What is PG & VG in e-liquid?
First of all, PG stands for Propylene Glycol and VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin.
PG - Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is an artificial mixing agent which is used in a lot of food and medical products. For an example, cut ointments, body creams, makeup.
Propylene Glycol is non-toxic and is safe for human consumption, which has made it the perfect liquid to be used in e-liquids.
Propylene Glycol is odourless when heated and also when mixed with nicotine, it also gives a simulated throat hit as well as being the flavour carrier.
If you are looking for a stronger flavour and a more harsh throat hit from the nicotine then a higher PG based e-liquid would be my best recommended for you.
Below is a short list of products containing Propylene Glycol:
- ASTHMA INHALERS
- BEAUTY PRODUCTS
(SHAMPOO AND BABY WIPES)
- FIZZY DRINKS
- COFFEE BASED DRINKS
- ICE CREAM
VG - Vegetable Glycerin
Vegetable Glycerin is a natural mixing agent which will control the amount of vapour production within an e-liquid. It has its roots embedded in vaping, a long time before vaping was actually a thing. This is because the liquid was used in smoke machines, movies, stage sets and more.
VG’s vaporisation properties make it a perfect ingredient for the use inside e-liquids as it is non-toxic.
The higher the ratio of VG, the denser the vapour production will be. In addition to this, e-liquids which have a higher VG content will mix less with the nicotine. This gives off a smoother throat hit which makes them the perfect choice for using them with sub ohm vape kits.
Below is a short list of products containing Vegetable Glycerin:
- DAIRY AND PROTEIN FOODS
(CHEESE, YOGHURT, POWDERED MILK, CREAM ETC)
- PROCESSED VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
- GRAINS
- BAKING GOODS
What ratios can I get e-liquids in and how will they affect it?
This will depend on the manufacturer as they will create different ratios for their flavours.
You can get many different variants of e-liquid with different ratios. For example you can get 80% PG and 20% VG, 50% PG and 50% VG.
How safe is PG and VG?
Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin are both non-toxic mixing agents which as mentioned before are perfectly fit for human consumption.
If you use an e-liquid which contains a high ratio of PG, then you may find you get some mild side effects which can include a sore throat, dry mouth or increased thirst. These symptoms will only last for a short period of time, this is just your body adjusting to vaping.