Vaping without nicotine, often referred to as nicotine-free vaping, has become increasingly popular among both former smokers and curious non-smokers. Many users turn to zero-nicotine vapes under the impression that they’re a safer or even harmless alternative to traditional smoking or vaping with nicotine. But is that really the case?

While nicotine is known for its addictive properties and associated health risks, vaping without nicotine still involves inhaling aerosolized substances—many of which may carry health consequences of their own. This article explores the health effects of vaping without nicotine, diving into current research, ingredient analysis, and expert opinions.

Nicotine-free vaping refers to the use of electronic cigarettes or vape pens that do not contain nicotine in their e-liquid. Instead, users inhale vaporized mixtures of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and other additives—often marketed as “clean” or “harmless.”

Nicotine-free vapes are commonly used by:

• Individuals trying to quit nicotine gradually

• Recreational users who enjoy flavored vaping

• Teens and young adults experimenting with non-nicotine vape pens

Despite the absence of nicotine, the aerosols produced in vaping still contain chemicals that may affect respiratory health and overall wellness.

While these vapes don’t contain nicotine, they often include:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): A synthetic substance used as a base in e-liquids. Though generally recognized as safe for ingestion, inhalation over time may cause throat irritation or airway inflammation.

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Derived from plant oils, VG produces thicker vapor clouds. It can also cause dry mouth or respiratory irritation when inhaled.

• Flavorings: This is where concern intensifies. Some vape flavors contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to bronchiolitis obliterans, also known as “popcorn lung.”

• Other Additives: Trace metals from heating coils (like nickel, tin, and lead) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been detected in e-cigarette emissions, even in nicotine-free products.

These ingredients, especially when heated and inhaled, can potentially damage lung tissue, increase oxidative stress, and lead to inflammatory responses.

Research shows that vaping without nicotine is not free of health risks. Some of the most concerning effects include:

• Respiratory Irritation: A 2021 study in Tobacco Induced Diseases found that even non-nicotine e-cigarette aerosols can impair normal lung cell function, reduce ciliary beating, and cause cellular stress.

• Airway Inflammation: Exposure to heated PG and VG may cause inflammation in the lungs, especially in individuals with asthma or other pre-existing respiratory conditions.

• Chemical Exposure: The process of vaporizing e-liquid—regardless of nicotine—can produce formaldehyde, acrolein, and other harmful aldehydes known to irritate airways and damage DNA.

• Immune Response Impairment: Studies conducted by the American Lung Association have shown that e-cigarette aerosols can suppress the immune response in the lungs, making users more susceptible to infection.

So while nicotine-free vaping may eliminate addiction risk, it doesn’t eliminate aerosol-related harm.

When comparing the two, nicotine-containing vapes introduce a known addictive component that can affect brain development, heart rate, and blood pressure. On the other hand, nicotine-free e-cigarettes remove this addiction pathway—but not necessarily the chemical risks.

Several credible studies have tackled this issue:

• A 2020 study published in JAMA Network Open found that vaping without nicotine still resulted in biomarkers for lung inflammation, albeit at lower levels than nicotine vapes.

• A 2022 report from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine emphasized that chemical byproducts from e-liquid flavorings and metal emissions are present even in nicotine-free products.

• Research from Environmental Health Perspectives highlighted that flavorings in vape aerosols can impair mitochondrial function in human lung cells.

Though nicotine-free options are marketed as “cleaner,” the current body of evidence suggests that any form of inhaled aerosol has the potential to harm lung tissue over time.

In the U.S., the FDA regulates e-cigarette products under the Tobacco Control Act—even those that are nicotine-free, if they are marketed for recreational use. Age restrictions (18 or 21+ depending on state) still apply.

In the UK, non-nicotine vape products are governed by the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), which limits advertising and flavorings.

Some countries, such as Australia, regulate or restrict non-nicotine vaping devices just as strictly as nicotine-containing ones, citing public health concerns.

Is vaping without nicotine safe?
While it removes the risk of nicotine addiction, vaping without nicotine still exposes users to harmful chemicals and is not considered “safe.”

Can nicotine-free vapes cause addiction?
No, nicotine-free vapes do not lead to chemical dependence, but users may develop habitual behavioral dependencies similar to those seen with smoking rituals.

Are there any side effects to nicotine-free vaping?
Yes. Possible effects include dry throat, coughing, lung irritation, and oxidative stress in airway tissues.

What are the benefits of nicotine-free vaping?
It may help former smokers wean off nicotine, reduce addiction risk, and provide a less harmful alternative to smoking—but it is not risk-free.

How does nicotine-free vaping affect lung health?
Scientific studies suggest that even without nicotine, vaping can impair lung function, trigger inflammation, and compromise the immune system in the lungs.

Vaping without nicotine may seem like a harmless habit, but science tells a more nuanced story. While it avoids the addictive pitfalls of nicotine, it still involves inhaling heated chemicals, flavorings, and potential toxins that can negatively affect your respiratory health.

For individuals considering nicotine-free vapes, it’s essential to understand that absence of nicotine doesn’t equal absence of harm. Making informed decisions based on credible data is key—especially when it comes to what you put in your lungs.