What is PG/VG?

20 April 2016

If you're new to vaping, all the terminology might be a bit confusing at first, and you might not know your atomisers from your APV. If that's the case, worry not, because at Vape Mountain we're here to explain. One of the main issues prospective vapers might have is not knowing about the contents of e-liquids, and the main ingredients; PG and VG. Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) are integral parts of the vaping experience, and this article seeks to shed some light on these mysterious substances.

So, What Are They?

PG and VG are the odourless liquids that combine with nicotine (sometimes) and flavouring to create e-juice. When heated, they produce vapour, and the inhaling of this vapour is what 'vaping' actually is. The two substances are usually used together in e-juices, but the ratio of each varies dramatically depending on what set-up you're using or just personal preference. PG is thinner and creates a better 'throat hit', while VG is thick, sweet and creates large amounts of vapour.

Vegetable Glycerin

PG

Propylene Glycol is an organic compound. It has no colour or odour, and is much thinner than VG. It is also more effective at providing a throat hit, which users claim is a sensation similar to smoking tobacco. PG's main benefit is that it carries flavour better than VG, allowing you to get the most out of your vaping.

VG

Vegetable Glycerin is a natural chemical derived from vegetable oil. It is a thick, heavy liquid with a slightly sweet taste, and is often used to give a 'thick' sensation to vapour. The hit from e-juices high in VG is a lot smoother than PG. VG also produces large amounts of vapour, making it desirable for vapers who try to make the biggest clouds possible (cloud chasers). VG's main drawback is that it can clog up your equipment and be hard to clean.

What's Your Goal?

Your chosen ratio of PG and VG is all down to what type of vaping you prefer, as they are both suited to different things. If you value flavour and throat hit above vapour then a high percentage of PG is probably for you, whereas if you're looking to get into cloud chasing/sub-ohm vaping VG is the better choice. If you're not bothered by any of these things and just want one which feels the best to you, it'll probably take some trial and error, but just experiment with a few concentrations and see what suits you best.

Are They Safe?

Studies have shown that PG is safe to ingest orally, and it is "generally recognised as safe" by the FDA as a food additive. Not enough study has been done on inhaling PG to make any definitive statements though. Some people may find a high concentration of PG irritating to the throat, and allergies are very rare, but have been reported. Should you come out in a rash, or experience any other unpleasant symptoms, then it's probably best to switch to VG.

VG is also "generally recognised as safe" by the FDA and is one of the most benign substances around, being used in beauty products, soap, and as a sweetener in various foods. The risk of allergy is also low, and while there hasn't been much study done on inhaling VG, everything points to the fact that it would have a minimal effect on health.

Juice Up!

Now you know a bit more about them, why not shop the range of E-liquids on Vape Mountain? There's a great range, so have a look and see which is best for you.

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

EDGE Blackcurrant E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Blackcurrant E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Fruity blackcurrant flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
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
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 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
Elf Bar 600 Snoow Tobacco Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Snoow Tobacco Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a creamy snoow tobacco 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
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 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
Elf Bar 600 Blueberry Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Blueberry Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a delicious blueberry 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 Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

£37.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Starter kit containing everything that you need to start vaping
  • Menthol flavoured and ideal for those who want to cut down on smoking
  • Contains a total of 26 high strength refills (18mg) and one medium strength refill (12mg)
  • Includes a USB charger, K1 Battery and an OK Vape carry case
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
OK Vape Tobacco Medium Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (12mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Medium Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (12mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Medium nicotine strength of 12mg
  • 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
OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

£5.49
In stock now  In stock now
  • Rechargeable electronic cigarette with slim "cigalike" design
  • Includes two tobacco flavoured nicotine refills
  • Starter kit includes everything that you need to start vaping
  • Number of different tobacco and menthol refills available
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout