PG and VG: A Comprehensive 2022 Guide

PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) are safe ingredients found in most E-Liquids. But what exactly are these substances? And what are the differences between them?

What are PG and VG?

PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) are ingredients that are used in E-Liquids. They are generally odourless, flavourless substances that allow E-Liquids to carry flavour, produce vapour, and impact how much of a throat hit your E-Liquid has.

E-Liquids contain four ingredients:

• Nicotine
• Water
• Flavourings
• Propylene Glycol (PG) or Vegetable Glycerin (VG), or some blend of the two.

E-Liquid producers use PG or VG because they are solvents that dissolve nicotine in liquid and allow it to be turned into vapour.

What is PG?

Propylene Glycol is a by-product of petroleum. It is a safe, odourless, colourless liquid regularly used in the food and medical industry. PG provides a harsher throat hit than VG.

Additionally, because it’s thinner than VG, it carries flavours more effectively.

High PG E-Liquids and 50/50 PG VG blends are used for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping.

What is VG?

Vegetable Glycerin is a colourless, odourless, and slightly sweet liquid. It’s frequently used in the food industry to thicken or sweeten a variety of products.

VG provides a smoother throat hit than PG. However, it tends to carry flavour less well. Finally, it produces more vapour, so it is recommended for use in sub-ohm vaping devices.

High VG E-Liquid is used for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping. Additionally, it’s favoured by vapers who have a PG allergy or intolerance.

Are PG and VG safe?

PG and VG are both widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. They have been approved for use by the UK, US, and European food authorities. 

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) requires all E-Liquids and their ingredients to meet exacting safety standards. Additionally, all E-Liquids are subject to regular testing.

In short, if you’re buying from a credible UK retailer, your E-Liquid should be safe to consume.

What is a PG/VG ratio?

A PG/VG ratio signifies the percentage of PG and VG in an E-Liquid. The most common PG/VG ratio is 50/50, i.e. 50% PG and 50% VG.

Other common ratios are 70% PG/30% VG and 60% PG/40% VG.

For people with PG sensitivity or DTL vapers, 100% VG is available.

What is the Difference Between PG and VG?

While PG and VG play a similar role in E-Liquids, they have a few different characteristics.

• PG provides a sharper throat hit
• PG is thinner than VG
• PG is best for MTL devices
• PG wicks better than VG
• Some vapers have an allergy or sensitivity to PG

• VG gives a smoother throat hit
• VG is thicker than PG
• VG is good for DTL/Sub-ohm devices
• VG produces thicker clouds
• Vapers with PG allergy or sensitivity can generally vape VG

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of PG?

PG Pros:

• Better flavour
• Better throat hit
• Less vapour product means it’s better for stealth vaping
• Requires a less powerful device
• Coils absorb PG liquid more quickly.

PG Cons:

• Some users have a PG allergy or intolerance
• Produces less vapour
• More dehydrating than VG

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of VG?

VG Pros:

• Great for vapers with an allergy or intolerance to PG
• Better vapour density means more extensive cloud production
• Smoother throat hit
• 100% natural
• Less dehydrating than PG

VG Cons:

• VG’s thickness means it clogs up coils more quickly
• Less flavour
• Less throat hit
• Requires a more powerful device
• Coils take longer to wick
• DTL devices tend to burn through VG more quickly

Which Coil Should I Use For PG and VG?

As mentioned, PG is best for MTL vaping, and VG is best for DTL vaping.

So, the best coils for PG E-Liquids are 1.0-ohm and above.

The best coils for VG E-Liquids are sub-ohm coils, i.e. underneath 1-ohm and below. For 80% VG, or max VG liquids, a coil of around 0.1 to 0.4-ohms is best.

What Strength Nicotine is Best for PG and VG E-Liquids?

Typically, PG comes in higher nicotine strengths. The maximum allowed by law is 20mg.

VG liquids come with a lower amount of nicotine. Typically, these strengths are around 3mg or 6mg.

The reason for these lower strengths is that vapers use VG E-Liquids in sub-ohm or DTL devices.

This style of vaping produces more vapour, which means inhaling more nicotine. Consuming too much nicotine can make you feel ill.

How to Choose The Right E-liquid

Choosing the right E-Liquid for you depends on the experience you are after. Like most choices in the vaping universe, it comes down to personal preference. 

If you want a great throat hit and great flavour:

If you want great flavour, a 50/50 blend is good. But if you’d like to increase the throat hit, try a 60/40 or 70/30 E-Liquid.

If you want to vape nic salt:

Nic salt tends to come in 50/50. However, different ratios are becoming more popular.

If you want a smooth vape:

VG isn’t as harsh as PG, meaning you can get a smoother vape.

If you want to sub-ohm vape and produce dense clouds:

High VG liquids are designed for sub-ohm or DTL vaping. These high wattage machines can help you create substantial vapour clouds.

If you want to use a light, discreet device:

Most smaller pods and pens are made for PG E-Liquids.

If you are sensitive or allergic to PG:

Then choose a 100% all-natural VG E-Liquid from our great Frugi range.

Summary

PG and VG are solvents that are used to dissolve nicotine in E-Liquid. This process allows E-Liquids to be heated and turned into vapour. Most E-Liquids contain a blend of PG and VG; however, you can find liquids 100% PG or 100% VG.

PG is better for MTL devices, while VG is more suitable for DTL vapes.

Some vapers have an allergy or intolerance to PG. This sensitivity can manifest itself as a rash, itching, a sore throat, a headache, and more. In these instances, it’s worth trying a 100% VG E-Liquid.