The number of smokers using e-cigarettes to quit smoking is on the decline, according to new research by Mintel.

While e-cigarettes were found to be the most popular smoking cessation method, Mintel’s research showed that over the last two years, the number of smokers using e-cigarettes to quit the habit has declined from 69 per cent in 2014 to 62 per cent in 2016. Meanwhile, the use of other smoking cessation methods has largely remained the same with non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy products at 15 per cent and nicotine replacement gums and patches on prescription from health professionals at 14 per cent.

The research also revealed that 53 per cent of Brits believe e-cigarettes should be regulated by the NHS and 57 per cent are concerned there isn't enough information available on how e-cigarettes work. Consumers aged 55 and over are most likely to want more information on e-cigarettes (64 per cent), while younger Brits are more likely to agree that e-cigarettes are not harmful (28 per cent of 18-24 year olds).

Commenting on the research, Roshida Khanom, senior beauty and personal care analyst at Mintel, said: “The lack of licensed products positioned as smoking cessation methods is hampering the e-cigarette sector and, as a result, we are not seeing as many new users enter the market. Our research shows that the majority of consumers don't know how e-cigarettes work and that they would like to see more NHS regulation. Those who are using e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation method are doing so with little in the way of official guidance, whether from the market or the NHS.”