To get the best vaping experience, it’s important to know the differences between PG and VG, their impact on e-liquids, and how to pick the right mix for your tastes and device. This article will break down PG and VG to help you choose wisely
Definition and properties
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a synthetic, colorless, and odorless liquid with a slightly sweet taste. It’s popular in many industries for its versatility, low toxicity, and ability to mix well with other substances
Key Characteristics of PG
- Key characteristics of PG include its effective flavor delivery, stronger throat hit, and thinner consistency. These traits make it ideal for e-liquids with higher PG ratios, appealing to users who prefer more pronounced flavor and throat hit
- Produces less vapour than VG due to its lower density: High PG e-juice is perfect for those who want to vape discreetly and produce smaller clouds, making it an ideal choice for this purpose.
- Higher flavour intensity: Unlike VG, which is sweet, PG is tasteless and delivers a sharper throat hit, enhancing the e-juice flavor. This sharper flavor hit can be appealing to some vapers
- Delivers a stronger throat hit: PG provides a stronger throat hit similar to cigarettes, making it ideal for new vapers transitioning from smoking. However, it can also dry out your mouth and throat faster with frequent use
- Tasteless and odourless: This means it doesn’t alter the flavor of your e-juice. Its thin, water-like consistency allows it to wick coils quickly, as the cotton absorbs thinner liquids faster, making high PG e-liquids easier to wick and vape immediately
- Cause allergic reactions:
PG can trigger allergic reactions in a small number of vapers, posing a higher allergy risk than VG. Symptoms can range from minor tingling to severe scratching and burning in the throat. If you experience any unusual reactions, it’s best to stop using PG and switch to MAX VG concentrates
- Low density : There’s a lower chance of gunk building up on your vaporizer’s heating components, but it can still accumulate, just more slowly than with thicker VG liquid
PG is considered safe for consumption by health organizations like the FDA and is used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, some people may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities, leading to symptoms like skin irritation or respiratory issues.
What is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?
Definition and properties
VG is a natural, colorless, and odorless liquid made from plant oils like soybean, palm, or coconut oil. It has a sweet taste and thick consistency, perfect for many uses
Key Characteristics of VG
VG is prized for its dense vapor clouds, smooth throat hit, and thick consistency in e-liquids, making it perfect for cloud chasing and a milder throat hit
Producing large vape clouds : Because of its thick consistency, VG can produce much more vapor than PG liquids, making it ideal for cloud chasers. If you want large, billowing clouds, high VG e-juices are the way to go
Lower flavour intensity: VG has a slightly sweet taste that can mask flavors, leading to lower flavor intensity compared to PG liquids
Weaker throat hit: VG is great for vapers who find tobacco flavors harsh or irritating on the throat. If you want a milder throat hit, high VG liquids might be better for you.
Slightly sugary taste : VG can make flavors taste slightly sweeter and is odorless, so it won’t alter the flavor of your e-juice.
Thicker consistency: VG’s dense consistency, similar to corn syrup, can lead to gunk build-up and clogging in cheaper atomizers, requiring more frequent cleaning and part replacement.
Lower allergy risk: Allergic reactions to VG in vapers are rare. However, high VG liquids can lead to more phlegm buildup in the throat, causing coughing in some users
Is it safe?
VG is safe for human consumption and is found in many everyday products like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It’s generally well-tolerated, with few reported cases of allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Common uses of VG outside vaping
VG is commonly used in the food industry as a sweetener, thickening agent, and humectant. It’s also found in personal care products like lotions, toothpaste, and soap, as well as in pharmaceuticals and other applications.
The Roles of PG and VG in E-liquids
Flavor carriers
PG and VG both carry flavors and nicotine in e-liquids, but PG’s thinner consistency and better flavor-carrying ability make it more effective at delivering intense and authentic taste
Throat hit and vapor production
The throat hit and vapor production of e-liquids depend on the PG/VG ratio. Higher PG ratios give a stronger throat hit, while higher VG ratios offer a smoother feel and more vapor.
Different PG/VG Ratios in E-liquids
High PG E-liquids
E-liquids with higher PG ratios are thinner, offer stronger flavors, and deliver a more pronounced throat hit. They’re great for users who want a cigarette-like experience or use low-powered devices like vape pens and MTL tanks
High VG E-liquids
E-liquids with higher VG ratios are thicker, provide a milder throat hit, and produce larger vapor clouds. They’re preferred by cloud chasers and users of high-powered devices like sub-ohm tanks and RDAs
Balanced PG/VG E-liquids
E-liquids with a balanced PG/VG ratio, like 50/50, provide a middle ground for flavor, throat hit, and vapor. They’re great for a balanced vaping experience and are compatible with various devices.
CONCLUSION
Understanding the differences between PG and VG, and how they affect e-liquids, is key to a satisfying vaping experience. Experimenting with different ratios helps you find the perfect balance for your preferences and device. With some trial and error, you’ll find the ideal combination for the flavor, throat hit, and vapor you want
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