The vaping world is full of different acronyms and terminologies. Two that come up regularly, refer to additives that are used within vape liquids to enhance their properties.

While getting stuck into the details may not feel like a worthwhile exercise, these two ingredients can alter your vaping experience wildly. So, it’s worth knowing the differences between the two, as well as what they mean.

Join us to find out exactly that, as we explain the differences between PG and VG in vaping.

WHAT IS PG AND VG?

Both PG and VG are liquid compounds that are added to e-liquid to enhance its taste and cloud production attributes.

Along with propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), e-liquid sometimes also includes nicotine, distilled water and flavouring, depending on the flavour you’re vaping.

WHAT IS PG IN VAPING?

PG stands for propylene glycol.

PG comes in a liquid form, with no colour, or smell. It absorbs excess water while maintaining moisture levels in e-liquid and providing additional flavour properties. Propylene glycol is classified as a preservative, which helps things like cosmetics, foods, and e-liquids stay fresher for longer.

Propylene glycol is more commonly used than vegetable glycerine in the production of e-liquid and has a thinner consistency. Additionally, it’s generally thought to offer a greater flavour intensity than vegetable glycerine. As it has a thinner consistency, propylene glycol will not clog your clearomiser as much as vegetable glycerine.

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WHAT IS VG IN VAPING?

VG stands for vegetable glycerine.

Like PG, VG is another colourless liquid substance that’s used to carry, thicken, and preserve e-liquid. Unlike PG, VG carries sweetening properties and can be created synthetically or organically from plants or animals.

Vegetable glycerine is thicker than propylene glycol and it can be more difficult to prevent clogging in the vape pen when using a VG-based e-liquid. Vegetable glycerin is also sweeter than propylene glycol, meaning it can affect the flavour of the e-liquid.

Vegetable glycerine also provides a thicker vapour density, meaning the plumes of vapour produced when using a VG-based e-liquid are more voluminous than those produced using a PG-based e-liquid.

THE EFFECTS OF PG/VG ON E-LIQUIDS

PG and VG are often used in combination to give different properties to e-liquids. Therefore, ratios of PG/VG can drastically alter the throat hit and flavour of an e-liquid.

Higher portions of PG have a stronger throat hit and flavour, while giving smaller vapour clouds. Higher VG content results in a lower throat hit, more muted flavour, but with greater clouds.

At blu, our e-liquids abide by a 50/50 mix of both PG and VG, promising a balanced experience across both throat hit, flavour, and cloud production.

VAPE BETTER, WITH BLU

At blu, we’re all about demystifying the confusing parts of vaping to make it easy to understand. In our blog, you can find all kinds of articles addressing jargon and terminology, just like this one. Be sure to check them out and become a more knowledgeable vaper, with blu.

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About the Author

John is a content writer working with blu. With a keen eye for data and storytelling, John helps blu produce quality content for our readers to enjoy. Since 2023, John has helped publish all kinds of interesting and unique stories around blu and the vaping industry to keep you up to date.