What does PG and VG stand for? (a quick view in the chemistry of the E-Liquids)

Being a vaper, you constantly run into terms like PG or VG when it comes to the e-liquid you want to purchase or the new flavour you are reading about. Vaping terminology can be quite complicated at first sight… so let’s clear away all the confusion so you can make the most out of your vaping experience!

What are PG and VG?

Basically, PG and VG are both odourless bases that are combined with water, flavours and nicotine to create the mighty e-liquid. This mix of ingredients produces vapour when is heated so it can be inhaled for the pure joy. Most e-liquids on the market uses a combination of these two bases, so the ratio can vary significantly.

PG (Propylene Glycol)

PG stands for Propylene Glycol, an organic glycerol made from propylene oxide, a petroleum by-product. The PG is a thin, odourless and tasteless liquid. The use and effects of propylene glycol have been thoroughly researched. It has been used safely for more than 50 years in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.

Main characteristics:

• • less viscous, thinner than VG
  • provides a strong ‘throat hit’ – pretty similar to tobacco smoking
  • carries flavour more effectively than VG
  • It is a powerful humectant, so it can dry your mouth and throat if used heavily
  • PG tends to generate less vapour

VG (Vegetable Glycerin)

VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin, a natural organic glycerol that is made out of vegetable oil. The VG is a thick, odourless, and sweet-tasting liquid. Vegetable glycerin can be found in medical, pharmaceutical, and personal care products and it is considered completely natural and safe.

Main characteristics:

• • thicker than PG, it gives give more dense vapour
  • significant smoother throat hit than with PG, suitable for an all-day vaping
  • provides large amounts of vapour
  • flavour is milder than PG, due to its consistency
  • VG tends to have a sweeter taste than PG

What PG/VG ratio to use?

That depends mainly on the kind of vaping experience you want to have:

Throat Hit – If you want to experience a sharp throat hit when vaping, similar to the one regular cigarettes have to offer, then you should go for a high PG mix.

Smooth vape – on the other hand, if you are more into a much smoother feeling on the throat, you should look for max VG e-liquids.

Stealth Vaping (holding the vapour in for a little bit longer so it is almost untraceable by the time you exhale) – if you are looking for a less ostentatious vaping experience, especially when being in public spaces, then high PG is the way to go.

Cloudchasing (the art of exhaling dense clouds of vapour) – high (max) VG is the best option for you to embrace this extremely popular trend among vapers.

What kind of setup do I need?

Beside the vaping experience you’d like to have, the vape gear you own or about to purchase will sure make the difference. If not used correctly, you can ruin your equipment or experience nasty throat irritation.

Clearomizers – most of the regular clearomizers cope better with the 50/50 ratio that can be found in our Apollo e-liquids. 50/50 (VG/PG) is a very balanced mix, offering both dense vapour and a soft throat hit.

The Sub-Ohm Tanks can carry more power than standard clearomizers and are designed to deal extremely well with Max VG e-liquids formulated in 80/20 (VG/PG) or 70/30 (VG/PG)  – the Max VG’s are all about excellent vapour production and mild throat hit.