5 Signs to Look For (and Red Flags to Avoid)
There are thousands of vape brands out there — and let’s be honest, not all of them deserve a spot in your kit.
Whether you're new to vaping or just looking to switch things up, knowing which brands you can actually trust makes a world of difference. After all, this is something you’re inhaling — not a decision you want to make based on flashy packaging alone.
We’ve tested a lot of vape gear and juice at Vapeology over the years — some brilliant, some absolutely dire. So here are the five biggest signs that a vape brand is doing things right… and a few things to watch out for.
✅ 1. They’re Compliant with UK Regulations
Let’s start with the boring (but very important) bit. In the UK, all vape products must follow TPD (Tobacco Products Directive) rules. That means:
- E-liquid bottles are max 10ml if they contain nicotine
- Nicotine strength can’t exceed 20mg
- Packaging must include proper labelling and warnings
- All products are registered with the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
If you’re buying a product that’s not listed on the MHRA database, or it’s missing the proper warnings, don’t touch it — even if the price is tempting.
A trustworthy brand doesn’t cut corners just to save a few quid. They play by the rules — because they care about safety as much as flavour.
You can check registered products here: MHRA Vape Product List
✅ 2. They Have Consistent Flavour & Quality
Have you ever bought two bottles of the “same” juice and they taste totally different? That’s usually a bad sign.
Reliable vape brands use proper quality control — meaning every bottle, pod, or device performs the way it should. The flavour should be consistent, the coils shouldn’t burn out instantly, and the juice shouldn’t separate or go cloudy before the expiry date.
Good brands we’ve tested and rate for consistency:
✅ 3. They’re Transparent About What’s Inside
A good vape brand doesn’t make you guess what’s in the bottle. They’ll list:
- The PG/VG ratio
- The nicotine strength
- Full ingredient breakdown
- Batch numbers and expiry dates
- Proper contact details
If you’ve ever squinted at a bottle and found “Ingredients: Flavour” as the only info, that’s a red flag.
The best brands also provide safety data sheets (SDS) and lab test results on request — especially useful if you’ve got sensitivities or allergies.
✅ 4. They Have a Track Record (Not Just Hype)
You can spot a trustworthy brand by how long they’ve been around — and how their products hold up over time.
We’ve seen brands come and go quickly, especially when disposables were booming. The ones who stuck around? They kept innovating, releasing TPD-compliant ranges and adapting to the new refillable trend.
Mejusa is a good example — their bar salt V2 range took everything people loved about disposables and made it pod-friendly. That’s how a brand earns long-term respect.
If a brand’s only selling via pop-up websites, or seems to vanish after a few months, that’s a red flag.
✅ 5. They Listen to Feedback
Good brands talk to vapers. They respond to reviews, listen to feedback, and update products to make them better.
We’ve seen companies reformulate flavours, improve bottle nozzles, and fix airflow issues based on what customers (and shops like us) tell them.
Trustworthy brands act like partners, not just sellers. If something goes wrong, they want to make it right.
And you’ll notice they tend to stick with reputable vape shops and platforms — not dodgy bulk-sell sites or unregulated listings.
🚩 Bonus: Red Flags to Watch For
- No official website or contact info
- No MHRA registration or unclear labels
- Super cheap multi-buys that feel “too good to be true”
- Disposable-style devices still circulating post-ban
- Inconsistent reviews or vague flavour names like “Blue Cool Mix V12” (that say nothing about what’s inside)
Final Thoughts from the Team
A vape brand doesn’t have to be huge to be trustworthy — they just have to care about the product they’re putting in your hand.
If in doubt, ask someone who’s tried it. We test almost everything we stock (perk of the job!) and we’re always happy to give honest opinions — not just sell you the flashiest label on the shelf.
So next time you’re picking a new juice or device, keep an eye out for those five signs — your lungs, your tastebuds, and your wallet will thank you.