A Guide to PG/VG Ratios in Vaping
PG and VG are the main ingredients in e-liquids, other ingredients include flavouring and nicotine. Both have different properties that allow you to enjoy vaping. For example, VG helps create vape clouds and PG helps to produce the delicious tasting flavour. PG and VG are not just used in vape juices, you are unknowingly consuming them in other products that you use every day! These additives are considered food-grade and can be found in a range of foods, beverages and medicines. Understanding PG and VG ratios are relatively easy yet extensive, so we will explain them to you in this guide. Finding the right ratio for you can take your vaping experience to the next level!
You can buy e-liquids that are high PG, high VG or 50/50 - find out what your ideal ratio is by reading on…
What is VG in Vapes?
VG or Vegetable Glycerine is one of the two main ingredients in e-liquids. It provides texture and thickness to the vapour, so it creates vape clouds and smooth throat hits. This additive is extracted from vegetable fats e.g. coconut and is safe for human consumption. It is used in many of your daily products such as toothpaste and body lotion.
VG is not completely tasteless, and it has sweet undertones which help to accentuate the flavouring of the vape. If you love a sweet treat or fruit e-liquid, then high VG is what you are looking for.
What is PG in Vapes?
PG or Propylene Glycol is a food-grade additive that is used in many drinks and foods that you consume every day such as ice cream, fizzy drinks, bread and dairy products.
PG is responsible for the flavour in vape juice, however, it is relatively tasteless. It provides taste as it is a thin liquid that can enhance the added flavouring liquid, particularly for strong flavours such as tobacco.
Check out Juicemate’s extensive range of unique and delicious vape juices today!
High VG E-Liquids
High VG liquids are ideal for vapers who enjoy producing large vape clouds and impressing their friends with cool vape tricks. Also, high VG e-liquids give you a satisfying and smooth throat hit.
If you are purchasing sub-ohm vape equipment, you should pair it with high VG vape juices for the best effects.
However, it is worth noting that high VG e-liquids are not always the best choice. Often high VG liquids can block your vape due to the thickness of the liquid. Also, these liquids heat up to a higher temperature, therefore it may burn through your coil quickly.
High PG E-Liquids
High PG e-liquids tend to be bursting with flavour and provide a satisfying throat hit.
If you are transitioning from smoking to vaping, then high PG e-liquids are ideal for you. The PG takes away the sweetness of the VG, so if you purchase a tobacco flavour it will have a smokey and traditional taste. The throat hit will also replicate what you are used to with cigarettes. This will make quitting smoking much easier!
Nicotine
Nicotine is another important ingredient in vape juices. You can purchase e-liquids with different nicotine ratings, such as 6 mg, 12 mg and 18 mg. However, you can also purchase nicotine-free flavours. Here is your guide to finding the best nicotine rating for you:
- Heavy smoker (15+ cigarettes a day) = 18 mg
- Moderate smoker (10-16 cigarettes a day) = 12 mg
- Light smoker (Less than 10 cigarettes a day) = 3 mg or 6 mg
- Non-smoker = nicotine free
This additive is found in tobacco products, and it is an addictive substance although it is relatively harmless.
The maximum amount of nicotine allowed in vape products is 20 mg per ml. This has been laid out by the UK government under ‘Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016’. The legislation also states that e-cigarette tanks can not be manufactured over 2 ml, and ingredients such as colouring, taurine and caffeine are banned from being added to vape juices.
Buying Guide
Do you need advice on what ratio to purchase? Check below for more details…
Go with a high PG liquid if…
- You want to enjoy an intense, bursting with flavour e-liquid.
- You enjoy tobacco flavoured vape juices e.g. Amber Leaf or Lambert and Butler
- A satisfying throat hit is what you are looking for.
- You are trying to quit smoking. Check out our list of the best tobacco flavours in the UK.
Juicemate recommends: Menthol E-Liquid and Heisenberg E-Liquid
Go with a high VG liquid if…
- Huge, intense vape clouds are what you are looking for.
- You are trying to cut down your nicotine intake.
- The vape you use is Sub Ohm.
Juicemate recommends: Holy Moly CBD E-liquid and Berry Nice CBD E-Liquid
Go with a 50:50 liquid if…
- You are new to vaping and are unsure about what your preferences are.
- You want regular sized vape clouds.
- Your vape is a starter kit.
Finding the perfect ratio for you should not be taken too seriously! Have fun. Experimenting with different e-liquids, whether that is through different PG/VG ratios or flavours, is one of the most exciting things about vaping. Trying different options is the best way to find the best balance for you.
Are VG and PG E-Liquids Safe?
Vaping is considered significantly less harmful than smoking. Public Health England has conducted research and suggested that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking, carrying only a “fraction” of the risk.
VG and PG are used in products that you consume daily, including some of your favourite foods and drinks as well as certain medicines. These are considered food-grade substances and are safe for human consumption.
However, you should be cautious about allergies. Most people do not have a reaction to PG or VG, yet some may have mild allergies. If you are allergic, you should avoid it entirely and purchase another option instead.
Some vapers are not allergic to PG but are sensitive to it, and may experience dry throat or a cough. If this is the case, you should purchase a high VG vape to eliminate this.
You should speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about allergies.