What is VG and PG? How to Choose the Right E-Liquid Ratio

Vaping involves inhaling vapor produced from e-liquids, which are typically made of propylene glycol vs vegetable glycerin . Understanding these two main ingredients is essential, PG and VG are the key factors that define your vape’s flavor intensity, throat hit, and vapor output.

PG, a thinner liquid, carries flavor well and provides a stronger throat hit, while VG, a thicker, sweeter liquid, produces larger clouds and a smoother inhale. Knowing the right PG/VG ratio for your device and personal preference ensures an optimal vaping experience.
Choosing the right PG/VG ratio helps match your vaping style and device. This guide explains, what is PG and VG, how they work, and how to select the best mix for your ideal vape.

What is PG?

PG stands for Propylene Glycol. It is a clear, odourless liquid made from different organic compounds with a slight sweet taste. It has a diol chemical structure with two OH groups and the same chemical composition as alcohol. It is an important element of e-liquid because it carries flavour. PG is thinner than VG, and its higher ratio offers an improved taste in a complex flavour to come through.

It is used to serve a harsh throat hit and is preferable for smoking quitters. If you are a transitioning smoker, it offers a sensation similar to that experienced when smoking tobacco. In the e-liquid, a higher strength of PG produces less vapour and requires less power and heat to evaporate.

Is PG Safe?

Yes, according to different scientific studies, PG is considered safe for oral consumption. Also, the FDA considers Propylene Glycol to be safe when used as a food additive. Other than that, in 1947, a long-term experiment was held to evaluate the effects of PG inhalation, and the result was declared as ‘completely harmless’. Looking at the evidence, it is sensible to assume that PG is safe to be inhaled. Of course, ongoing research continues to provide even more clarity over time.

PG Sensitivity and How to Manage It

In a few and far between cases, some individuals can have some sort of  PG allergies or sensitivity; therefore, they prefer to choose the higher VG-based e-liquid. Even without allergies, if any unusual symptoms or irritation happen, it is recommended to stop vaping with no time wasted and consult doctors or physicians.

If you are an ex-smoker and want to break your smoking routine, one essential tip is to stay hydrated because the PG strength in e-liquid might give a severe throat hit or dry mouth. Somehow, users can experience a cough within a few weeks.

What is VG?

VG is the acronym of Vegetable Glycerin, which is extracted from vegetable oil. It is a natural, syrup-like, and colourless liquid that is commonly used in e-liquid. While considering VG vs PG, VG is thicker than PG and takes more power to vaporise. The availability of varied VG ratios in the e-liquid offers a smooth and satisfactory vaping experience. The more VG in the e-liquid, the longer it’ll take for it to absorb into the wick. This is because the thicker consistency of e-liquid takes longer to absorb into the wicking material inside the coil.

Is VG Safe to Vape?

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a plant-based ingredient approved by major health authorities as safe for human use. In vaping, it produces smooth vapour and is generally well tolerated, especially by those sensitive to PG. VG used in e-liquids is food- or pharmaceutical-grade, ensuring safety and purity. People with plant-based allergies should consult a doctor if irritation occurs.

Quick Comparison of Propylene Glycol vs Vegetable Glycerin

What is The Best PG/VG Ratio?

Due to the availability of varied PG and VG strengths, choosing the right ratio is one of the daunting activities. It depends on vapers’ preferences and vaping habits. Below are a few essential tips to help you pick the best PG and VG ratio for your e-liquids

Throat Hits

The e-liquid of high PG delivers harsh throat hits and is an ideal choice for those who want to break their smoking routine. PG carries flavour better than VG, so the flavour will be slightly improved.

Cloud Chasing

Exhaling denser vape clouds is termed Cloud Chasing. The higher strength of VG produces cool and thicker vapours. It makes you attractive with style in the crowd.

Smoothness

A higher VG ratio in the e-liquid gives a smoother throat hit and a richer, thicker mouthfeel. This can be countered by using more power to produce more vapour. 

Stealth Vaping 

High concentration of PG lets you enjoy a convenient and smooth vaping experience. Fewer vape clouds are produced when exhaled, making it an ideal choice for vaping enthusiasts. 

Why Your Device Matters for PG/VG Ratio

There are many premium vape kits available in the market, deciding on the right device is not an easy task. Your vaping experience largely depends on the device you use. It can lead to unpleasant throat irritation or wicking problems, resulting in dry hits if there are any incompatible kits used for a high PG/VG ratio.

Clearomizers

This component, a clear tank, is a combination of wick, coil, and e-liquid, allowing vapers to monitor the e-liquid level within the device. E-liquids with higher VG are not compatible with clearomizers because coils cannot absorb the liquid properly. It might give you unpleasant dry hits of burning cotton wick. It is advised to use high PG e-liquid, or a 50/50 ratio, when using this kind of tank.

Sub-ohm Tanks

Sub-ohm tanks are typically larger, designed for powerful vape mods, and are used for direct-to-lung (DTL) inhalation. These tanks can easily work well with high power, as compared to clearomizers. So, these tanks are well-constructed to go with the high ratio of VG in the comparison of PG/VG strengths. 

Rebuildables

Rebuildables allow you to build your own setup, according to your preferences. With these settings, you can adjust the e-liquid ratio, depending on your vaping style. However, its excellent setup depends on the coil you use. It is suggested that high-VG strength is perfect for Sub-ohm coils, and the coils of high resistance are good for high PG or 50/50 e-liquid.

Safety and Regulation

Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin are safe to use. Both have been used safely for decades and are approved by human consumption by the US, European, and UK food authorities.

In general, vape liquids are considered safe and are fully regulated by the UK government. Additionally, the TPD, established in 2014, sets strict safety standards that all e-liquids and their ingredients must meet.

Regarding the overall health-related benefits of vaping, many leading health organisations in the UK, including the Royal College of General Practitioners, British Medical Association, and Cancer Research UK, agree that vaping is a healthy smoking alternative and is far less harmful than the use of cigarette smoke. Based on the currently available evidence, Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians estimate vaping is 95% less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes. 

Conclusion

To wrap up the discussion, it is stated that there are many differences between PG vs VG in the e-liquid. Various strengths of PG and VG are widely available in the market, picking the right ratio depends on your vaping preferences. When it comes to VG vs PG, the choice depends on your vaping priorities. If you prefer a richer, more intense flavour, PG-based e-liquids are ideal. Most importantly, health considerations people allergic to plant oils should stick to low VG concentrations. All in all, experimenting with different ratios will help you discover what works best for you.