VG and PG in E-Liquid

An e-liquid, also known as vape juice, vape liquid, or e-juice, is the substance vaporised within an electronic cigarette or vape device. It’s what produces the vapour that users inhale and exhale, delivering flavour, nicotine, and the sensory feel that defines the vaping experience. Every e-liquid is composed of nicotine (optional), flavouring, and two primary base liquids, propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). While flavourings and nicotine strength vary across brands, it’s the PG/VG ratio that fundamentally shapes how a vape performs, tastes, and feels.

What Is PG (Propylene Glycol)?

Propylene Glycol, commonly abbreviated as PG, is a synthetic compound used as one of the primary bases in e-liquids. It is colourless, odourless, and thin in consistency, making it an efficient carrier for nicotine and flavourings. In vape juice, PG plays an important role in delivering a pronounced throat hit, a sensation that mimics the feeling of traditional cigarette smoke. This makes it especially appealing to new vapers transitioning from smoking. PG is also used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, indicating its broad safety profile in consumption. Its thin nature means it wicks easily through coils, ensuring quick absorption and even distribution in MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) setups. However, some users with sensitivities might find PG slightly irritating, especially in higher concentrations.

What Is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?

Vegetable Glycerin, or VG, is a natural, plant-derived liquid known for its viscous consistency and subtle sweetness. In vaping, VG forms the second key base of e-liquids, primarily responsible for the volume and density of the vapour produced. It enables smooth, mild inhalation with minimal throat irritation, making it the preferred choice for DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping and cloud chasing. Because of its thickness, VG requires higher-powered devices with sub-ohm coils for efficient vaporisation. This same quality also results in more frequent coil cleaning or replacement. While VG can slightly mute flavours due to its inherent sweetness, it excels in complementing dessert and fruity profiles, creating a smoother, more indulgent experience.

What Are The Different PG/VG Ratios Available?

The most common e-liquid ratios you’ll encounter are 50/50, 70/30, 80/20, and Max VG. Each ratio indicates the percentage of VG to PG in the blend. For instance, a 70/30 ratio means the liquid contains 70% VG and 30% PG. This not only influences the physical characteristics of the e-liquid, such as thickness and wicking speed, but also dramatically alters how the vape feels and performs. Here's a breakdown of what each ratio typically offers and where it fits in the vaping landscape:

A 50/50 blend provides a balanced experience. The equal ratio allows for adequate vapour clouds while still maintaining a strong throat hit and vivid flavour. Because of its thinner consistency, this blend works best in low-wattage devices, especially pod kits. It's also ideal for users transitioning from smoking due to the similar sensation it provides in the throat.

The 70/30 VG/PG ratio leans into smoother hits and thicker clouds. This is typically used by more seasoned vapers who value vapour production over throat hit. While flavour intensity remains good, VG's natural sweetness can soften certain flavour notes, making the overall taste feel rounder rather than sharp. This ratio is more viscous, requiring more powerful sub-ohm tanks to properly vaporise it without flooding or dry hits.

Stepping into 80/20 territory, vapour becomes the star of the show. This ratio is often favoured by cloud chasers and trick enthusiasts due to the heavy, dense clouds it produces. The throat hit is virtually negligible, which can be desirable for those who vape frequently throughout the day and want a gentler experience. However, the thicker liquid requires not only high wattage but also advanced wicking setups to avoid coil burnout.

Max VG is typically used in liquids that prioritise cloud performance above all else. Often containing 90% VG or higher, these juices are extremely thick and can be problematic in standard devices. They demand rebuildable dripping atomisers (RDAs), mesh coils, or high-wattage mods designed for quick and efficient wicking. Because of the overwhelming VG content, flavour tends to be softer and more mellow, and the throat hit is barely there.

Device compatibility is a crucial factor when choosing a ratio. Thinner e-liquids (those with higher PG content) are suited for smaller coil ports and tight airflow systems like MTL pods and pens. Their quick wicking prevents dry hits and ensures smooth delivery of nicotine and flavour. On the other hand, high VG liquids are too thick for these setups and require larger coil openings and enhanced airflow, traits found in sub-ohm tanks and RDAs. Using a thick e-liquid in a low-powered device will lead to underperformance, leaking, or dry hits.

PG Vs VG: Key Differences

VG and PG vary significantly in their physical and sensory properties. In terms of viscosity, VG is substantially thicker than PG, affecting how quickly it soaks into coils and wicks. This makes PG better suited for low-powered devices with narrow wicking channels. When it comes to throat hit, PG delivers a sharp, satisfying sensation reminiscent of tobacco smoke, while VG offers a smoother, less abrasive inhale. For vapour production, VG is the clear winner, producing thick, cloudy plumes ideal for visual appeal and cloud tricks. PG, in contrast, creates minimal vapour. In flavour transmission, PG has a higher carrying capacity, making flavours more pronounced and intense. VG’s natural sweetness, however, may dilute sharpness but enhance creamier and dessert-style flavours. As for nicotine delivery, PG is more effective at delivering a stronger, faster hit, whereas VG provides a subtler, drawn-out effect.

How to Choose the Right PG/VG Ratio?

Choosing the right PG/VG ratio is one of the most important decisions a vaper makes. The PG/VG blend doesn’t just affect how your e-liquid tastes; it determines how it feels, how visible it is, and how well it works in your device.

For those prioritising flavour clarity and a distinct throat hit, especially ex-smokers looking to replicate the feel of a cigarette, a blend like 50/50 or even 60/40 (PG/VG) is a strong starting point. These ratios are known to deliver sharp, intense flavour notes and a throat hit that mirrors traditional smoking. They're particularly effective when paired with mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, like pod systems or compact vape pens. These devices operate at lower wattages and work best with thinner liquids.

On the other end of the spectrum are those who are in it for the clouds. If you’re more into direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and want massive vapour output with a smoother inhale, then you’re better off with a 70/30 VG/PG or 80/20 VG/PG blend. These ratios prioritise cloud density and produce a gentle, warm draw that’s easier on the throat. VG’s natural thickness and mild sweetness lend themselves well to dessert and fruity flavours, enhancing the sensory experience without overpowering it. These blends work best in sub-ohm tanks, high-wattage mods, and rebuildable setups that can handle the increased viscosity without clogging or burning out coils prematurely.

The throat hit, which is important for many transitioning smokers, becomes lighter as VG increases. High PG offers a punchier feel, while high VG is all about smoothness. If you're specifically chasing that hit in the throat, particularly when using freebase nicotine, then lean towards higher PG levels. However, if you're vaping nicotine salts, the picture changes. Nic salts are smoother by nature and best absorbed when used in a 50/50 mix. These blends allow for quick nicotine delivery without the harshness that high nicotine strengths in freebase form might create. To make this easier to understand, here’s a breakdown based on different vaping priorities and the most compatible PG/VG ratio for each:

Device compatibility is another deciding factor that should not be overlooked. Pod systems and starter kits are designed for thinner liquids, which means they’re happiest with 50/50 or 60/40 blends. These devices have smaller coils and lower power output, so anything thicker may lead to poor wicking or dry hits. Conversely, sub-ohm tanks and high-performance mods are made for high VG juices. Their large coils and advanced airflow systems are built to handle viscous liquids efficiently and produce impressive clouds without compromising flavour integrity.

Which PG/VG Ratio Works Best With Different Coil Resistances?

While device type plays a major role in choosing the right e-liquid, coil resistance (measured in ohms Ω) is just as crucial. Different resistances heat the e-liquid at varying intensities and speeds, which directly impacts vapour production, flavour delivery, and even leakage potential. Below mentioned is a tabular representation of ideal VG/PG ratio for different coil resistances:

Are PG and VG Safe For Vaping?

Both PG and VG are classified by the FDA as “Generally Recognised As Safe” (GRAS) for ingestion and topical use, but their effects via inhalation are still under research. PG, used widely in food and pharmaceuticals, may cause minor irritation in sensitive individuals, particularly when inhaled in higher concentrations. Some vapers report dry mouth, throat irritation, or mild allergic reactions. Its hygroscopic properties also mean it can dehydrate tissues over prolonged use. VG, by contrast, is well tolerated by most users, with less irritation reported. However, its thickness can lead to increased mucus production in some, and it may contribute to a buildup of phlegm with heavy use. While neither PG nor VG produces tar or carbon monoxide like traditional tobacco, individuals with respiratory conditions should proceed cautiously. There is currently no long-term data on the chronic inhalation of these substances, so moderation and hydration are advised, along with close attention to personal tolerance levels.