What is VG and PG: Key Differences Explained
What is VG in Vape Juice?
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is a thick liquid. It’s made from vegetable oils. It’s one of the main ingredients in e-liquids.
VG is commonly used in things like toothpaste, cosmetics, and food. In vaping, VG helps create the vapour you see when someone exhales after taking a puff.
The higher the VG in a liquid, the more vapour it will produce. It’s also known for being gentler on the throat. If you're not into strong hits and just want bigger clouds, you’re probably going to like e-liquids with more VG
What is PG in Vape Juice?
Another main ingredient in e-liquids, PG (Propylene Glycol), is thinner than VG. Apart from vaping liquids, it’s also found in a lot of food items and medicines, including asthma inhalers, and has been used safely for decades.
PG carries flavour better than VG and gives a stronger hit at the back of your throat. That’s one of the reasons why PG-based liquids are often preferred by people who want to quit smoking.
VG and PG Ratios: Why They Matter
E-liquids come in different ratios. The ratio can make a big difference depending on your vaping style and device.
Here are some common mixes:
- 50/50: This balanced mix is good for general use. Suitable for most beginner devices.
- 70/30 VG/PG: More VG means more vapour. This mix is often used in larger, more powerful vape kits.
- 30/70 VG/PG: More PG gives you a stronger hit. Ideal for basic kits and smokers switching to vaping.
- 100% VG: It’s very thick. Used by people sensitive to PG. Not ideal for all devices.
- 100% PG: Rare. Mostly used for strong throat hits in very basic setups.
The ratio matters because not every device handles every liquid well. If you pour a thick, high-VG juice into a small vape pen, it might not wick properly and can burn the coil.
How Device Type Affects Your Choice
Note that not all vapes are built the same, and choosing the right e-liquid depends on what kind of vape you’re using, such as:
1. Pod Systems
Pod systems are popular because they’re handy. They’re designed for a draw that feels like a cigarette, which makes them a good pick for beginners or smokers who’ve recently switched.These devices usually work best with 50/50 liquids or ones with more PG. Thicker liquids cause poor performance.
Most pod users choose nicotine salts because they absorb faster into the bloodstream and feel smoother even at higher nicotine levels.
2. MTL Kits
MTL(Mouth-to-Lung) kits are also designed for people who like a cigarette-like inhale. They’re a step up from pod systems, but still don’t need high VG liquids.50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG is usually the sweet spot for these. Thinner liquids keep the coils from burning out too quickly, and you get a good hit without the overwhelming vapour.
3. Sub-Ohm Mods
These are the larger devices used to blow huge clouds. They’re built for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and can handle low-resistance coils (below 1 ohm). That means they generate more heat, more vapour, and often use less nicotine.For these devices, high VG liquids like 70/30 are ideal. The thicker liquid helps prevent leaks and works well with the large wicking ports in sub-ohm coils.
4. Rebuildable Atomisers (RDA, RTA, RDTA)
These setups are for people who build and wick their own coils. In this case, the ideal VG/PG ratio depends on your coil size and airflow.Most rebuildable users still stick with 70/30 VG/PG or thicker because it suits their build. These setups can handle thick juices and produce a lot of vapour.
