
The Side Effects of Nicotine-Free Vapes
If you’re considering switching to vapes without nicotine, you’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to quit smoking, avoid nicotine, or just enjoy the ritual of vaping without the addictive stuff, “nicless” vapes are growing in popularity. You’ve probably seen them in stores or online — sleek pens filled with ingredients like caffeine, melatonin, essential oils, or even vitamin B12 — without nicotine.
Sounds harmless, right? Not quite. While 0% nicotine vapes may be “safer” than traditional ones, the lack of nicotine doesn’t make them entirely risk-free. Let’s take a closer look at what’s actually inside these vapes and the potential side effects they might cause.
At A Glance:
- What’s Inside Nicotine-Free Vapes?
- Side Effects of Nicotine-Free Vaping
- Do Nicotine-Free Vapes Give You a Buzz?
- Are Nicotine-Free Vapes Addictive?
- Is There a Safer, Plant-Based Alternative?
- Know What You’re Inhaling
What’s Inside Nicotine-Free Vapes?

Most nicotine-free vapes contain a base liquid that is usually a mix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These substances produce the vapor. Some brands may also add ingredients like caffeine, melatonin, or essential oils, depending on the desired effect. Let’s explore some nicotine alternatives and how they work:
Caffeine Vapes
Caffeine vapes use extracts from green tea or coffee beans to provide a mild energy boost. They work by tackling fatigue and are less likely to cause jitters.
Melatonin Vapes
Melatonin, the naturally occurring hormone that regulates sleep, is included in vapes to promote relaxation. Like caffeine vapes, they work by bypassing your digestive system, leading to faster effects.
Vitamin B12 Vapes
Vitamin B12 is essential for energy production and neurological function. B12 vapes may be a great option for people with a B12 deficiency. It may help reduce fatigue, boost concentration and memory, and prevent anemia.
Plant-Based Vapes
These vapes are known as “wellness” or “herbal” vapes. They contain essential oils or herbal extracts and are promoted as natural aids for relaxation or stress relief. While they may feel like a healthier choice, not all essential oils are safe to inhale.
While these ingredients are common in teas and supplements, the effects of inhaling them as a vapor haven’t been thoroughly studied. No conclusive studies exist yet, but choosing products with natural, well-known ingredients is generally safer for your lungs than vaping with nicotine.
Side Effects of Nicotine-Free Vaping

Just because these vapes are nicotine-free doesn’t make them completely safe. Here's a breakdown of common side effects:
Mouth, Nose, and Throat Irritation
After just a few puffs, you might notice a dry mouth, sore throat, or even a scratchy nose. The vapor itself can be irritating to sensitive tissues, especially if you’re new to vaping or using a strong flavor.
Lung Inflammation and Coughing
Your lungs weren’t made to inhale anything other than air. Even without nicotine, inhaling vapor, especially one filled with oils or chemicals, can cause irritation or inflammation. This can lead to coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath over time.
Toxic Reactions to Some Ingredients
Some of the ingredients in these vapes might not sit well with your body. Things like synthetic flavorings, concentrated essential oils, or even melatonin and caffeine can cause unexpected side effects when inhaled. Just because you can eat or drink something doesn’t always mean it’s safe to vape.
Caffeine Vapes: Tricky Dosage and Jitters
Caffeine vapes sound like a fun way to get a quick energy boost, but the dosage can be tough to manage. Too much caffeine, especially inhaled quickly, can make you feel jittery, anxious, or cause a racing heartbeat. And let’s be real, when something smells good and tastes good, it’s easy to overdo it without realizing it.
Caffeine vapes work, but they’re not always gentle. Caffeine vapes don’t usually have nicotine, but you’ll want to double-check labels to be sure.
Not Much Oversight or Regulation
The vape industry, especially the side that doesn’t include nicotine, is kind of the Wild West. That means some products might not be tested for safety, and the labels might not tell the full story. You might inhale ingredients that haven’t been studied or regulated, like diacetyl, formaldehyde, vitamin E acetate, and artificial sweeteners, which can make things unpredictable.
Limited Research
The truth is, we just don’t know that much about the long-term effects of nicotine-free vaping. It hasn’t been around long enough, and not many studies have been done on what inhaling things like caffeine, melatonin, B12, or essential oils does to your lungs over time.
That’s why it’s smart to approach these products with some caution. Know what’s in the vape juice ingredients, opt for flavors that come from natural sources, and do some research.
Nausea and Dizziness from Essential Oils
Essential oils might smell amazing, but vaping them can be a different experience. Some users report feeling dizzy, nauseous, or light-headed after a few puffs. That’s because these oils are super concentrated, and your body might not like having them in your lungs.
Allergic Reactions
If you’re sensitive to certain plants or essential oils, there’s a risk of allergic reactions like trouble breathing, sneezing fits, or even skin irritation. It’s always a good idea to check the ingredients and see if anything jumps out as a potential allergen.
Do Nicotine-Free Vapes Give You a Buzz?
The short answer is... kind of, but not in the same way nicotine gives you a buzz.
Some people report a little light-headed feeling or a short “rush,” but that can be due to deep inhales or overusing their vape. If the vape contains caffeine, you might feel a quick energy hit. If it’s melatonin, you might start feeling drowsy. B12 vitamin vapes can help you concentrate better or give you an energy boost.
So no, you’re not likely to get the same “kick” as you would from a nicotine product. But you may feel something depending on what’s inside.
Are Nicotine-Free Vapes Addictive?
Good news first: without nicotine, these vapes aren’t chemically addictive in the same way traditional cigarettes are. You’re not likely to get hooked the way you might with regular vapes that contain nicotine.
Bad news, that doesn’t mean there’s no potential for habit-forming behavior. You might find yourself reaching for your vape because you’re vaping for anxiety, or because you’re bored or looking for a distraction. The act of vaping itself can become a routine, almost like a comfort habit, even if there’s no addictive chemical involved.
Is There a Safer, Plant-Based Alternative?

If you like the ritual of vaping but want to avoid synthetic ingredients, there are plant-based diffusers with no nicotine in them. MELO Plus and HELO Plus vaporizers use natural, clean ingredients without the bad stuff.
Look for Healthy Vape Alternatives that follow safe practices like third-party testing, use only natural and high-quality ingredients like organic fruit extracts for flavor, and avoid dangerous ingredients that harm your lungs.
Although these are healthier alternatives, you may still experience negative side effects after trying them out. Always read the label and listen to your body.
Know What You’re Inhaling

Are nicotine-free vapes safe? Nicotine-free vapes can feel like a safer, smarter choice, but they’re not totally without risk. Whether you’re puffing a caffeine pen for an energy boost, a melatonin vape to relax, or a B12 diffuser for wellness, it’s good to stay informed. Side effects like lung irritation, nausea, and dosage issues can still show up, even without nicotine in the mix.
If you’re going to use these products, use them mindfully. Know what’s in them, pay attention to how your body reacts, and don’t assume “natural” means “harmless.” Vaping without nicotine is still vaping.
Leave a comment