PG vs VG in E-Liquids: What’s the Difference?

When choosing the perfect e-liquid, there’s one question every vaper eventually asks: Should I go for PG or VG? Whether you’re a seasoned e-cigarette user or someone exploring vaping to quit smoking, understanding the difference between Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is essential. These two primary components determine everything from the flavour profile to the vape cloud experience. This blog will break down what PG and VG are, their differences, and how to decide which one suits your vaping style best. By the end, you’ll feel confident selecting the right option for your vaping needs.

An Introduction to PG and VG in E-Liquids

E-liquids are typically made from a combination of ingredients:

1. Nicotine (optional for non-nicotine users)
2. Flavouring to create your favourite taste, like tropical mango or rich vanilla custard

While flavour and nicotine are straightforward, it’s the VG and PG ratio that makes or breaks the vaping experience. PG and VG both serve as carriers for nicotine and flavour, but they affect other elements like throat hit, flavour intensity, and cloud production. Understanding their individual properties is key to finding your ideal vape.

What is PG?

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a synthetic compound that’s widely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. You’ll find it in everyday products like toothpaste, salad dressings, and even asthma inhalers.

Properties of PG

• Thin Consistency: PG is less viscous than VG, making it easier to absorb in coil wicks. This allows for smoother vaping without clogging.
• Flavour Carrier: PG excels at carrying flavour, which is why it’s widely used for enhancing taste in e-liquids.
• Throat Hit: PG provides a stronger throat hit, similar to what you’d feel when smoking a traditional cigarette. This makes it popular among people switching from smoking to vaping.

Who PG is Best For

PG-heavy e-liquids are ideal for:

• Smokers transitioning to vaping who crave the cigarette-like throat hit.
• Vapers who prefer flavour intensity over large clouds.

 Precautions

Some users may experience mild throat irritation or dryness when using high-PG liquids.

What is VG?

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils. It’s non-toxic, safe to consume, and commonly found in foods, skincare products, and even medications.

Properties of VG

• Thicker Consistency: VG is thicker than PG, which can result in slower absorption in coil wicks. However, it produces smoother vaping sessions overall.
• Cloud Production: VG is known for creating dense, impressive clouds, which is why it’s the go-to for those who enjoy tricks or big vapour production.
• Softer Throat Hit: VG provides a gentler throat hit, making it suitable for people who find PG too harsh.

Who VG is Best For

VG-heavy e-liquids are great for:

• Cloud chasers who love creating massive vapour clouds.
• Vapers seeking a smoother, sweeter experience with reduced throat irritation.

Precautions

Due to its thicker nature, VG can gum up some vaping equipment and may require regular cleaning or specific higher-power devices.

PG vs VG: Key Differences

To make it easier to compare PG and VG, here’s a quick breakdown of their key differences:

Feature	PG	VG
Consistency	Thin, quick wicking	Thick, slower wicking
Flavour intensity	Strong flavour delivery	Softer, sweeter tone
Throat Hit	Strong (like cigarettes)	Gentle or smooth
Cloud Production	Minimal vapour	Dense, big clouds
Ideal User	Ex-smokers, flavour lovers	Cloud chasers, smooth vapers

Understanding Ratios

Most e-liquids have a PG/VG ratio listed on their packaging:

• 70/30 PG/VG: Higher PG, great for flavour and throat hit.
• 50/50 PG/VG: Balanced for all-round performance.
• 30/70 PG/VG or higher VG ratios: Excellent for cloud chasing and smoother hits.

Which Should You Choose?

Your choice between PG and VG boils down to personal preference and vaping goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Choose PG-Heavy E-Liquids If:

• You want strong flavour delivery.
• You prioritize a cigarette-like throat hit.
• You’re using standard vape pens or low-wattage devices.

Choose VG-Heavy E-Liquids If:

• You want to produce large clouds.
• You prefer a smoother, sweeter vaping experience.
• You have a sub-ohm device or are interested in Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping.

Striking a Balance

If you’re unsure where to start, go for a 50/50 PG/VG mix. This balanced option provides decent clouds, noticeable throat hits, and robust flavour. It’s also compatible with most vaping devices.

Both PG and VG bring unique strengths to the world of e-liquids, and there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The best way to find your ideal mix is through experimentation. Start with different ratios, explore new flavours, and enjoy the discovery process. Remember, your preferences may evolve over time. What matters is finding what enhances your vaping experience the most—whether it’s bold flavour bursts or clouds thick enough to rival a fog machine. Still feeling unsure? Reach out to your local vape shop or ask seasoned vapers in online communities for recommendations. Together, they can help match you with the perfect blend for your device and style.