WHAT IS VG AND PG? A NEW VAPER’S GUIDE

Being a vaper introduces a world of new words into your vocab, and two of the most important terms you’ll come across are VG and PG. But what do they mean exactly? 

What is VG and PG? A New Vaper’s Guide

Being a vaper introduces a world of new words into your vocab, and two of the most important terms you’ll come across are VG and PG. But what do they mean exactly?

What is VG and PG?

The type of e juice you choose when vaping can impact on your overall experience tremendously. This is why understanding the difference between VG and PG (the two types of e liquids) will help you achieve the desired result. VG stands for vegetable glycerin while PG means propylene glycol. All e liquids contain either VG or PG with most having both in varying proportions, with added flavouring and nicotine. The quantity (and quality) of each element determines everything from the flavour, to the clouds, to the throat hit.

What You Need to Know about VG

Vegetable glycerine is found in everyday essentials like aftershave, cough syrup and food colouring. And unlike propylene glycol, VG, is not produced chemically in a lab. It is derived from plant and vegetable oils and is 100% natural. This makes it thicker than PG, and this thickness is the reason VG is able to create richer plumes of vapour, making it the go-to choice for cloud chasers. The downside to this viscosity is that it accumulates slime easily, therefore necessitating regular cleaning and maintenance of your e cig device. However, for those prone to allergies or anyone who prefers a more natural product, VG-based e liquid is the way to go due to its natural properties. VG-based e-juice has a sweet tinge to it. While this is a pleasant side effect with no major negative impact on the vaping experience, the discerning tongue can pick this out as the sweetness can slightly alter the overall taste of the e liquid. VG-based e liquids carry the day in the following categories:

• Vapour production
• Smoothness
• Little allergy risk

What You Need to Know about PG

Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid you’ll find in many food additives and cosmetic products. When vaping became a trend, PG was the king due to the good throat hit it delivers that simulates the effect of a real cigarette. A good deal of users agree a good throat hit is crucial when it comes to vaping. This is particularly so for smokers who are making the switch to vaping as PG is more likely to make the transition much easier. Propylene glycol is tasteless, which explains why it has zero effect on the flavouring used in a particular juice. It is this quality that makes PG-based e liquids crisper and more intense. It is also less viscous compared to VG, which allows it to be absorbed better. This quality also makes it friendlier for your coils and tanks as it leaves less gunk than VG, which means less cleaning to contend with. On the downside, some users find PG a bit too harsh or irritating, so if you desire a smoother vape, you need to balance it out with VG. This might lessen the throat hit, but it will also mean less potential soreness in your throat afterwards. In a nutshell, PG-based e liquids win in the following categories:

• Flavour intensity
• Throat hit
• Vapour temperature

The Best of Both Worlds

For many vapers, the ultimate e juice is one that marries both PG and VG to bring out the best of each element. Those with a proclivity for stronger throat hits will lean more towards a juice with higher PG than VG. On the other hand, those who desire thicker clouds will opt for higher VG concentration. E liquids are available in all sorts of PG-VG combos, whether that be a 50/50 mix, a VG-based e liquid, or whatever else suits your fancy. Ultimately, it all boils down to personal preference, and unearthing your ideal mix will involve playing around with both options until you find your sweet spot.