What is VG?

22 April 2016  |  Admin

VG. What is it? Well, it's not a small island in the South Pacific (I'll wait...), it's actually one of the main ingredients in e-liquid, along with its cousin PG. You've probably heard of it if you've got even a casual interest in vaping, but you might not know exactly what it is and the reasons for its use in vaping. If not, then read on, and impress your friends with all your VG knowledge. If you know already then good for you, you little scamp.

What Does VG Stand For?

VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin. It's a simple, naturally occurring chemical that derived from, you guessed it, vegetable oil. VG is in nearly all e-liquids, in varying concentrations. It's a thick, colourless and odourless liquid, with a sweet taste. VG is thicker than PG and gives a much smoother hit when vaped. Outside of vaping, VG is used in a wide range of food, medical and personal care products including cosmetics, aftershave, pet food, soap and hand cream, toothpaste and as a sweetener in various foods. 

What is Vaping with VG Like?

Well, as VG is a lot thicker than PG, it tends to give a much smoother feeling on the throat, without the same degree of 'throat hit' as PG. This means that you won't get the same kick at the back of the throat you're used to if you're switching from cigarettes, so it could be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences. The flavourings in your e-liquids can be slightly less obvious if you're using VG, but this can be remedied by using more power to create more vapour.

Vegetable Glycerin

The vapour is another reason to choose e-liquids high in VG, as it produces a lot more than PG. 'Cloud chasing', a growing trend amongst vapers, is done with high proportions of VG and involves simply trying to create the biggest vapour clouds possible. 

Are There Any Risks?

I'll get this bit out of the way; not many studies have been done on the inhalation of VG, so it's fair to say some more detailed study about the safety of it would be useful. That being said, VG is in most respects a pretty harmless substance, and it's hard to see these studies finding anything too damning. VG has been "generally recognised as safe" by the FDA and is one of the most benign substances around. It has low potential for irritating the skin or the eyes, making it safer than PG in this respect, and it also has a low toxicity. 

The risk of allergy to VG is also very low, making it a great alternative for the minority of people who are allergic to PG. It's also vegetarian-friendly, so no need to worry if you're an advocate of animal welfare. If you're an advocate of vegetable welfare, though, I've got bad news for you...

How Much VG Should I Use in My E-Liquid?

This is all going to come down to personal preference. If you want a smoother, less harsh throat hit then a high percentage of VG is ideal, but if you want to taste the flavours better PG is the way to go. If bigger clouds are your thing, VG is also the better choice, just be careful that your equipment can handle it, and clean it regularly. If you're still unsure, start with a 50-50 ratio of VG to PG and go from there!

Where Can I Get VG E-Liquids?

If you're looking for a range of e-liquids, with different VG and PG ratios, then Vape Mountain is a great starting point.

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Blueberry and strawberry flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
Logic PRO E-Cigarette Refill Capsules Menthol 6mg

Logic PRO E-Cigarette Refill Capsules Menthol 6mg

£4.99
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  • A classic and refreshing minty menthol flavour
  • Includes three UK-made 1.5ml e-liquid capsules
  • Nicotine strength of 6mg per ml
  • Bulk offers available at a reduced price per pack
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
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

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

£6.99
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  • 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 £5.00 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
  • About the OK Vape Pricing
EDGE Strawberry and Lime E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

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

£11.99
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  • Strawberry and lime flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

£9.48
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  • 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 E-Cigarette Nicotine-Free Menthol Refill Cartridges (0mg)

OK Vape E-Cigarette Nicotine-Free Menthol Refill Cartridges (0mg)

£6.99
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  • Menthol flavour refill cartridges for the OK Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Each pack contains five cartridges and lasts for the equivalent of 125 traditional cigarettes
  • Nicotine-free with 0mg of nicotine in each cartridge
  • Bulk offers available starting at £5.00 per pack
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
  • About the OK Vape Pricing
OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

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

£6.99
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  • 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 £5.00 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
  • About the OK Vape Pricing
OK Vape Tobacco Medium Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (12mg)

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

£6.99
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  • 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
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
  • Available from £5.00 per pack!
  • About the OK Vape Pricing
EDGE Blueberry E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Blueberry E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Fruity blueberry flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
EDGE Blackcurrant E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Blackcurrant E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • 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