Whether you're new to vaping or a seasoned pro, you'll know that it offers many benefits. Vaping has been found to be 95% safer than smoking and e-cigarette’s contains no carbon monoxide, tar and fewer chemicals than cigarettes.
However, vaping differs from smoking because you can choose from various e-liquids featuring multiple flavours and nicotine strengths.
One thing that always trips people up is the VG and PG ratios on vape juices. So, let's clear up what they mean and why they're essential to happy vaping.
What are e-liquids?
Every vaping device has important components, including a battery, heating element (known as a coil or atomizer) and tank or pod. The e-liquid basically replaces tobacco because it provides flavour and nicotine (if you choose a nicotine-infused vape juice).
Disposable vapes are prefilled with e-liquid, while traditional vape pens and mod kits require you to fill the tank or pod with e-liquid. Of course, prefilled pods are also an excellent alternative because the e-liquid comes already filled and you just click the pod into the device and you’re ready to go.
People can also choose from a range of flavours, including tobacco, fruit, sweets and desserts, so there is truly something for everyone.
Next, we'll examine the difference between VG and PG.
Vegetable glycerine (VG)
Vegetable glycerine usually comes from palm or coconut oil and it's known for its transparency and sweet taste. The cosmetic industry uses it regularly for products, but it's also an excellent option for e-liquids and is safe to consume.
You'll find that the vast majority of vape juices contain more VG because it's thicker than PG and creates big vapour clouds.
Vegetable glycerine can be found in the following everyday products:
·Soap
·Skincare products
·Toothpaste
·Shampoo
·E-liquids
·Baked goods
·Pet food
·And more
Propylene glycol (PG)
Similar to vegetable glycerine in many ways, propylene glycol is known as a petrol by-product - but it's safe for human consumption.
Compared to VG, PG is thinner and doesn't produce as much vapour. However, it gives you a more pronounced flavour, which is why many prefer it.
You'll also find that PG e-liquids are less likely to cause an allergic reaction because they are used in many medical products and household items.
You can buy high PG or 100% PG e-liquids, but these aren't as common as VG juices.
Propylene glycol can be found in:
·Medical products
·Toothpaste
·Dog food
·Nicotine inhalers
50/50 e-liquids
As the name suggests, 50/50 e-liquids contain a ratio of 50% propylene glycol and 50% vegetable glycerine. These types of juices are the most common on the market, as they offer the perfect mix of both substances and are designed for use with starter kits such as pen-style vape kits or refillable pod kits.
Beginner vapers should stick to the 50VG/50PG ratio to begin with for an even balance, but you might find that as you become more accustomed to vaping, you'll prefer a different blend.
70/30 e-liquids
Many e-liquids on the market are 70/30 VG/PG mixes. Vegetable glycerine is almost always the dominant flavour, as it's less harsh than propylene glycol and creates bigger clouds.
Sub-ohm vapers enjoy 70/30 vape juices because they prefer a direct-to-lung experience (sub-ohm) rather than a mouth-to-lung (which replicates smoking).
80/20 e-liquids
If the 70/30 ratio doesn't satisfy your needs and you want to increase vapour production, 80/20 e-liquids are more VG-dominant and recommended for hardcore sub-ohm vapers.
Designed to be used with sub-ohm and advanced vape kits only, you'll be able to create some really impressive clouds with these vape juices, but it's important to remember that the lack of PG means you won't get a strong throat hit.
Max PG
Max PG e-liquids are pretty rare, but they do exist. These vape juices are dominant in propylene glycol and provide a much stronger throat hit for users. People who have just quit smoking might prefer them because the PG replicates the smoking experience.
However, light vapers or smokers will probably find the throat hit too much to handle.
Which ratio is right for you?
There are many things to consider when choosing your e-liquid, including the flavour and ratio. To decide which is best for your needs, you'll have to consider ratios, which means knowing the pros and cons of each.
G pros & cons
·More pronounced flavour: e-liquids with a more PG will carry more flavour, which is an important factor for most people
·Requires less heat: PG heats efficiently, so they tend to last longer, although this is dependant on use
·Strong throat hit: Another reason for ex-smokers loving PG is the strong throat hit it offers, which helps easily mimic the smoking experience.
·Dry mouth: PG can also cause a dry mouth, but you can avoid this by drinking water before and after you vape
·Can be harsh on the throat: Some people might find that PG irritates their throat too much
·Less vapour: While this isn't a disadvantage, some people prefer large clouds of vapour, which you don't get with PG-heavy e-liquids
VG pros & cons
·Sweeter taste: Most vapers will know that VG has a sweeter taste than PG, although VG is flavourless
·Denser vapour: If you're a fan of large vapour clouds, VG creates the perfect vaping experience
·Softer on the throat: PG vape juices can be quite harsh on the throat, but vegetable glycerine offers a smoother experience
·Not as much flavour as PG: If you're used to mixed e-liquids and switch to a VG-rich blend, you might notice that the taste isn't as strong
·Requires more heat: Because VG is thicker, it can take a while to heat up, which means your coils have to work harder, reducing their overall life span
·Less nicotine options: Most high VG e-liquids aren’t available in nicotine strengths above 6 mg / ml and most short fill e-liquids only leave enough room to produce a 6 mg / ml.
The bottom line
When it comes to e-liquids, there's no right or wrong solution because the blend you choose depends on your needs. Propylene glycol will always be the stronger of the two, but vegetable glycerine is best for sub-ohm vapers who love creating clouds.