PG and VG: A Guide on How to Choose the Best E-Juice

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Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin (aka PG and VG) are the two main ingredients in e-liquid. But they are also found in many other consumer products. Propylene glycol is a humectant (it absorbs water and retains moisture). It is colorless and odorless, although it has a slightly sweet taste and syrupy texture. Vegetable glycerin (aka glycerol) is an organic compound that can be derived from natural sources like oils and plants, but it is often made synthetically. It has a more oily texture than PG. VG is also odorless, although it too has a slightly sweet taste.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is VG and PG
  2. Uses and Safety
  3. VG vs PG Health Effects
  4. VG vs PG for Vaping
  5. Best PG/VG Ratio
  6. Choose Best Ratio
  7. FAQ
  8. Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

  1. What Is VG and PG
  2. Uses and Safety
  3. VG vs PG Health Effects
  4. VG vs PG for Vaping
  5. Best PG/VG Ratio
  6. Choose Best Ratio
  7. FAQ
  8. Final Thoughts

What is PG and What is VG?

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin (aka glycerol) is not derived from vegetables, as the name suggests, but it can be derived from plant oil sources. However, companies specializing in petrochemical production make the substance most often synthetically. Glycerol is non-toxic and has several different uses and applications.

Glycerol is found in products from many different industries from the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. The reason is that it has several beneficial properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a solvent, sweetener, and preservative in the food industry.

For these reasons, many early vape liquid makers decided to use glycerine as an ingredient in e-liquid for its ability to retain moisture and its low boiling point. In addition, glycerol is completely non-toxic. Therefore, it is safe to consume, either through ingestion or application to the skin, face, and hair. However, there has been a debate whether heating glycerine, as happens when it is vaped in an e-cigarette, changes its chemical composition into something more toxic (formaldehyde, for example).

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a thick, colorless liquid that also has many different properties and applications. It is used throughout several industries, and products range from cough syrup to hair gel and as a preservative in many different foods. The main properties of PG include:

  • Its ability to retain water and moisture
  • Its binding properties (it holds other substances together)
  • Its solvent properties (it can dissolve other substances)

The FDA recognizes PG as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), but this designation only applies to the consumption of PG through ingestion or topical application. PG was never intended to be inhaled via an electronic vaping device. So its effects on the health and body via inhalation are not well-known.

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin (aka glycerol) is not derived from vegetables, as the name suggests, but it can be derived from plant oil sources. However, companies specializing in petrochemical production make the substance most often synthetically. Glycerol is non-toxic and has several different uses and applications.

Glycerol is found in products from many different industries from the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields. The reason is that it has several beneficial properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a solvent, sweetener, and preservative in the food industry.

For these reasons, many early vape liquid makers decided to use glycerine as an ingredient in e-liquid for its ability to retain moisture and its low boiling point. In addition, glycerol is completely non-toxic. Therefore, it is safe to consume, either through ingestion or application to the skin, face, and hair. However, there has been a debate whether heating glycerine, as happens when it is vaped in an e-cigarette, changes its chemical composition into something more toxic (formaldehyde, for example).

Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a thick, colorless liquid that also has many different properties and applications. It is used throughout several industries, and products range from cough syrup to hair gel and as a preservative in many different foods. The main properties of PG include:

  • Its ability to retain water and moisture
  • Its binding properties (it holds other substances together)
  • Its solvent properties (it can dissolve other substances)

The FDA recognizes PG as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), but this designation only applies to the consumption of PG through ingestion or topical application. PG was never intended to be inhaled via an electronic vaping device. So its effects on the health and body via inhalation are not well-known.

Why are PG and VG Used in E-Liquids?

PG and VG are the main ingredients in e-liquid because:

  • They can bond and “carry” other substances (flavorings, CBD)
  • They have low boiling points
  • They are easily accessible
  • They are generally recognized as safe

The two substances are also hydrosoluble and mix well with water, another component of all e-juices. However, because of their individual properties, many vapers have found that higher concentrations of either PG or VG result in different types of vape juice. For example, a high ratio PG e-juice produces a better “throat hit” when vaped compared to VG.

PG is also better at absorbing different additives like flavorings, so it is better at carrying those flavors. On the other hand, VG has a much smoother effect that does not produce a harsh throat hit, while it can also carry flavors that are another central part of vape juices. PG and VG are also suitable substitutes for early oil-based e-juices that cause respiratory problems in many early users of e-cigarettes.

PG and VG are the main ingredients in e-liquid because:

  • They can bond and “carry” other substances (flavorings, CBD)
  • They have low boiling points
  • They are easily accessible
  • They are generally recognized as safe

The two substances are also hydrosoluble and mix well with water, another component of all e-juices. However, because of their individual properties, many vapers have found that higher concentrations of either PG or VG result in different types of vape juice. For example, a high ratio PG e-juice produces a better “throat hit” when vaped compared to VG.

PG is also better at absorbing different additives like flavorings, so it is better at carrying those flavors. On the other hand, VG has a much smoother effect that does not produce a harsh throat hit, while it can also carry flavors that are another central part of vape juices. PG and VG are also suitable substitutes for early oil-based e-juices that cause respiratory problems in many early users of e-cigarettes.

Are VG and PG Safe?

The question of whether both PG and VG are safe to inhale is still being debated. Many studies have suggested that the combination of the two substances, when heated, can change their chemical composition into something toxic like formaldehyde or acetaldehyde. While the FDA has approved both substances for use in other types of products like foods, medicines, and cosmetics, their impact when inhaled has never been studied.

Other ingredients in early e-juices included diacetyl, which many vape juice makers have stopped adding because of its toxicity when inhaled. Diacetyl is another compound commonly found in many consumer goods. Still, although it is safe when ingested when heated and the vapor is inhaled. Diacetyl can lead to an incurable lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans.

Are VG and PG Safe?

The question of whether both PG and VG are safe to inhale is still being debated. Many studies have suggested that the combination of the two substances, when heated, can change their chemical composition into something toxic like formaldehyde or acetaldehyde. While the FDA has approved both substances for use in other types of products like foods, medicines, and cosmetics, their impact when inhaled has never been studied.

Other ingredients in early e-juices included diacetyl, which many vape juice makers have stopped adding because of its toxicity when inhaled. Diacetyl is another compound commonly found in many consumer goods. Still, although it is safe when ingested when heated and the vapor is inhaled. Diacetyl can lead to an incurable lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans.

Side Effects of Vaping VG vs. PG

Some people say that PG irritates their throat, and in rare cases, experience allergic reactions. It is time to look at VG if you see any rashes or have unpleasant reactions because of PG. PG’s most common side effects are a sore throat, dry mouth, and feeling thirsty. This only lasts for a few days to a week while the body gets used to PG.

Liquids with a high level of VG cause clogging in the coils faster. It keeps them from functioning properly. Older models of vaporizers that still use small coils like clearomizers are more prone to VG clogging. The side effects that people commonly experience are dry mouth, increased thirst, and sore throat. Drink plenty of water or stop vaping for a while if needed.

Some people say that PG irritates their throat, and in rare cases, experience allergic reactions. It is time to look at VG if you see any rashes or have unpleasant reactions because of PG. PG’s most common side effects are a sore throat, dry mouth, and feeling thirsty. This only lasts for a few days to a week while the body gets used to PG.

Liquids with a high level of VG cause clogging in the coils faster. It keeps them from functioning properly. Older models of vaporizers that still use small coils like clearomizers are more prone to VG clogging. The side effects that people commonly experience are dry mouth, increased thirst, and sore throat. Drink plenty of water or stop vaping for a while if needed.

VG vs. PG – At a Glance

PG vs VG Info Cover Image

PG vs VG Info Cover Image

PG VG
Viscosity *** *****
Sweetness * ****
Allergy risk ** *
Throat hit ***** *
Flavor intensity **** **
Vapor density ** *****
Gunk buildup *** ****

PG VG
Viscosity *** *****
Sweetness * ****
Allergy risk ** *
Throat hit ***** *
Flavor intensity **** **
Vapor density ** *****
Gunk buildup *** ****

Choosing the Right Setup

It’s not simply a matter of picking a liquid with a proportion of PG/VG and hoping that it will be good for you. Your equipment plays a key role in the decision.

If the juice is not correct for the setup, your vaping experience won’t be the same. Mainly because of issues that will arise with the wick and throat irritation.

PG/VG Ratios and Tank Types

Clearomizer is the most common tank type for vaping, such as the Mini Nautilus and Kanger Protank. The coils length in these two mods ranges between 1.2 to 2.5 ohms and vapes no more than 15W. Using high VG liquid in these tanks is not recommended. The coils cannot cope properly with gloopy fluid, which can cause the cotton to burn. A 50/50 VG to PG ratio is ideal for this type of tank.

Sub-ohm tanks – This type of tank includes brands like Aspire Atlantis and Kanger Subtank. They are ideal tanks for the powerful sub-ohm vape mods and are geared to do well with high-VG liquids. Using high-VG vape juices produces thicker vapor, offers a batter taste and doesn’t consume the vape juice too quickly.

RDA/Drippers – If you choose to utilize a dripper, there is more flexibility in your fluid ratio, dictated by the strength of the coil you use.

You will need sub-ohm coils if you want to use a higher-VG mixture. Conversely, you would need high-ohm coils to use a higher-PG juice, though cotton wicking won’t be as hard. As always, the ratio is up to you, but dripping tends to be best at a 30% PG, 70% VG mix.

Choosing the Right Setup

It’s not simply a matter of picking a liquid with a proportion of PG/VG and hoping that it will be good for you. Your equipment plays a key role in the decision.

If the juice is not correct for the setup, your vaping experience won’t be the same. Mainly because of issues that will arise with the wick and throat irritation.

PG/VG Ratios and Tank Types

Clearomizer is the most common tank type for vaping, such as the Mini Nautilus and Kanger Protank. The coils length in these two mods ranges between 1.2 to 2.5 ohms and vapes no more than 15W. Using high VG liquid in these tanks is not recommended. The coils cannot cope properly with gloopy fluid, which can cause the cotton to burn. A 50/50 VG to PG ratio is ideal for this type of tank.

Sub-ohm tanks – This type of tank includes brands like Aspire Atlantis and Kanger Subtank. They are ideal tanks for the powerful sub-ohm vape mods and are geared to do well with high-VG liquids. Using high-VG vape juices produces thicker vapor, offers a batter taste and doesn’t consume the vape juice too quickly.

RDA/Drippers – If you choose to utilize a dripper, there is more flexibility in your fluid ratio, dictated by the strength of the coil you use.

You will need sub-ohm coils if you want to use a higher-VG mixture. Conversely, you would need high-ohm coils to use a higher-PG juice, though cotton wicking won’t be as hard. As always, the ratio is up to you, but dripping tends to be best at a 30% PG, 70% VG mix.

How do VG and PG Affect Vape Flavor?

E liquid glass round bottle infographic components
Shutterstock / R4 Design

Steeping – Steeping takes longer in high VG vape juice because they’re thick. It can take longer if you’re steeping vape juices based on multi-flavor recipes. On the flip side, some high PG vape juices can be vaped right away without any steeping.

Thinning High-VG E-Juices – If you have made e-juice using a ratio of VG, there might be an issue with wicking gloopy fluid with your coil. Instead, pour distilled water into your juice so it thins out a little. This way, the cotton will be more absorbent to the fluid.

Nicotine and Flavorings – Most flavor concentrates and nicotine have a PG base. You need to make an important consideration about this when you are making an e-juice with high VG. If the liquid has higher percentages of nicotine and flavor, the level of VG drops even more. You will also find nicotine and flavorings in VG, but this is not yet commonly sold.

E liquid glass round bottle infographic components
Shutterstock / R4 Design

Steeping – Steeping takes longer in high VG vape juice because they’re thick. It can take longer if you’re steeping vape juices based on multi-flavor recipes. On the flip side, some high PG vape juices can be vaped right away without any steeping.

Thinning High-VG E-Juices – If you have made e-juice using a ratio of VG, there might be an issue with wicking gloopy fluid with your coil. Instead, pour distilled water into your juice so it thins out a little. This way, the cotton will be more absorbent to the fluid.

Nicotine and Flavorings – Most flavor concentrates and nicotine have a PG base. You need to make an important consideration about this when you are making an e-juice with high VG. If the liquid has higher percentages of nicotine and flavor, the level of VG drops even more. You will also find nicotine and flavorings in VG, but this is not yet commonly sold.

How To Choose the Best PG/VG Ratio

All commercially sold vape juices are offered in different PG or VG ratios. However, some e-liquids may only have one specific ratio. Generally, a high PG e-juice is intended for users who enjoy large amounts of vapor. In addition, PG e-liquid creates a greater amount of aerosol. The different ratios available range from:

  • High PG (80/20)
  • 70/30 – PG/VG
  • 50/50 – PG/VG
  • 70/30 – VG/PG
  • High VG – (80/20)

Vapers who prefer a milder throat hit and a smoother vape tend to choose higher VG ratios over high PG e-juices. But the combination of both is necessary to retain both the flavor found in e-juices while also maintaining that characteristic throat hit that vapers look for. Each vaper decides their PG/VG ratio based on their own preferences, which is why so many ratios are available.

Many choose high VG or PG ratios because they have an allergy to one or the other. It is a common occurrence that can lead to mild allergic reactions when consumed. Therefore, people should determine whether they are allergic to PG or VG before buying and consuming any e-juice.

All commercially sold vape juices are offered in different PG or VG ratios. However, some e-liquids may only have one specific ratio. Generally, a high PG e-juice is intended for users who enjoy large amounts of vapor. In addition, PG e-liquid creates a greater amount of aerosol. The different ratios available range from:

  • High PG (80/20)
  • 70/30 – PG/VG
  • 50/50 – PG/VG
  • 70/30 – VG/PG
  • High VG – (80/20)

Vapers who prefer a milder throat hit and a smoother vape tend to choose higher VG ratios over high PG e-juices. But the combination of both is necessary to retain both the flavor found in e-juices while also maintaining that characteristic throat hit that vapers look for. Each vaper decides their PG/VG ratio based on their own preferences, which is why so many ratios are available.

Many choose high VG or PG ratios because they have an allergy to one or the other. It is a common occurrence that can lead to mild allergic reactions when consumed. Therefore, people should determine whether they are allergic to PG or VG before buying and consuming any e-juice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 70/30 PG VG good?

A 70/30 PG/VG e-juice is good for whoever chooses that ratio. This type of vape juice is typically used by vapers who want a lot of clouds, a strong throat hit, and many flavors. A 70/30 e-juice is also good for sub-ohm or high-wattage devices as the liquid can be more easily heated and results in much more clouds. This ratio of e-juice should not be used with high nicotine concentrations. However, as the greater amount of vapor increases the nicotine content, and can be overwhelming for some users.

Which is healthier, VG or PG?

PG and VG are not healthy and have no health benefits when used in e-juice. They are non-toxic and considered safe to consume in other consumer products like cough syrup, medications, and cosmetics but whether one is healthier than the other is a moot point. Glycerine has healing properties when used in medicines to treat cuts, wounds, and burns. But propylene glycol is also commonly used with other medications.

What is the difference between pure glycerin and vegetable glycerin?

There is no difference between pure glycerin and vegetable glycerin, as they are both the same substance. The only possible difference between them could be their origin or whether they were made from natural plant oils and fats or created synthetically. However, they are still the same, regardless of their origin.

How to make vape juice without PG or VG?

There are several ways to make DIY vape juice without PG or VG. But it is nearly impossible to make e-juice without at least one of them. Users can use only PG or VG and combine it with distilled water, their flavoring of choice, and their substance (nicotine, CBD, THC), but the results will vary depending on the humectant used. If users choose only VG, the flavor will be much sweeter, but the vapor could be too harsh and irritating if they choose only PG.

Can propylene glycol cause cancer?

Propylene glycol has been used for many years in several different consumer products. And it would not be included in these products if it was a carcinogen. With that being said, much is still unknown about what effects PG has on the internal organs when heated and inhaled. PG was never studied in this form, and there are still more studies that need to be done to answer that question conclusively.

Is 70/30 PG VG good?

A 70/30 PG/VG e-juice is good for whoever chooses that ratio. This type of vape juice is typically used by vapers who want a lot of clouds, a strong throat hit, and many flavors. A 70/30 e-juice is also good for sub-ohm or high-wattage devices as the liquid can be more easily heated and results in much more clouds. This ratio of e-juice should not be used with high nicotine concentrations. However, as the greater amount of vapor increases the nicotine content, and can be overwhelming for some users.

Which is healthier, VG or PG?

PG and VG are not healthy and have no health benefits when used in e-juice. They are non-toxic and considered safe to consume in other consumer products like cough syrup, medications, and cosmetics but whether one is healthier than the other is a moot point. Glycerine has healing properties when used in medicines to treat cuts, wounds, and burns. But propylene glycol is also commonly used with other medications.

What is the difference between pure glycerin and vegetable glycerin?

There is no difference between pure glycerin and vegetable glycerin, as they are both the same substance. The only possible difference between them could be their origin or whether they were made from natural plant oils and fats or created synthetically. However, they are still the same, regardless of their origin.

How to make vape juice without PG or VG?

There are several ways to make DIY vape juice without PG or VG. But it is nearly impossible to make e-juice without at least one of them. Users can use only PG or VG and combine it with distilled water, their flavoring of choice, and their substance (nicotine, CBD, THC), but the results will vary depending on the humectant used. If users choose only VG, the flavor will be much sweeter, but the vapor could be too harsh and irritating if they choose only PG.

Can propylene glycol cause cancer?

Propylene glycol has been used for many years in several different consumer products. And it would not be included in these products if it was a carcinogen. With that being said, much is still unknown about what effects PG has on the internal organs when heated and inhaled. PG was never studied in this form, and there are still more studies that need to be done to answer that question conclusively.

Conclusion

PG and VG are the ideal ingredients for e-juices because of their many properties. They blend well with water. They can absorb other substances without dissolving them, and they can also carry flavors. Choosing the best PG/VG ratio is a balancing act for the user to perform, resulting in different vaping experiences.

A high PG e-juice gives off better clouds and a strong throat hit, but users who prefer a smoother mouthful of vapor should choose a high VG e-juice. But the best of both worlds is possible with an even 50/50 e-juice. While they are commonly found in other types of consumer products and are regarded as safe, their effects on the body when inhaled are still unknown.

PG and VG are the ideal ingredients for e-juices because of their many properties. They blend well with water. They can absorb other substances without dissolving them, and they can also carry flavors. Choosing the best PG/VG ratio is a balancing act for the user to perform, resulting in different vaping experiences.

A high PG e-juice gives off better clouds and a strong throat hit, but users who prefer a smoother mouthful of vapor should choose a high VG e-juice. But the best of both worlds is possible with an even 50/50 e-juice. While they are commonly found in other types of consumer products and are regarded as safe, their effects on the body when inhaled are still unknown.

Published: October 31, 2016 Updated: January 11, 2022


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10 comments on “PG and VG: A Guide on How to Choose the Best E-Juice

  • Greg

    July 17, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    Good on you James! another bad habit encouraged by people such as yourself, who is your puppet master?

  • Lynette

    May 12, 2018 at 10:30 pm

    I get extremely bad nose bleeds for about 30 minutes usually at night. I use PG & VG according to the bottle. Dries out my sinuses.

  • Casie

    April 20, 2018 at 2:44 am

    Weber,
    Viscosity is the quality or state of being viscous : a sticky or glutinous consistency. So water is actually a LOW viscosity and engine oil wound be more on the HIGHer end of viscosity. The more viscous a solution, the more thick or sticky it is. Just wanted to help you be correctly informed. 🙂

  • Alexey Haussmann

    March 18, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    Viscosity of a liquid refers to its thickness or resistance to flow a high viscosity oil is thicker than a low viscosity oil

  • Hans G Broemel

    March 8, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    I bought the VG/PG For mixing with liquid soap and water to get better foam soap and lubricity.
    I don’t know what ratio however.
    Could you help me out.

    Thanks

  • Weber

    December 8, 2017 at 8:28 pm

    I believe your viscosity portion on your chart may be incorrect, or easily misinterpreted by someone not willing to read the full information on your page. You state that VG is a much thicker substance compared to PG just before your chart comparison. At the end of your chart comparison, where ‘Viscosity’ can be read in the orange, you have a high number of tally marks for VG, while there is a fewer amount of PG tally marks.

    A high viscosity would mean that a liquid is able to move much more freely (lower resistance), compared to a low viscosity meaning that a substance has a higher resistance while trying to move. Example: High Viscosity (water) — Low Viscosity (Engine Oil).

    I would recommend flip flopping the PG/VG tally marks, as well as adding below it the ‘difficulty of wicking’ as another comparison between the two, by itself.

    It just caught my attention and had some time to share my thoughts. Otherwise it was a great read! Thank you!

    • Anon

      March 16, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      That info on viscosity is completely wrong. High viscosity is thick.

    • FrankGr

      February 20, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      Oh, good grief — look it up before you write! Viscosity is a measure of the resistance to flow. The more viscous a fluid is, the more thick and gummy it is.

  • Bobby lang

    December 3, 2017 at 8:01 pm

    Also a side affect I’ve experienced is stiff muscles and stiff joints.

    • Earl Jenkins

      March 9, 2018 at 7:29 am

      Was that from the PG or VG?