What is PG and VG?

28 April 2016

If you've delved into the mysterious world of vaping you've probably already heard the terms PG and VG. You might not know what they are though, and how they contribute to the vaping experience. If you're already a professional cloud chaser then I'm preaching to the choir, but for the rest of you, listen up!

PG

The term PG refers to the substance propylene glycol. PG is an organic compound, and has several uses outside of vaping. It can be found in asthma inhalers, medical products and beauty products, such as make-up, shampoo and baby wipes. It is also used in various edible items such as coffee-based drinks, sweeteners, ice cream and fizzy drinks.

VG

VG is otherwise known as vegetable glycerin, and is a natural substance derived from vegetable oil. It's a thick, colourless and odourless liquid, with a sweet taste. VG is thicker than PG and gives a much smoother hit. In terms of real-world applications, VG is used in a wide range of food, medical and personal care products including make-up, aftershave, pet food, soap and hand cream, toothpaste and as a sweetener in various foods. 

Vegetable Glycerin

The Differences 

There are a few main differences between the two substances, but together they form the basis for nearly all e-liquids. The ratio of the two varies based on personal preference, since it has an effect on the final vaping experience. PG is noted for its 'throat hit', which gives a sensation somewhat similar to smoking tobacco. This makes it desirable for heavier cigarette smokers who may be used to the feeling. It also carries flavour well, allowing you to properly taste a wide range of complex flavour combinations.

VG gives a smoother sensation when vaped, so if a throat hit isn't a priority it's a great alternative. Another thing VG is noted for is that it creates large vapour clouds, so the higher the percentage of VG in your e-liquid, the bigger these will be. Some vapers, known as cloud chasers, have taken this to competitive levels and try and create the largest clouds possible through modified equipment and high VG e-juice. This performance comes at a price, though, as the thick VG can make cleaning your equipment difficult. 

PG VG
More of a throat hit Smooth throat hit
Smaller clouds Huge clouds
Better flavours Muted flavours
Easy on your equipment Can clog up equipment

Are They Safe?

This is hard to answer definitively, but common sense should tell us that PG and VG are much preferable to the toxins from cigarettes/cigarette smoke. If you don't believe me, do you believe the Royal College of Physicians? Common side effects can include dry mouth, dry skin and itchiness (symptoms of dehydration) and possible allergies to PG that can cause irritation, but these allergies are rare, and much more preferable to cancer, heart disease and emphysema (some of the possible side effects of smoking). 

Where Can I Get PG/VG?

Good question. Well, here at Vape Mountain we've got a great selection of PG and VG e-liquids, so why not pick some up today?

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

OK Vape Tobacco Low Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (6mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Low Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (6mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Low nicotine strength of 6mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.50 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
EDGE GO E-Cigarette Device

EDGE GO E-Cigarette Device

£10.00
In stock now  In stock now
  • E-cigarette device for use with EDGE GO pods
  • Sleek and slender device is discreet to use
  • Buttonless design for easy activation
  • Petite 10.5cm length perfect for on-the-go use
OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • High nicotine strength of 18mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.50 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Blueberry and strawberry flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Extra-high nicotine strength of 20mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.50 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
Blu Pro E-Cigarette Clearomiser

Blu Pro E-Cigarette Clearomiser

£5.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Ergonomic mouthpiece for consistent vapour
  • Top-filling design makes refills quick and easy
  • Clear window shows how much e-liquid is left
  • Designed exclusively for Blu Pro to ensure compatibility
EDGE Cherry Ice Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Cherry Ice Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Cherry and menthol flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
EDGE GO Blackcurrant Refill Pods (5 Packs)

EDGE GO Blackcurrant Refill Pods (5 Packs)

£23.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Five packs of blackcurrant-flavoured pods
  • Designed for use with the EDGE GO device
  • Easy to use with a simple click-and-go design
  • Available in a range of nicotine strengths
Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a delicious mixed berry flavour
  • Provides 600 puffs per bar, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Compact, portable and drag-activated for a great vape experience 
  • Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device
OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

£9.48
In stock now  In stock now
  • Replacement battery and pack of cartridges
  • For the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Available with tobacco or menthol cartridges
  • Purchase one, two, or three batteries
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
EDGE British Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE British Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK