What are PG and VG?
When it comes to e-juice, two terms constantly crop up: PG and VG. This can seem confusing to the newcomer, but knowledge of these two ingredients can vastly improve your vaping experience. Here’s our easy-to-follow guide on everything you need to know about PG and VG.
Admin: Note that Real Extracts are supplied at 70PG/30VG primarily because they are formulated for maximum flavor - not clouds. VG does not carry flavors well, in fact it mutes the flavors. We need some VG for some cloud and for viscosity control as 100% PG is very thin especially when warm. Our 3X extracts are 100% PG and are intended to be mixed by the user with VG and nicotine if desired. Nobody has determined that inhaling PG or VG is safe - Nobody has determined that it is unsafe either. So we are on our own.
In simple terms:
- PG and VG are the odourless liquids that are combined with flavour and nicotine to create e-juice
- They produce vapour when heated, which allow them to be inhaled.
- The two fluids have a different consistency to each other, and also have a slightly different taste.
- They have distinct mouth and throat sensations when vaped.
- Most modern e-liquid uses a combination of the two fluids, though the ratio can vary dramatically.
- Some vaping set-ups can only work with a certain level of PG and VG.
Choosing the wrong PG/VG ratio can put first-timers off so be careful to choose the right level for your equipment.
Now let’s take a look at each in more detail.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG)
PG stands for Propylene Glycol, a petroleum by-product. The fluid has no odour or colour, and is less viscous than VG. In vaping it is used to provide a ‘throat hit’, which some users claim is similar to the sensation experienced when smoking tobacco. It also carries flavour more effectively than VG, meaning it’s the most commonly used suspension fluid for flavour concentrates and nicotine.
Propylene Glycol can be found in various common household items. Amongst others, these include:
- Asthma inhalers
- Pet food
- Medical products used orally, injected or as topical formulations
- Beauty products, including make-up, shampoo and baby wipes
Is it safe?
Studies have shown that PG is safe to ingest orally, and the FDA has deemed it “generally recognized as safe” to be used as a food additive. However, most studies into the safety of propylene glycol look at ingestion, rather than consuming it in aerosol form. Of the limited studies that exist, a long-term experiment held in 1947 judged that inhaling PG was ‘completely harmless’.
A 2010 study looking at PGEs (a mixture of propylene glycol and glycol ethers) suggested an increased risk of developing respiratory and immune disorders in children, such as asthma, hay fever and eczema. However, it was judged that glycol ethers, and not PG, are the more likely cause. Looking at the evidence, it is sensible to assume that PG is safe to be inhaled, but there is a need for more comprehensive studies to confirm this.
Many misinformed scaremongering stories in the media claim that PG is a toxic substance used in anti-freeze. However, the dangerous substance referred to is actually ethyl glycol, a chemical which is closely related, but not used in vaping.
While PG is regarded as safe for humans, it can cause serious harm to pets. It is generally regarded as safe as a food additive for dogs, but has been linked to Heinz body anaemia in cats. Be careful when vaping around pets, particularly if you have cats and use PG in your e-liquid.
What should I be aware of when vaping PG?
VEGETABLE GLYCERIN (VG)
What is it used for?
Again, it can be found in numerous medical, food and personal care products:
- Sweetener as sugar replacement
- Beauty products, such as make-up, mousse, bubble bath, aftershave, and deodorant
- Pet food
- Soap and hand cream
- Food such as baked goods, to increase moisture
- To provide thick gel for certain medicinal creams, capsule pills and jellies
- Toothpaste and other dental care products
Is it safe?
The FDA has classified VG as “generally recognized as safe” and it is widely regarded as one of the most benign substances known to man. The SIDS assessment profile show it to have low toxicity when consumed, and of low potential to irritate the skin or eye. This, along with the widespread use of VG in food and medicine suggest it is safe for humans. However, as with PG, there are limited studies on VG being inhaled as opposed to ingestion.
A 2008 study of the toxicity of inhaling aerosolised glycerol found minimal risks. We can assume the use of VG in vaping has no serious impact on health but, as with PG, we would welcome more detailed studies.
It is important to note that the risk of being allergic to vegetable glycerin is very low, making it a useful alternative for people who have issues when vaping e-juice containing PG. If you are allergic to palm oil or coconut oil then VG could prove a problem, but this is relatively uncommon. Diabetics could possibly experience problems with metabolising VG, but this would not be an issue at the levels used in vaping.
What should I be aware of when using VG?
The increased thickness of VG means it can reduce the life of atomisers quicker than PG-based juice. High VG liquids clog up coils more rapidly, and will not work well, if at all, in certain tanks. Older products are especially susceptible, particularly models that use smaller coils such as clearomizers. The Nautilus range, Innokin iclears and eGo tanks are some of the more well-known tanks that are known to have difficulties dealing with high VG fluid.
The most common side effect of vaping high VG e-liquid is a dry mouth, sore throat, and increased thirst. Again, be sure to drink plenty of water and take a break from vaping if necessary.
What PG/VG ratio should I use?
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:
- Throat Hit – If you enjoy a sharp throat hit when vaping then you’ll prefer a high PG vape. The ‘kick’ at the back of the throat, is something many ex-smokers crave, and PG (along with the nicotine) provides more of this than VG. PG carries flavour marginally better than VG, so the flavour will be slightly improved.
- Smoothness – High VG fluid tends to give a much smoother feeling on the throat, with a more substantial ‘thicker’ mouthfeel. The flavour is slightly muted in VG fluids, but this can be countered by using more power to produce more vapour. Be careful to stay within the voltage/wattage limits of your atomiser, or you risk dry hits, or even damaging your equipment.
- Stealth Vaping – If you want to keep your vaping lowkey in public then high PG is the way to go. Less vapour is produced when exhaled, making this ideal for the less ostentatious vaping enthusiast. However, you should always apply common sense. Vaping in certain places, such as waiting rooms and on public transport, is often outlawed and is simply bad manners. As vaping is relatively new, we have a duty to be aware of public opinion and behave responsibly.
- Cloudchasing – A growing trend in vaping circles is ‘cloudchasing‘. This simply involves exhaling dense clouds of vapour, the thicker the better. There are even competitive events based around this activity, where the person producing the biggest clouds wins. If this appeals then high VG is the only option – the higher the better.
What kind of set-up do I need?
It isn’t as simple as deciding on a high VG or PG fluid and hoping for the best. It all comes down to your equipment. If it isn’t suitable for the job, it can lead to unpleasant throat irritation or wicking problems resulting in dry hits.
- Clearomizer Tanks – The clearomizer is one of the most common styles of tanks for vaping, and include the Mini Nautilus and the Kanger Protank. These take coils in the 1.2-2.5 ohms range, and are usually vaped below 15w. These are not generally suitable for high VG fluids, as their coils cannot cope well with thick gloopy fluid and can lead to unpleasant dry hits of burning cotton. It is advised to use high PG fluid, or a 50/50 ratio, when using this kind of tank.
- Rebuildable Tanks are most typically used by most of us that have vaped for years. These require that you are willing to make your own coils and build your wick. It is highly recommended that you do this if you want total control over your vape. Kayfun is a good one.
- Sub-Ohm Tanks – These tanks include the Aspire Atlantis and Kanger Subtank among others. They can take a lot more power than standard clearomizers and are designed to deal well with high VG juice. Vaping at this increased battery strength uses up e-fluid a lot quicker than with, so you’ll find your juice going down quicker than with high PG fluids.
- RDA/Drippers – If you prefer to use a dripper you have a lot more flexibility on your fluid ratio. It still depends on what strength coil you use – sub-ohm coils for high VG, higher ohms coils for high PG – but you don’t have to worry as much about your cotton wicking properly. As ever, the ratio boils down to personal preference, but the norm for dripping tends to be a 30/70 PG/VG mix.
Tips for PG/VG DIY E-Liquid
- Steeping – Real Extracts are already 6 months+ aged. The natural extracts will mellow with continued ageing.
- Flavourings And Nicotine – Nicotine once added will become more peppery with aging and will darken the juice
Conclusion
The basics of PG and VG are quite easy to grasp. They both work in different ways, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Our advice is to start with a 70PG/30VG ratio from a flavor perspective.
We recommend using low wattage equipment with coils above 1.0 ohm resistance at less than 20 watts for the natural flavors.
