What Are PG and VG in Vaping?

If you’ve looked at a bottle of e-liquid, you’ve probably seen something like “70/30 VG/PG” or “50/50”. These numbers refer to the two main ingredients in vape juice: PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin). They control how your vape feels, tastes, and performs.

Understanding the difference helps you choose the right liquid for your device and your personal preference.

What Is PG (Propylene Glycol)?

PG, or Propylene Glycol, is a thin, odourless liquid that’s commonly used in food, cosmetics, and medicines. In vaping, it’s known for:

• Carrying flavour well

• Giving a stronger throat hit (similar to smoking)

• Producing less vapour than VG

It’s ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapers who want a sharp, cigarette-like feel. PG also helps prevent gunk build-up on coils due to its thinner consistency.

What Is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?

VG, or Vegetable Glycerin, is a thicker liquid derived from vegetable oils. It’s sweeter and smoother than PG, and in vaping it’s known for:

• Producing big, dense clouds of vapour

• Creating a smoother inhale with less throat hit

• Slightly muting flavour compared to PG

VG is perfect for cloud chasers and direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers who want more vapour and a soft inhale.

Common PG/VG Ratios Explained

Most e-liquids are a blend of PG and VG. Here’s what different ratios mean:

• 50/50 – Balanced flavour, throat hit, and vapour. Good for MTL vaping and beginners.

• 70/30 VG/PG – Smoother, cloud-heavy. Best for sub-ohm and DTL devices.

• 80/20 VG/PG – Extra clouds, low throat hit. Popular with cloud chasers.

• High PG (60%+) – Strong throat hit, sharp flavour. Ideal for former smokers using low-power kits.

Note: Always match your e-liquid ratio to your vape kit. High VG juices need powerful, sub-ohm devices. High PG works best with smaller, lower-wattage kits.

Is PG or VG Better?

There’s no “best” option—it depends on your vaping style:

• Choose higher PG if you want:

  • Strong throat hit

  • Clearer flavour

  • A more cigarette-like feel

• Choose higher VG if you want:

  • Bigger clouds

  • A smoother inhale

  • A softer throat hit

Are PG and VG Safe?

Both PG and VG are considered safe for inhalation under current research. They’re widely used in food and pharmaceuticals. That said, some people may be sensitive to high PG, which can cause throat irritation or dryness.

If you experience this, try switching to a higher VG e-liquid or a 50/50 blend.

Final Thought

PG and VG are the backbone of every e-liquid. One gives you flavour and throat hit, the other gives you clouds and smoothness. Knowing how they work helps you fine-tune your vaping experience—and avoid using the wrong liquid in the wrong device.