VG vs PG

What is VG?

VG refers to Vegetable Glycerin. It is safe for vegetarians considering that the natural chemical comes from vegetable oils. It is a common ingredient of e-liquid and gives the vapor a thick sensation. Compared to propylene glycol, the former offers a smoother throat hit.

Furthermore, it is also thicker and has a sweet taste to it. These characteristics make it suitable for vaping via sub-ohm tank. Usually, the flavorings and nicotine are mixed in PG. However, an alternative is now being offered by some vendors in the form of pure VG suspensions.

VG is classified as generally recognized as safe by the FDA. It is among the most benign substances you will come across. As per the SIDS assessment profile, the substance has low toxicity if consumed and the potential to irritate eyes or skin is low as well. VG is also used quite commonly in food and medicines. Therefore, it is safe to say that the substance is not really harmful to humans. At the same time, it needs to be remembered that not a lot of studies have been done on inhalation of PG and VG in contrast to ingestion of these substances.

It is also noteworthy that the risk of someone having an allergic reaction to VG is minimal. Thus, it is a suitable choice for those who face problems while vaping e-liquid with PG. Those allergic to coconut oil or palm oil might not be able to take VG, but such instances are rare. Metabolizing VG might be a problem for people with diabetes. However, the levels of the substance present in e-liquid are unlikely to cause such issues.

Features of VG Vape Juice

• Thicker: VG is thicker than propylene glycol. Its absorption rate is also slower for atomizer and wicks.

• More Gunk: VG has a thick consistency. As a result, it can clog vaporizers by gunking up. Therefore, it has to be cleaned more often.

• Sweeter: VG has a sweet taste to it. Thus, the e-liquid containing also tends to be sweet, making it a bit difficult to detect the flavor.

• Allergy Risk: PG can cause dry mouth in users. On the other hand, there have been complaints about the substance causing a buildup of phlegm in those using e-juices containing VG. VG is less likely to cause allergies, and those people susceptible to allergies tend to prefer it.

• Less Throat Hit: Throat hit with VG is considerably less.

• More Vapor: More vapors are produced by VG owing to the thick consistency that it has.

What is PG?

PG is an abbreviation for propylene glycol. This petroleum by-product is devoid of color or odor. Its viscosity is also less compared to VG. It is used for providing throat hit in vaping, and according to many vapers, the sensation is similar to what one experiences while smoking tobacco. It is more effective in carrying flavors compared to VG and thus is more often used for flavor nicotine and concentrates.

As per studies, ingestion of PG orally is safe. Furthermore, it is categorized in the group of 'generally recognized as safe' by the FDA for being used as a food additive. The thing is, most studies are focused on ingestion of PG rather than its use in the form of an aerosol. A long term experiment conducted back in 1947 deemed inhalation of PG as completely safe.

Features of PG Vape Juice

• Thinner Consistency: The consistency of propylene glycol is runny. Therefore, e-liquid with PG tends to be thinner compared to VG. Absorption of the substance by polyfill and cotton fabric present inside wick racks and atomizer is easy.

• Less Gunk: Since the juice has low density, it does not lead to a buildup of gunk on the heating element within a short span like vegetable glycerin.

• Does Not Affect Flavor: This substance is devoid of any taste. Therefore, the flavor of e-liquid is not altered owing to its presence.

• Stronger Throat Hit: Being a powerful humectant, it dries mouth and throat when used regularly. The throat hit produced by the substance is stronger, not unlike tobacco smoking.

• Allergy Risk: One problem is that PG is prone to cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. The reactions can be minor with the user feeling a tingling sensation in the throat. Severe irritation can also occur in different parts of the body. In case you feel some unusual symptoms as you vape, it is advisable to stop at the earliest and consider using VG. You might also want to consult a doctor.

What is PG/VG Ratio？

Different effects are produced with various ratios. The ratio of PG/VG is influenced by your method of vaping. The type of vape mod or device you use is essential. Nearly all e-liquid blends comprise of both VG and PG. It is the ratio of the two substances which decide which e-liquid is suitable for a particular vaping device.

• Smoothness: Vape juice with a high VG ratio offers a smoother experience of vaping. It has a thicker and substantial feel. It is a possibility that the flavor is somewhat hidden in the brands with high VG. However, increasing the power of the vape device can take care of this problem. Ensure that you do not end up going overboard. Dry throat hits can result with too much power.
• Throat Hit: E-juice with a high PG offers sharper throat hit. Beginners tend to have a bit of a hard time adjusting to vaping initially. This is because the experience lacks the kick one gets at the back of his throat while smoking regular tobacco cigarettes. It is possible that the problem lies in the PG/VG ratio that your e-liquid comprises of. A high PG juice prevents your relapse to smoking.
• Stealth Vaping: E-liquid with high PG content produced less powerful and fewer clouds, thereby offering discretion. Therefore, if you do not want to generate attention to your vaping, you will find high PG vape juice to be a better choice. However, keep in mind that there is no e-juice which is completely free of clouds.
• Cloud Chasing: Those who like big clouds will prefer high VG e-juice since they produce thick and dense clouds. In cloud cashing contests, thicker clouds lead to greater rewards. The one who blows darkest and biggest clouds is the winner.

Different ratios of VG/PG

• The Best VG to PG Ratio for Good Quality Vapors or Cloud Chasers: VG 100%

If cloud chasing is what you are interested in, an e-liquid comprising purely of VG would be ideal for you. It will offer you maximum cloud on exhalation.

Cloud production is mostly owing to VG. Therefore, it's quite straightforward. The maximum amount of VG leads to maximum clouds. Competitive vapers seldom get concerned with the gunk buildup in the vaping device since the trade-off isn't a bad one. Furthermore, throat hits and flavors are not really their concerns.

• The Best PG to VG Ratio for Lifestyle or Casual Vapers: VG 70% to PG 30

Those who like to have a smooth feel that is not overpowering for the throat during inhalation and prefer big clouds on exhalation with tasty flavor will find 70/30 ratio to be ideal.

This ratio offers the best of both worlds. Impressive cloud production is provided with great flavor, and a smooth throat hit. At the same time, no element overpowers the other.

The only problem one might have with this ratio is that gunk buildup might become more frequent due to the high quotient of VG.

• The Finest PG to VG Proportion for Occasional Vapers: VG 50$ to PG 50%

Occasional vapers seldom turn to it for satisfying a craving. Instead, their goal is to enjoy the experience now and then. For such vapers, 50/50 ratio of VG/PG is suitable.

Considering that you are occasionally vaping, you will want something that works best for you. You would want to taste the flavor and get a good throat hit. At the same, you would want to have some fun with cloud production. Cleaning and maintenance would not be an issue for you, considering that you do not vape frequently.

• The Best PG to VG Proportion for those who chase Flavors: 100% PG

Pure PG based e-juices used to enjoy immense popularity. However, they are not really common now. Maximum throat hit with intense flavor is offered by 100% PG e-juice. However, cloud production is compromised.

The vapor production with this ratio is significantly low in contrast to those e-liquids that comprise of VG. However, the flavor is quite high.

The throat hit you get with your e-juice is also influenced by the nicotine level present in it. Presence of nicotine in e-liquids offers a bit more throat hit. This implies that pure VG-based e-liquid that offers minimal throat hit would offer some feel of a hit if nicotine is mixed in it. The higher the nicotine concentration in your e-juice, the more throat hit is produced. Therefore, even if you are a cloud chaser who uses pure VG e-liquid, you can still get a good throat hit by adding a bit of nicotine to the e-juice.

How To Choose The Best VG/PG Ratio For Your Vaping Device?

You will come across various types of devices on the market. While some are equipped with cartridges, others have prefilled pods. Most of the devices are provided with tanks that have to be filled with e-liquid. Two variations of e-cigarettes are found in this category, including sub-ohm devices that offer direct lung vaping and Mouth to lung or MTL devices.

Usually, tanks that are designed for MTL make use of small coil surface area. These run at high resistance, implying that the e-juice needs to flow at a rapid speed for the coil to saturate adequately at all times.

MTL vaping is mostly preferred by beginners who are looking to make a switch from smoking and thus want to get a feel similar to that. Vape juice with high PG content is ideal. It is advisable for MTL vapers to opt for e-juice that can be mixed to any ratio, whether 50/50 of PG/VG ratio to purely PG based e-juice.

DL is an innovative method of vaping that gained prominence around four years ago. In this method, inhalation is directly into the lungs of the user from the vape mod. A powerful burst of flavor is offered with substantial cloud production. For many, this method makes vaping and consuming nicotine more enjoyable than cigarette smoking since the flavor sensation is quite powerful.

The juice reservoirs of DL vape tanks are quite massive. They are also provided with high power along with high surface area coils. Large cotton wicks form part of these tanks. As a result, the production of the vapor cloud is quite impressive. As a result, the low viscosity of PG is not of a great deal of significance. The tank can be used with thick VG and produce massive clouds.

DL vape tanks have a higher capability of temperature and vapor production. Therefore, vapers tend to prefer a smooth throat hit than VG based e-juices offer. The most suitable ratio of VG/PG for this range is 70/30 and 80/20.

Conclusion

It is not really challenging to understand the basic concepts of PG and VG. Both have unique ways of working and have their own set of pros and cons. When you head out to purchase vape juice, it is possible that you are not able to decide whether you should opt for PG or VG dominant e-liquid. Those who want ease in clean-up with a feasible hit and an experience similar to tobacco smoking will find PG E-liquid to be suitable.

On the other hand, VG e-liquid is ideal for those looking for massive clouds of vapor.

A lot of vapers prefer different PG/VG ratios at different times depending on the device they are using and the flavor they want. Flavors like fruits, beverages, and tobacco are more suitable with PG. This is because the tart and fizzy flavor gel well with the sharpness of PG. On the other hand, cream, yogurt, and custard-based flavors blend well with high VG juices. This is because the thick sensation of the substance enhances the feel of dessert. However, there are no fixed rules that you need to adhere to. Let your taste buds guide you as to what works best.

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