Skip to content 
WHAT IS PG AND VG IN E-LIQUID?
The in-depth and jargon-filled world of e-liquids can be a daunting prospect for a beginner vaper. With all the talk of PG/VG ratios, nicotine strengths, all the different flavours and e-liquid types, we don't blame you for being intimidated. To give you a helping hand, we've created this handy guide which will help to simplify all of the technical words, give you some clarity and help you pick your very first e-liquid.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
So to start off, PG stands for Propylene Glycol.
Propylene Glycol is an artificial mixing agent which is found in a range of your daily products, such as cut toothpaste, cake mixes, salad dressings and much more!
It is non-toxic and entirely safe for human consumption, which makes it perfect for use in e-liquids. PG is odourless when heated and when combined with nicotine, it provides the all-important throat hit, as well as carrying the flavour.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a natural mixing agent which controls the viscosity of the liquid and the amount of vapour that it produces. VG derives from vegetable oil, has a slightly sweet taste and is thicker than PG.
VG’s vaporisation capabilities make it a match made in heaven for vape juices. The higher the ratio of VG, the denser the vapour production will be; so if you're a 'cloud chaser', you owe it all to VG.
Are PG & VG Safe To Vape?
Both Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin are non-toxic mixing agents that are entirely fit for human consumption. Both PG and VG are found in many common food items and have been considered as safe for a number of years.
If you use an e-liquid which contains a high ratio of PG, then you may find some mild side effects which can include a sore throat, dry mouth or increased thirst. These symptoms will only last for a short while as your body adjusts to vaping, but we recommend you stay hydrated at all times while vaping.
PG/VG E-liquid and How It Affects Vaping Performance
Now we know what VG and PG are and that it's safe to vape, it's time to look at the different ratios in e-liquid and how it affects your vaping performance! E liquids are produced with different levels of PG & VG, with each providing a different experience. The varying ratios of the two ingredients will affect the throat hit, strength of flavour and amount of 'vapour that the e-liquid produces.
The PG and VG content of e-juices are expressed as a PG/VG ratio. So a 50/50 e-juice has equal amounts of PG and VG, and a 70/30 e-liquid has a 70% PG and 30% VG ratio. It's a good idea to look out for these ratios when buying an e-liquid, as they can make or break your experience. Let's go into more detail on how VG and PG affect your vape:
Based on their chemical makeup, PG and VG share a lot of similarities. However, there are also several key differences that make all the difference when it comes to vaping. It's important to consider how much of each you want in your e-liquid to ensure you get off to the perfect start.
PG provides a stronger throat hit than VG
One of the most crucial things to consider is that PG produces a stronger “throat hit", very similar to that of a cigarette. Now, this may sound a bit unpleasant, but it’s actually a good thing for former smokers. Having a throat hit similar to a cigarette helps to ease the transition from smoking to vaping, increasing the chances of leaving cigarettes behind forever.
VG Improves Vapour Production
While VG may be lacking in the throat hit department compared to PG, the biggest benefit is that it produces denser, thicker vapour. For this reason, it's loved by “cloud chasers” – who are looking to maximise vapour production.
If you're a new vaper, having a high VG content and massive cloud production isn't all that important unless it's something that you really desire. With little or no PG, e-liquid won’t do as good a job of replicating the sensory experience of smoking a cigarette.
PG Carries Flavour Better
If you’re trying to quit smoking and you're thinking about vaping, then e-liquids with a high PG ratio are the perfect starting point. Propylene Glycol is a tasteless liquid and much thinner than VG. However, PG e-liquids are able to hold flavour better than VG, resulting in a delicious, full-bodied vape.
So, choosing your PG/VG ratio is entirely up to personal preferences, but if you're still having trouble deciding, we will clarify things a bit more as we go on.
What PG/VG Ratio Is Best For Me?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this. It depends on the kind of vaping experience you prefer. Many people use various levels of PG and VG for different purposes and each vaper has their own style.
HIGH PG E-LIQUID
For unbeatable flavour and an immensely satisfying throat hit, high PG e-liquids are the way to go. Often referred to as ‘starter’ e-liquids, high-PG juices have been around since the beginning and remain a popular choice for vapers.
An excellent entry point for new vapers, these liquids provides a vape that mimics the sensations of smoking a cigarette.
50/50 e-liquids provide you with the best of both worlds. A perfect ratio of PG for maximum flavour and satisfying throat hit, and VG for rich, smooth clouds; these juices strike an ideal balance.
Compatible with the majority of vape kits, 50/50 e-juices are perfect for starter vapers and experienced vapers alike.
High VG e-liquid typically comes in the form of Short Fills. These e-liquids produce great flavour with dense, providing an ultra-satisfying vape.
Also known as sub-ohm liquids, these e-juices are ideal for sub-ohm vape kits and tanks. High VG e-liquid is often nicotine-free, so you'll have to mix in some nic shots to give it that extra kick.
Take Your Time. You'll Find The Perfect Ratio
This might all sound a bit complicated, but don’t worry too much. Vaping is all about experimenting when you first start, so it may take a short while to find the perfect balance. Once you find the perfect routine, you'll be well on the way to a successful vaping journey.
So now you're ready to pick your very first e-liquid. Whether you're a fan of fruity flavours, tobacco, sweets and much more, you'll find everything you need in the fantastic Ecigwizard e-liquid collection. Head over there to get started, and remember that if you have any queries or more questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.