It's easy to get wrapped up in choosing flavours when you’re buying E-Liquids, but if you don’t consider VG/PG, you could end up buying products that don’t suit your vaping style.

It pays to learn about them before you buy anything, as it can save you money and remove the stress of buying the right vape. We’ll explore what VG/PG are, how they affect vaping, and how to consider them when buying an E-Liquid.

Spoiler alert: you don't always need to consider VG/PG, scroll to the bottom of the article to find out how.

Understanding VG and PG in E-Liquids

VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and PG (Propylene Glycol) are the main liquids used in vape juice. They are combined with flavourings and nicotine to create the vapour you inhale. Here’s what makes each of them unique:

• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A thicker, slightly sweet liquid that produces more vapour and gives a smoother, gentler inhale. VG is ideal for cloud-chasing and for vapers who prefer a softer throat sensation.
• Propylene Glycol (PG): A thin, almost tasteless liquid that carries flavour well. It produces a stronger throat hit, like smoking, and is often preferred by beginners who want a more cigarette-like experience.
• Safe to Vape: VG/PG are commonly used in pharmaceutical and food products like toothpaste and ice cream. Because they aren’t oils, they don’t pose the dangers linked to inhaling oil-based substances. A small number of vapers may experience throat irritation or dry mouth, especially with PG-heavy liquids.
• Customisable Experience: E-Liquids often mix VG and PG in different ratios. A higher VG ratio gives more vapour and smoothness, while a higher PG ratio gives more flavour and throat hit.
• Equipment Compatibility: Some vapes, especially beginner kits, require a certain VG/PG ratio to work properly. Using the wrong ratio can affect flavour, wicking time, vapour production, or even damage the coil.
• Storage & Handling: Keep E-Liquids away from children and pets, store in a cool, dry place, and handle nicotine-containing liquids with care.

VG/PG Health Considerations

Respiratory Effects

PG and VG can sometimes cause mild throat or mouth irritation, especially with higher concentrations or prolonged use. Most users experience minimal effects, and adjusting your device settings or inhaling more slowly can help.

Allergic Sensitivities

A small number of users may be sensitive to PG or VG. Symptoms can include mild skin irritation, coughing, or throat discomfort. If you notice this, try switching to a higher VG blend or consult a healthcare professional.

Hydration

VG can attract moisture, which may contribute to dry mouth for some users. Staying hydrated while vaping can reduce this effect.

Device & Usage Tips

Using your device at recommended wattages and keeping it well-maintained can minimise the formation of any unintended byproducts. Choosing the right VG/PG ratio for your device and vaping style helps ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.

Vegan/Vegetarianism

Both VG (Vegetable Glycerin) and PG (Propylene Glycol) are generally considered vegan and vegetarian:

• VG is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, soy, or coconut, making it plant-based.
• PG is a synthetic compound, not derived from animals.

Always consult a doctor or health professional before switching to E-Liquids, and don’t start using them if you don’t smoke. For more information, read our guide to quitting smoking.

What Does VG/PG Affect?

The VG/PG ratio in your E-Liquid has a big impact on how your vape tastes, feels, and performs:

1. Flavour intensity

• VG softens flavour – slightly sweet and mutes flavours a little.
• PG boosts flavour – carries flavour more sharply.

2. Throat hit

• VG = smoother inhale, gentler on the throat.
• PG = stronger throat hit, like smoking.
  

3. Vapour density

• VG makes big clouds (thick, dense vapour).
• PG makes smaller clouds (lighter, thinner vapour).

4. Coil performance

• VG is thick – can clog small coils but is perfect for bigger tanks.
• PG is thin – works well in small coils and beginner pods.

5. Device compatibility

• High-VG for high-power, large devices.
• High-PG for low-power pod systems.

6. Smoothness vs. intensity

• VG = more ‘smoothness’.
• PG = more ‘bite’.

7. Nicotine strength experience

• Lower nicotine works well in VG-heavy liquids, keeping the inhale smooth even at bigger cloud volumes.
• Higher nicotine feels stronger in PG-heavy liquids because PG increases throat hit and intensity.
• Nicotine salts pair best with higher-PG blends, especially in beginner pods, for a softer yet satisfying hit.

Are you a smoker who wants to switch? Read our switching guide.

Common VG/PG Ratios and What They Mean

Quick Safety Note on Nicotine:

• Maximum legal nicotine strength in the UK is 20 mg/ml.
• Shortfills are designed so that adding a nic shot keeps you safely under this limit.
• Always handle nic shots with care: nicotine is toxic in high concentrations.

Example:

• 100 ml shortfill + 10 ml 18 mg/ml nic shot = 3 mg/ml final strength
• 100 ml shortfill + 20 ml 18 mg/ml nic shot = 5 mg/ml final strength

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vs Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping

Guide – MTL vs DTL Vaping: Which Style Is Right For You?

VG/PG for Beginners vs Advanced Vapers

If You’re a Beginner – Keep it Simple

Most newcomers don’t need to worry about perfecting VG/PG ratios, especially if you’re using prefilled pods or a basic refillable pod kit.

• Choose 50/50 E-Liquids (freebase or nic salts). They give a balanced mix of flavour, vapour, and throat hit, and work reliably in almost all starter devices.
• Ignore VG/PG ratios for pods. Prefilled pods already use an optimised formula, so just pick the nicotine strength and flavour that suits you.
• If you want a strong, smooth nicotine hit, go for nic salts. If you want more throat hit, choose freebase nicotine.
  
• Don’t use 70/30 in small pod kits. It can be too thick, leading to dry hits or weak flavour.

Beginner guideline: Pods or small refillables = 50/50. Easy, fuss-free, reliable.

If You’re an Advanced Vaper

Once you move into higher-powered devices, airflow control, or sub-ohm tanks, VG/PG becomes more important for performance.

• Use 70/30 VG/PG for sub-ohm vaping. Higher VG produces bigger clouds, a smoother inhale, and works best with high-wattage coils.
• Shortfills are the standard for advanced setups. These come nicotine-free (usually 50ml or 100ml), and you add nic shots if needed.
• Higher VG = thicker liquid. Great for cloud production, but not suitable for narrow wicks or MTL coils.
• You control your nicotine level. Adding a 10ml nic shot gives you up to ~3mg in a 60ml bottle, ideal for DTL vaping.
• You can fine-tune the feel. Want more throat hit? Add slightly more PG via a higher PG nic shot. Want maximum smoothness? Stick to VG-heavy blends.

Advanced guideline: Big tanks + high wattage = 70/30 shortfills for clouds, smoothness, and flavour.

Once comfortable, experiment with slightly different VG/PG ratios to find your ideal balance of flavour, vapour, and throat hit.

Prefilled Pods: No Need to Worry About VG/PG

There is a cheat code to avoid worrying about VG/PG in your E-Liquid: prefilled pods. They are designed for the device, so the VG/PG ratio is already optimised:

• Flavour: pick the taste you enjoy.
• Nicotine strength: choose the level that suits you, from smoother low-strength options to higher-strength or nicotine salts (usually 0, 10 and 20mg).

Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a simple setup. Note: You will only get small clouds with prefilled pods.

Guide – Prefilled Vapes vs Refillable Vapes: How to Choose the Right Pod System