If you’re an avid vaper or just getting into vaping and making your own e-juice, you’ve probably heard of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). These two substances are the primary ingredients in e-juice. But what exactly are they, and what are their differences? Let’s take a closer look.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable Glycerin is a natural compound that is derived from vegetable oils. It is a thick, sweet, and odourless liquid that is used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fog machines. In e-juices, VG is known for producing thick vapour clouds and providing a smoother vaping experience. In any e-juice recipe, VG is used as a main base to dilute flavours and provide the desired consistency.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene Glycol is a synthetic compound that is commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even inhalers. It is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless liquid that is known for its ability to carry flavours and provide a throat hit similar to smoking cigarettes. This makes it an excellent choice for those wishing to switch from smoking to vaping. In any e-juice recipe, PG is used as a main base to dilute flavours and provide the desired consistency.
Differences Between VG and PG in your e-juice
Flavour: If you’re looking for a more intense flavour, e-juices with higher PG content may be the way to go. Although it is tasteless itself, it’s well known for carrying and enhancing flavourings.
Throat Hit: PG is also known for providing a stronger throat hit, which some vapers prefer. VG, on the other hand, provides a smoother vaping experience with no throat hit.
Vapour Production: VG produces thick vapour clouds, while PG produces no vapour on it’s own. If you’re looking to blow big clouds, e-juice with higher VG content may be the way to go.
Consistency: PG is a thinner liquid than VG, which can make it easier to handle and allows it to wick into your coil faster which helps to prevent dry hits. VG, on the other hand, is much thicker. Both consistencies have their own benefits, and your mixture of VG/PG will likely fall somewhere in between.
So, what ratios should I use?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some factors you may consider is the size of your device and even the weather! Smaller devices with smaller coils benefit from the thinner consistency of PG which allows it to wick (like a candle) faster through the cotton to the coil. In chilly Canadian winters e-juices exposed to the cold can become thicker, causing them to wick much slower than normal which could result in a dry burnt hit. Switching to a higher PG ratio in these instances might be your best choice. Two of the most common ratios are 70-30 VG/PG, best with larger devices, and 50-50 VG/PG, for smaller devices. You can measure and get your ratios exactly where you want them by using an E-Juice Calculator and one of our Precise Scales.
If you’re looking for more intense flavour and a stronger throat hit, consider adding a higher PG ratio. If you’re looking for thick vapour clouds and a smooth vaping experience, e-juices with a higher VG content, for example 80/20 VG/PG, will be your best bet. Ultimately, the best way to find out which one is right for you is to experiment with your ratios and see what works. Most e-juices are a balanced mixture of the two catering to the best of both.
In conclusion, both VG and PG have their own unique properties and advantages. Understanding their differences and how they blend together can help you make an informed decisions when mixing your e-juices or choosing pre-made products.