What’s in Heated Tobacco Devices and Consumables?

What’s in Heated Tobacco Products?

Generally, the most crucial ingredient of a heated tobacco experience - tobacco - comes from one of two consumables; either loose tobacco or heated tobacco sticks. Each is slightly different, but they both provide a tobacco experience. It is important to understand how each consumable works within its relevant device.

Loose Tobacco Devices

Typically contained within a sealed segment of the device, loose tobacco is directly heated to provide an aerosol - not smoke - for the user.

Tobacco Stick Devices

Devices of this design make use of tobacco sticks. An adult smoker will typically insert these sticks into the tobacco heating device. The device heats the tobacco stick to provide a tobacco experience.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. It is also important to note that smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

Nicotine in Heated Tobacco Products

Heated tobacco products still contain nicotine, which is addictive, and therefore they are by no means risk-free. However, for an adult smoker who would otherwise continue to smoke, an innovative tobacco heating system like IQOS is a better choice than continued smoking. That is because IQOS emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.* For more information on the harm reduction in heated tobacco, read the article ‘Harm Reduction in Heated Tobacco.’ 

* “95% less” represents the average reduction in levels of the 9 chemicals recommended for reduction in cigarette smoke by the World Health Organization, which do not include nicotine. See Important information.

What Makes IQOS a Better Alternative Than Cigarettes?

Heated tobacco products potentially reduce the level of risk from cigarettes - but this might not be the only improvement. IQOS features improvements from cigarettes that an adult smoker might want in their device. Following years of scientific research and expertise, IQOS is the #1 tobacco heating system.*

IQOS presents convenience and hygiene improvements for an adult smoker switching from cigarettes. IQOS produces no ash, and, unlike cigarettes, IQOS has no risk of burning others around you, including pets, clothes, and furniture, as there is no lit end. In addition, IQOS leaves less lingering smell on hands, hair, and clothes than cigarettes. Find IQOS heated tobacco devices in the online store. It is important to note that IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.

*  PMI global estimate of total In-Market Sales of Heated Tobacco Units as of september 2023 (excluding Russia and Ukraine).

IQOS provides cigarette-like satisfaction*. IQOS makes use of tobacco sticks to deliver a tobacco experience. With different flavours, aromas and intensities to choose from, there are various options available, and something for every adult smoker. IQOS tobacco sticks are not risk-free and they contain nicotine, which is addictive.

*Based on clinical studies, aerosol chemistry and declaration of satisfaction level from 600 adult consumers in Japan, 2022.

The latest tobacco heating device - featuring smoke-free innovation - IQOS ILUMA has been crafted with a SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM. IQOS ILUMA is more intuitive and easier to use compared to previous generations of IQOS.* Furthermore, IQOS ILUMA provides more taste variety compared to previous generations of IQOS. Find the IQOS ILUMA in the online store. IQOS ILUMA is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.

* 81% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

Heated tobacco devices are a better alternative to continued cigarette smoking. However, the best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

If you are interested in learning more about the differences between heated tobacco and cigarettes beyond harm reduction, read the article Heated Tobacco vs Cigarettes.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.