For new vapers, understanding vape juice—also called e-liquid or e-juice—is key. It’s what fills your vape and creates its flavor and vapor. Knowing its ingredients is essential for making informed vaping choices.
At its core, vape juice consists of five main ingredients:
Water
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Flavoring
Nicotine
While these ingredients are present in all vape juices, the composition of the base (PG & VG) can vary, offering a range of experiences for vapers
Propylene Glycol (PG): The Synthetic Base
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a synthetic chemical used as the base in many vape juices. It’s colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet. FDA-approved for safety, PG offers a stronger throat hit and cleaner flavor than VG.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG): The Natural Alternative
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a natural base for vape juices, derived from vegetable oil. It’s thicker and sweeter than PG, FDA-approved, and favored for producing dense vapor clouds and a smoother throat hit.
PG vs VG: Comparing the Two Bases
When it comes to choosing between PG and VG, it’s essential to understand the differences between the two bases. Many vape juices contain both PG and VG in varying ratios, such as 60% PG and 40% VG or 80% VG and 20% PG.
Finding the Perfect PG/VG Ratio
Vape juices offer various PG/VG ratios for customizing your experience:
100% PG: Strong throat hit, light vapor
50/50 (PG/VG): Balanced clouds and throat hit
100% VG: No throat hit, thick vapor (great for tricks)
Nicotine in Vape Juice: A Word of Caution
Nicotine in vape juice is addictive and can pose risks like birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid it. Non-smokers don’t need nicotine. Vape juices with nicotine help smokers cut down gradually, with levels from 0mg to 25mg+.
Flavoring: The Art of Vape Juice
Vape juice offers a diverse range of flavors, from traditional fruits to innovative blends, using FDA-approved, food-grade chemicals. However, the safety of inhaling these flavors isn’t fully understood, as their exact compositions are often proprietary.
Choosing the Best Vape Juice for You
Understanding vape juice ingredients helps you choose the right e-liquid for your preferences. Opt for VG-heavy juices for smooth vaping and dense clouds, or PG-heavy mixes with moderate nicotine for a strong throat hit if you’re a smoker. It’s a process of trial and error to find your ideal combination of PG/VG ratios, flavors, and nicotine levels.