Is Cotinine in Vapes?

As vaping continues to grow in popularity, more consumers are becoming curious—and cautious—about what exactly they're inhaling. One question that often arises is: is cotinine in vapes? To answer this, it’s important to understand what cotinine is, how it relates to nicotine, and whether it’s present in your vape.

What Is Cotinine?

Cotinine is a chemical compound that forms in the body after nicotine is metabolized. In other words, it’s a byproduct of nicotine. Cotinine is not added to vapes or e-liquids—it’s not an ingredient you’ll find on the label. Instead, your body produces it naturally after you inhale nicotine from any source, including cigarettes, nicotine patches, or vape devices.

Is Cotinine Found in Vapes?

No, cotinine is not an ingredient in vapes. E-liquids typically contain nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and flavorings. Cotinine only appears in your system after your body breaks down the nicotine from vaping.

While some might think cotinine is a vape additive due to its association with nicotine, that’s not the case. It’s primarily used in medical and scientific testing as a biomarker to measure nicotine exposure. For instance, health professionals might test your saliva, urine, or blood for cotinine to determine how much nicotine you’ve consumed.

Why Do People Think Cotinine Is in Vapes?

The confusion likely stems from health studies and nicotine tests that focus on cotinine levels in the body. Since it’s widely used as a marker of nicotine use, some assume it’s present in nicotine products themselves. But again, cotinine is not in your vape—it’s in your body after you use the vape.

Cotinine vs. Nicotine: Key Differences

Should Vapers Be Concerned About Cotinine?

Cotinine itself isn’t known to be harmful. It's simply a metabolite that shows how much nicotine you've consumed. However, if you’re concerned about your cotinine levels, that likely means you’re consuming a significant amount of nicotine. The real concern lies in the nicotine content of your vape, not the cotinine your body produces.

How Long Does Cotinine Stay in Your System?

Cotinine can remain detectable in your system for up to 3–4 days after nicotine use, and sometimes longer in regular users. This is why it’s commonly used in drug testing and health screenings to determine if someone is a tobacco or nicotine user.

Conclusion

So, is cotinine in vapes? No, cotinine is not an ingredient in vape products. It's a naturally occurring byproduct that appears in the body after nicotine is consumed. While cotinine isn’t harmful on its own, consistently high levels may indicate heavy nicotine use, which carries its own health risks. If you’re looking to manage your nicotine intake or switch to lower-nicotine options, understanding how substances like cotinine work can help you make informed choices.