What Are Cigarettes Made of?

There are more than 400 reported possible cigarette ingredients. Tobacco companies are not required to give specifics of ingredients because of trade-secrets laws. Most ingredients found in cigarettes can be legally categorized as food additives under FDA guidelines. Other ingredients are used for binding purposes and heat sources. It is the combination of the ingredients that produces the toxic effect of cigarette use.

Tobacco

• Cigarettes contain thinly chopped tobacco leaves that have been cured.

Brown Sugar

• Brown sugar is used in the casings of many cigarettes. It helps with flavor development.

Graphite

• A soft crystallized carbon, graphite is utilized as a heat source in cigarettes.

Ammonium Hydroxide

• Ammonium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH level in the cigarette.

Guar Gum

• Guar gum is considered a binding ingredient and helps the cigarette achieve the desired texture.

Propylene Glycol

• Propylene glycol is used to aid in moisture maintenance.

Urea

• This ingredient is used to improve flavor and aroma in cigarettes.