What is VG?

22 April 2016

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!

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£6.99
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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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Lost Mary BM600 Triple Mango Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Triple Mango Disposable Vape (20mg)

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EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

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

£11.99
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Elf Bar 600 Snoow Tobacco Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

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£4.99
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  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
OK Vape Tobacco High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

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

£6.99
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  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout