When you’re searching for E-Liquid deals in the UK, you’ll notice that different bottles of vape juice will mention VG and PG.
But what are VG and PG, and how do they impact your vape? Here, we talk you through everything you need to know about VG and PG, so you can decide which levels suit your taste and preferences best.
What Are VG and PG?
VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin, and PG stands for Propylene Glycol. Both are important ingredients in E-Liquid, as they are used as a base to hold together the nicotine and flavourings and are crucial for forming clouds.
The VG and PG will be displayed on the bottle as a ratio or percentage of how much of each is in the E-Liquid. For example, a bottle that says 50/50 will be half VG, half PG. A bottle that is 70/30 will be 70% VG and 30% PG.
For example, on the bottle of RED Liquids Apple E-Liquid below, it says 40VG/60PG, meaning it contains 40% VG and 60% PG.
VG: Vegetable Glycerin
When we’re talking about VG, the V stands for ‘vegetable’ (g for ‘glycerin’) – but you can also think of it as ‘V for vapour’.
VG is the main thing that helps to create that famous vapour cloud. In fact, vegetable glycerin is one of the things that is poured into smoke machines to create that movie-moment/rock concert effect! But don’t let that worry you – it’s a non-toxic ingredient that is also used in a ton of foods, such as yoghurt and baked goods.
Higher levels of VG will deliver a smoother throat hit and a bigger vape cloud. In fact, if cloud chasing is your thing, then there are 100% VG E-Liquids available to help you get the biggest clouds!
VG is used as a sweetener in lots of foods, and this is apparent in E-Liquid too, as it can impart a sweeter taste into the vapour.
PG: Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol – what we call PG – is an artificial liquid mixing ingredient that is used in all sorts of things that we consume, from foods that we eat to ointments and lotions that we rub on our bodies.
PG does the bulk of the heavy lifting when it comes to carrying flavour. It is used to bind together all the other ingredients, like the nicotine and flavour. PG is tasteless and odourless, so it doesn’t impact on the flavour or aroma of your E-Liquid.
It is not toxic or carcinogenic – in fact, 45% passes through the kidneys, and the rest is broken down into lactic acid.
It also helps to create that ‘throat hit’ sensation that mimics the experience of smoking a cigarette. The higher the PG percentage in your E-Liquid, the stronger the throat hit.
For those who have just started using e-cigarettes, it may cause you to feel thirsty and your mouth to feel dry, which is why it’s recommended to drink extra water until your body adapts to it.
Getting the Right VG and PG Balance For You
VG and PG are essential ingredients in E-Liquid because they work together to make it possible for you to ingest nicotine and flavouring through your e-cigarette. When it comes to choosing a VG/PG balance, there’s no right answer – it all depends on what kind of vaping experience you’re in the mood for.
The ratio you go for depends on whether you want a stronger throat hit, more flavour, or a bigger vape cloud. To put it simply:
- More VG = a bigger vape cloud, subtler flavour, and a smoother experience.
- More PG = a stronger throat hit and a stronger flavour.
There’s a huge range that you can try – vape juice measures from 20% VG and 80% PG to 100% VG and 0% PG. The best way to work out what is best for you is to try a selection of E-Liquids!
You can start off with a more balanced E-Liquid, like 50/50 or 40/60, and then try more extreme percentages if you decide you want a smoother or harsher vape experience or a bigger cloud.
With the E-Liquid deals at RED Box Vape, you can try out a wide range of E-Liquids at bargain prices to discover the best VG and PG combination for you!
When you shop for E-Liquid on our site, you can filter by VG/PG ratio and explore the options that way. Alternatively, please feel free to talk to our team about which is the best option for you.