If you’ve ever wondered “who invented vapes?” you’re not alone. The story of the electronic cigarette is a fascinating tale of personal tragedy, decades-old prototypes, and a revolution in nicotine consumption.

While Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik is widely credited as the man who invented the first vape that took the world by storm, the full history reveals a longer and more complex journey.

This definitive guide traces the complete evolution of the e-cigarette, answering the critical questions: Who invented the vape? What inspired its creation? And how did it evolve from a simple idea into a global multi-billion dollar industry?

Who Invented Vapes? The Father of the Modern Vape: Hon Lik’s Breakthrough

So, who invented the vape that we know today?

The answer is Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and smoker. In 2003, he successfully developed the first commercially viable electronic cigarette.

His motivation was deeply personal and tragic. After losing his father to lung cancer, Hon, a heavy smoker himself, became determined to create a safer alternative to combustible cigarettes.

His initial design used an advanced piezoelectric ultrasound element to vaporize a nicotine-containing liquid.

This prototype evolved into a simpler, more reliable system that used a small, battery-powered heating coil—a fundamental technology that remains at the core of most vaping devices today.

In 2004, his employer, Golden Dragon Holdings, launched the invention in the Chinese market. The product was later rebranded as Ruyan, which translates to “like smoke.”

This name perfectly captured its purpose: to mimic the experience of smoking without the combustion and tar.

Pioneers Before Hon Lik: The Forgotten History of Vaping

While Hon Lik is the name that answers the question of who invented the vape for the modern era, the conceptual foundation was laid much earlier.

The idea of inhaling vaporized substances dates back several decades.

Herbert A. Gilbert’s “Smokeless” Vision (1963): The first person to truly conceptualize a device similar to an e-cig was an American named Herbert A. Gilbert.

He secured a patent for a “smokeless non-tobacco cigarette” that heated a flavored liquid solution to produce steam.

Despite having a working prototype, Gilbert’s invention never went into production. The 1960s societal context, dominated by traditional tobacco and lacking the necessary battery technology, meant there was no commercial interest.

The Unsuccessful Commercial Attempts (1980s-1990s): Throughout the 80s and 90s, several companies and independent inventors in the US and Europe filed patents for various “aerosol nicotine” delivery systems.

These early prototypes failed to capture the market due to major technological limitations: clunky designs, poor battery life, and, most critically, an inability to deliver nicotine in a satisfying and effective way.

It was Hon Lik’s combination of an efficient heating element, a user-friendly design, and a propylene glycol-based liquid that finally made the e-cigarette a practical and satisfying reality for smokers.

The Global Boom: How Hon Lik’s Invention Changed the World

Understanding who invented the vape is only half the story. The real impact lies in how his invention sparked a global phenomenon and an entirely new industry.

After its success in Asia, the e-cigarette was introduced to European and American markets around 2006-2007. This ignited a rapid period of innovation and diversification:

• Device Evolution: The market saw a swift transition from the first “cigalike” models to larger vape pens, powerful box mods, and eventually, the incredibly popular pod systems and disposables we see today.

• Technological Advancements: Key innovations like the development of nicotine salts (which allow for smoother inhalation at higher strengths), temperature control, and sub-ohm vaping all built upon Hon’s original concept.

• A Cultural and Regulatory Flashpoint: The explosion of vaping popularity, particularly among youth, transformed the invention from a smoking cessation tool into a subject of intense public health debate, leading to a complex web of global regulations and flavor bans.

Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of the Vape’s Inventor

So, who invented the first vape that reshaped an industry?

While Herbert A. Gilbert was a visionary ahead of his time, it was Hon Lik who successfully engineered, patented, and commercialized the device.

His story is a powerful reminder that innovation is often driven by personal necessity.

The journey of the e-cigarette, from a simple idea to a disruptive global technology, continues to evolve.

As research continues and the market adapts, the core mission of Hon Lik’s invention—to provide a less harmful alternative to adult smokers—remains its most significant and enduring legacy.