What is VG and PG?

27 April 2016

If you’re new to vaping, you might have come across the terms VG and PG. Fear not, this isn't some secret code exclusive to the experienced vaping community - it simply stands for Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol. Still have no idea what these mean? Don't worry - they sound more complex than they actually are! Read on to learn more.

All About That Base

Vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol are two of the key ingredients which provide the base for e-liquids. Combined with flavouring and often nicotine and distilled water, they make the juice what it is and allow it to be successfully transformed into yummy vapour for you to inhale! 

Many e-liquids have equal amounts of VG and PG in their content, but this balance can be adjusted depending on your individual preference. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Spot the Difference

Both PG and VG are odourless, colourless substances found in many common food and personal care products, like soap, and are generally regarded as safe. However, the two ingredients have different consistencies, as well as a slightly different tastes. This means they produce their own distinctive mouth and throat sensation when inhaled. We’ve drawn up the differences below for you to compare!

PG VG
Petroleum by-product Natural chemical derived from plant oil
Slightly higher risk of allergic reaction than with VG Natural – less likely to cause allergic reaction
Provides a stronger “throat hit” similar to a traditional cigarette Provides a smoother hit
Carries flavour more effectively Slightly sweeter than PG
Thinner than VG – will not clog your vaping device Thicker than PG – gives denser sensation to the liquid and produces larger clouds but can clog atomiser

PG vs. VG

If you enjoy a sharper throat hit, for instance if you want to simulate the sensation of smoking as closely as possible, you’ll probably want a higher PG liquid. PG also carries flavour a little better than VG and produces less vapour, ideal if you want to be less conspicuous when vaping in public. 

If a smoother delivery is important to you, higher VG may be more suitable. It produces a thicker cloud which feels slightly heavier in the mouth, as well as enabling denser, larger clouds of vapour. If you’re interested in cloud-chasing, the activity which involves competing to create impressive plumes of vapour, definitely favour VG over PG. 

If none of this means that much to you then best go for a 50/50 PG/VG liquid – the best of both worlds! Have a browse of the e-liquids available at Vape Mountain now and discover your preferred blend!

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
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  • Bright and colourful design in a conveniently compact case
  • Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device
OK Vape E-Cigarette Low Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges (6mg)

OK Vape E-Cigarette Low Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges (6mg)

£6.99
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  • Each pack contains five cartridges and lasts for the equivalent of 125 traditional cigarettes
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  • Bulk offers available starting at £5.50 per pack
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
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EDGE Blackcurrant E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

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

£6.99
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  • Available from £5.50 per pack!
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Elf Bar 600 ElfTurbo Ice (Elfbull Ice) Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 ElfTurbo Ice (Elfbull Ice) Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
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  • Disposable vape pen supplied in an authentic energy drink 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 Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

£5.49
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  • Rechargeable electronic cigarette with slim "cigalike" design
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  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
EDGE Strawberry and Lime E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Strawberry and Lime E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Tobacco flavoured e-liquid
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EDGE GO Blackcurrant Refill Pods (5 Packs)

EDGE GO Blackcurrant Refill Pods (5 Packs)

£23.99
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  • Five packs of blackcurrant-flavoured pods
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EDGE British Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE British Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Tobacco flavoured e-liquid
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EDGE Strawberry Milkshake E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

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£11.99
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  • Strawberry milkshake flavoured e-liquid
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EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

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£11.99
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  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
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