VG & PG In Vape Juices: What You Need To Know

Vaping offers people a safer way to get their nicotine hit without relying on tobacco, which is full of carbon monoxide, tar and dangerous chemicals. Even specialists agree that it doesn't have the same risks as smoking, so there are plenty of reasons to give vaping a go.

It's a different experience to smoking, and some people find it challenging to get to grips with - at first.

One area of confusion is e-liquids, the defining factor of your vaping experience.

So, with that in mind, this post will tell you everything you need to know about e-liquids, so you can choose the right ones for you.

E-Liquids: What Are They?

There are numerous components in each vaping device, including batteries, cartridges and heating elements. E-liquids are a tobacco replacement because they provide nicotine and flavour, similar to a smoker's choice of a tobacco brand.

Vape juices contain a combination of vegetable glycerine, propylene glycol and nicotine (although some are nicotine free).

While each vaping kit uses e-liquids, your involvement will vary depending on your device.

Let's take a look at them now.

Vape Pens

Vape pens are one of the simplest ways to enjoy vaping, as they're similar to regular cigarettes in shape. You can carry them around in your pocket and then fill them with e-liquid when needed.

Pod Systems

Pods are similar to vape pens in many ways, but they use cartridges, which many people find more convenient. Each cartridge contains e-liquid, so you remove it when empty and click another one into place.

Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes are popular because all you have to do is open the pack and then start vaping. It's similar to smoking in many ways, but disposable vapes can get expensive for heavy users.

Mod Systems

Mod systems are advanced vaping devices that people usually move on to when they require something stronger than traditional vape pens or disposables.

You can customise the experience with mod systems, including choosing different wattages to vape at and adjusting the airflow.

The Different Types Of E-Liquid

There are four main ingredients in e-liquid:

• Vegetable Glycerine
• Propylene Glycol
• Nicotine
• Flavourings

The nicotine and the flavourings will make a difference to your vaping experience because they provide the flavour, satisfy your cravings and define the strength of your throat hit.

However, the VG and PG ratios will be an essential consideration when you're choosing e-liquids.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

Derived from coconut or palm oil, vegetable glycerine is transparent and has a subtle sweet taste. It's popular for cosmetic companies and always finds its place in e-liquids, as vegetable glycerine is 100% safe for human consumption.

Vegetable glycerine is popular because it has a thick consistency and naturally enhances the flavour of your vape.

However, while it's excellent for creating massive clouds of vapour, it can also be too thick for some people and doesn't offer much of a throat hit.

You'll often find vegetable glycerine in:

• Cosmetic products - such as skin care lotions.
• Household Items - including toothpaste, shampoo and soap
• Pet food
• Baked goods

Propylene Glycol (PG)

While propylene glycol is a petrol by-product, it's certified as the same for humans to consume. It's much thinner than vegetable glycerine, but propylene holds flavours well and creates a more substantial throat hit.

If you're a fan of e-liquids with natural flavours, using a PG-heavy combination to a 50/50 ratio will guarantee an authentic experience.

Similar to vegetable glycerine in many ways, propylene glycol is known as a petrol by-product - but it's safe for human consumption.

Propylene glycol has many uses, including:

• Medicines/Health products
• Pet food
• Nicotine inhalers
• Toothpaste and some other personal care products

Which Blend Is Right For You?

There are so many vape juice blends, and figuring out which is best for you can be tricky if you're new to vaping. While there are some PG-heavy e-liquids around, it's more common to find VG as the dominant substance because propylene glycol can be pretty intense.

Here are the main ratios you'll come across.

50 PG/50 VG Vape Juices

These e-liquids are the most common on the market and highly popular with former smokers. They offer an equal mix of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol, which gives you a strong throat hit with lots of flavours.

However, you can also create decent vapour clouds, and the vegetable glycerine will offer a smoother experience.

All beginners should start with a 50/50 ratio because it allows you to get accustomed to vaping, and then you'll be able to identify which balance will suit your needs.

70 VG/30 PG Vape Juices

For some people, the opportunity to create impressive clouds is the most crucial thing they look for in e-liquids. If you're a direct-to-lung vapers, you might want to try a 70% vegetable glycerine mix.

Most smokers are mouth-to-lung vapers because it replicates the same experience. Direct-to-lung vaping, also known as sub-ohm, is a more intense experience because the vapour goes straight to your lung, ensuring very little escapes through your mouth.

Some people might find VG juices too thick, depending on your preferences.

80VG /20 PG E-Liquids

Hardcore vapers who love the sub-ohm experience will love 80/20 ratios because they're hugely dominant on vegetable glycerine. These e-liquids are also excellent if you're sensitive to propylene glycol because they'll minimise the risk of a reaction.

Better still, 80/20 vape juices allow you to create some awesome clouds, which is a big bonus if you like impressing people with large vape rings.

High PG Vape Juice

In some cases, you might be able to find high-PG vape juice, but they're also relatively rare. Propylene glycol e-liquids will deliver a big throat hit and carry flavour well, but some people think they're too intense.

If you're a heavy smoker used to high-strength tobacco, you might find PG-dominant e-liquids serve a purpose until you're ready to reduce your dependency.

Things To Consider

So, now you know all about e-liquids and the ratios, it's time to look at the best for your needs. Before making a final decision, you should look at the pros and cons of VG and PG vape juices.

VG Pros:

• Sweet flavour: Vegetable glycerine is renowned for its sweet flavour, which can elevate the taste of any e-liquid. High VG liquids in fruit or dessert flavours can have a fantastic taste.
• It makes enormous clouds: OK, nobody takes up vaping because they want to create some clouds, but it's still a plus to have, and VG-dense e-liquids never fail to disappoint.
• Fewer throat issues: Most people would agree that VG liquids are much softer on the throat than their PG counterparts. Some vapers might find PG too intense, and it can also make your mouth dry.

VG Cons:

• The sweetest can mask the flavour: While VG liquids offer a lot of flavours, they're best suited for sweet e-liquids. They can hide the taste of traditional tobacco vape juices, so be sure to find a 50/50 ratio.
• More difficult to heart: Like all oils, VG is thick - which equates to a longer heating time. Some vapers might find they need a mod kit because pens can't deliver a customisable experience.
• Weak: If you're a fan of strong throat hits, VG might not suit you as it's weak on the throat. Ex-smokers can find they don't get what they need from VG-dense e-liquids, but a 50/50 ratio will provide a strong throat hit.

PG Pros:

• Stronger flavours: Propylene glycol is thin, so it can carry flavours better. Ex-smokers love it because tobacco has an intense flavour too, but there's more choice with e-liquid.
• Heat at lower temperatures: Propylene glycol is efficient when heating up, so you can vape them at lower wattages. Some people prefer this, especially as it reduces the risk of burns.
• Better throat hit: The most critical benefit of PG is the throat hit it offers. Propylene glycol gives ex-smokers a more authentic experience.

PG Cons:

• Dry mouth: One of the drawbacks of PG vape juices is they cause a dry mouth. However, drinking a lot of water can solve the problem and prevent it.
• Sore throat: Like smoking, propylene glycol can cause a sore throat. However, if you're new to vaping, the substance can give you a sore throat.
• Less vapour: If you love creating large vapour clouds, you might find that PG doesn't deliver as much as you'd like.

Final Thoughts

So, now you know about e-liquids and the different ratios, it's time to decide which is best for you. If you're looking for a vape shop, UK company Simple E-Liquid offers vape juices in various ratios and flavours.

Shop today and enjoy the many benefits vaping offers.