Are you just discovering the joys of vaping? If you have just bought your first vape pen and are now beginning to explore the various flavours and options available to you, it can be a little daunting to know where to start.

With new terminology and a seemingly endless choice of flavours to choose from, we know just how confusing it can seem. One of the biggest misunderstandings when finding the best e-liquid for your vape is knowing what the various symbols mean. This is something that even experienced vapers can struggle with as they try to understand the VG/PG of their chosen e-liquid.

If you are a vaper, you may have come across the initial’s ‘PG’ and ‘VG’ many times without ever finding out what they actually mean. More and more people are switching their cigarettes for vaping kits for many reasons. In this article, we will clear up any confusion to give you a full understanding of the difference between PG vs VG. We are here to help and hope you enjoy “VG and PG e-liquids: a beginner’s guide”.

Learn about PG and VG in our detailed article

Finding the right VG/PG e-liquid ratio for you is crucial to ensuring that you have the very best vaping experience possible. So, to help you, we have taken a closer look at what these symbols mean, how they impact you and how you can find the perfect e-liquid for you.

WHAT IS A VG OR PG E-LIQUID?

These two phrases are one of the most common sights on an e-liquid bottle, and if you are new to the world of vaping, it can be difficult to know what they mean. VG stands for Vegetable Glycerine while PG stands for Propylene Glycol, and they are the two main ingredients in vape juice.

These two ingredients will form the base of every e-liquid, and manufacturers will then add their own flavourings to create their unique product. They are an essential part of an e-liquid, with VG and PG helping to keep the product moist. Although their names might sound like a strange concoction, they are a very common substance in both the pharmaceutical and the cosmetic industry and are a food-grade ingredient that is safe for human consumption.

Each e-liquid will have a different balance of VG and PG compounds, helping to give it a unique taste and texture. The ratio of these two ingredients will also help to decide the thickness of the vapour produced, and the throat hit that the vaper experiences.

One of the most common questions new vapers ask is whether VG and PG are safe to use. However, both are commonly used in a wide range of industries and are safe for humans. Vaping is also far safer than smoking, with research from the NHS revealing that it is 95% less harmful compared to traditional cigarettes.

Many vapers end up loving vaping as much as they ever did smoking

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN VG?

The Vegetable Glycerine ingredient is a completely non-toxic substance that is typically produced using various vegetable fats, with the most common being either coconut oil or soybean oil. VG is also used in the food industry and is colourless. It is commonly used to thicken and sweeten food products. Some VG is taken from animals and plants, although it can also be synthetic.

Although it does not impact the taste too much, VG does tend to have a slightly sweet flavour. However, it is a very useful addition as it actually helps to carry the flavour additions very well and is crucial in determining the thickness of the vapour as VG is thicker than PG and improves the density of the e-liquid.

Many of the leading premium e-liquids on the market will feature VG as the main base as it helps to provide a smoother feeling to the throat. This ensures the user has a creamier texture when using the e-liquid, particularly with those solutions that have a VG rate of 70% or higher. Some products are advertised as including ‘maximum VG’. These products normally only include a very small amount of PG or propylene glycol.

While VG is an essential ingredient in premium vape e-liquids, it can burn through coils much faster as well as leading to your vape pen becoming clogged more frequently. The sweet taste can also affect some of the more subtle flavours in an e-liquid, although this is less common in today’s market.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN PG?

Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a common food additive used in a wide range of items but most commonly within processed foods as a food preservative. It is also used in a range of medicinal products, including inhalers used by asthma sufferers. PG is the part of the e-liquid that helps to carry most of the flavour, and the ingredient itself has no taste.

PG is a colourless and also a thinner less viscous liquid when compared to VG. In general, the higher the PG content, the better it can hold the flavour of the e-liquid compared to VG. It also produces a much smaller vapour cloud compared to VG. If you are looking to switch to vaping to reduce your cigarette consumption, then a high-content PG e-liquid is often recommended as it helps to provide a much similar experience in terms of throat hit and flavour.

It is important to note that some individuals have been shown to be sensitive to PG, and heavy consumption could lead to slight respiratory irritation.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VG/PG RATIO

When browsing flavours and e-liquid brands, you will see that they will state various VG and PG ratios. Although they can come in a wide range of different options, the most common VG/PG ratios available on the market are:

A 50/50 split (50% Vegetable Glycerine and 50% Propylene Glycol)
A 70/30 split (70% VG and 30% PG)
100% VG

70:30 e-liquid on our website – acid e-juice watermelon sour candy flavour by Nasty Juice

While for beginners, noticing the difference between these different ratios is tough and you will likely only know that you prefer one with a higher PG or VG rating. However, as you become more experienced and knowledgeable, you will be able to start discovering the subtle differences between these ratios and will be able to find the one that you prefer the most.

The ratio of PG to VG can influence flavour, cloud levels and the way the vape hits the throat. You can usually see the ratio on the packaging of your juice. Products with a high level of VG are likely to deliver large clouds, medium-strength flavour and a mild throat hit. A liquid with a high PG rating may deliver a stronger throat hit, powerful flavour and modest cloud production.

If you are trying to find the ratio for you, there are a few factors to consider:

Flavour

If you like an e-liquid with an intense flavour, then you should look for a product with a PG higher than 30%, while for a particularly sharp and dry taste, opt for one that is 50%. If you prefer a creamier flavour, then you would like an e-liquid with a VG rate of 70% and higher.

Vapour

Another important consideration is the vapour that you are seeking. For a strong throat hit and minimal vapour, then opt for an e-liquid with a PG rate of 50% and higher. However, if you are seeking a larger vapour cloud or you are trying to wean yourself off of nicotine, then you should look for e-liquids that have a 60% or higher VG ratio.

Buy a range of quality vaping products at Next Day Vapes

Device

Finally, you should also consider the device you are using. If you are using a starter kit, then you should opt for an e-liquid that has a 50/50 ratio, while if you are using a sub-Ohm device, then you should opt for an e-liquid of 70% VG and higher. If you are looking to replace your coils less frequently, or you want a liquid that quickly soaks the wick, then opt for an e-liquid of 50% PG and higher.

Final thoughts

Although the world of vaping might appear intimidating for beginners when you understand the difference between VG and PG, you will soon be able to find the perfect e-liquid for you. One of the best things to do is to start with a 50% Vegetable Glycerine and 50% Propylene Glycol blend and then begin experimenting with different ratios until you find an e-liquid that you love.

Where can I buy 50:50 e-liquids?

It’s essential to purchase e-liquids from a trusted, legal source. Next Day Vapes is a leading supplier of 50:50 e-liquids and has a 92% rating on TrustPilot. Don’t vape any product that isn’t specially designed to be used as an e-liquid. You will find the answers to many commonly asked questions about vaping on our website.

Furious Fish is an example of a 50:50 e-liquid available on our website

Find out more

Here at Next Day Vapes, we know how confusing vaping can be for beginners, so if you have any questions, check out our FAQ or get in touch to find out more! We are waiting to hear from you if you’ve been wondering “PG and VG in Vaping – what is the difference?”.

You can get in touch with us via the contact form on our site. We can help you find the best e-liquids for your needs.