . More on this in the guide Which base for vaping?.

Is nicotine-free vaping healthier than vaping with nicotine?

An important risk factor disappears. According to the BfR, however, it is still not harmless. More on this in the guide Is vaping healthier than smoking?.

Note: This guide is intended exclusively for adults. We sell all products only to persons aged 18 and over. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. This article does not replace medical advice. If you want to quit smoking, you can find free help on the rauchfrei portal of the German Federal Institute for Public Health.

About the authors – Team Dampfstelle Freiburg: We are an owner-managed specialist shop in Freiburg-Zähringen and have been advising customers in our shop every day since August 2022. Our team has been vaping for over 10 years and knows the devices, liquids and typical problems from personal experience.

Last updated: 14.10.2026

Which sources is this article based on?

1. German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR): E-cigarettes: anything but harmless – questions and answers (in German). https://www.bfr.bund.de/fragen-und-antworten/thema/e-zigaretten-alles-andere-als-harmlos/
2. German Federal Institute for Public Health: rauchfrei portal (in German). https://www.rauchfrei-info.de/