If you’re curious about vaping, you might have come across VG or vegetable glycerin. It’s a key ingredient in vape juice or E-liquid and has a significant impact on the vaping experience. Having a grasp of Vape VG and its properties could assist you in picking out the appropriate E-liquid for your preferences.
What Is Vape VG?
VG, short for Vegetable Glycerin, is a common ingredient in various food products, including baked goods and yoghurt. It’s also used in theatrical fog machines.
When you vape, Vape VG is responsible for the production of the visible vapour cloud. If you prefer larger clouds of vapour, you can choose E-Liquid with a higher Vape VG concentration, such as shortfills.
Higher VG content in vape juice also results in a smoother throat hit and a slightly sweet taste.
What Vape VG Is Doing For You?
Vape PG is primarily used to enhance flavour and throat hit, while Vape VG is utilized to produce a gentle inhale and voluminous, thick clouds.
Similar to PG, VG is chemically classified as an alcohol, though not in the same sense as consumable alcohols like ethanol. However, because VG is denser than PG, it necessitates greater power to vapourize. This is why high VG E-liquids result in more vapour.
Typically, E-liquids with 70% or more vegetable glycerin are labeled as “high VG.” E-liquids can have VG concentrations as high as 90%, but with increased VG concentrations, the proportion of PG, which is effective at carrying flavor, decreases. As a result, very high VG mixtures might have a milder flavor profile.
The intensity of the flavour is dependent on the amount of VG. Vapers who use high VG E-liquids usually discover that a 70% VG level provides a mild to no throat hit while still delivering a rich flavour.
What Is The Difference Between Vape VG And Vape PG?
Vegetable Glycerin is a dense and sweet liquid that creates substantial vape clouds when used for vaping. However, because of its thickness, smaller vapourisers may have difficulty absorbing Vape VG liquid, leading to a buildup of residue in your atomiser. For vapers who are allergic to propylene glycol, it’s advisable to use a max VG mix.
Propylene Glycol is a thin and tasteless liquid that produces the throat hit sensation when vaping. For smaller vapourizers, it is recommended to use flavours with a higher PG concentration to prevent atomizer gunk build-up. The liquid is quickly absorbed by the wick, allowing you to vape immediately after filling your vapourizer. Additionally, high PG mixes produce fewer vapour clouds, resulting in a more discreet vaping experience.
What Is Vape VG Ratio?
E-liquids are created with varying amounts of PG and VG, which impact the strength of flavour, throat hit, and vapour production. These ratios are typically expressed as percentages, such as “80/20 PG/VG” or “80VG/20PG.”
Please refer to the chart below for an overview of how various ingredient levels can impact the final outcome.
| PG/VG Ratio | Throat Hit | Flavour | Vapour or ‘Cloud’ Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| High PG (usually 60%+ PG) | Strong | Strong | Low |
| 50PG/50VG | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| High VG (usually 60%+ VG) | Low | Medium | High |
Is Vape VG Safe?
According to the FDA, VG is considered “generally recognized as safe” for consumption and is widely regarded as one of the safest substances available to humans.
The SIDS assessment profile shows that VG has low toxicity when ingested and a low potential to cause skin or eye irritation.
Its extensive use in food and medicine also indicates that it is safe for human consumption. However, while VG’s ingestion is well-studied, there is limited research on the effects of inhaling VG, similar to the case with PG.
A study conducted in 2008 examined the toxicity of inhaling aerosolized glycerol and found it to pose minimal risks. However, it’s essential to note that vaping involves a mixture of substances, and the cumulative effects need further research. Therefore, it can be assumed that the use of VG in vaping does not have a serious impact on health. However, as with Vape PG, more comprehensive and long-term studies are recommended to better understand the effects of inhaling VG.
It’s important to acknowledge that the likelihood of developing an allergy to vegetable glycerin (VG) is quite low. As such, it can be a viable option for individuals who experience complications when vaping e-juice that contains propylene glycol (PG). Although it is not a common occurrence, people who are allergic to palm oil or coconut oil may experience difficulties with VG.
Verdict
Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a crucial ingredient in E-liquid that produces the dense clouds of vapour that many vapers love. VG is sourced from natural products, has a mild sweetness, and serves as a humectant. Understanding Vape VG’s properties will help you choose the ideal E-liquid to enhance your vaping experience.
FAQ
Is higher VG better?
E-liquids that contain higher VG produce a larger amount of vapour and offer a smoother throat-hit. However, due to its thickness, the liquid can clog coils quickly. On the other hand, E-liquids with a higher PG content provide a stronger throat-hit and a more distinct flavour.
What does 70% VG mean?
When an e-liquid is described as “70% VG,” it means that 70% of the liquid is made up of vegetable glycerin, while the remaining 30% is made up of other ingredients such as propylene glycol, flavourings, and nicotine (if present).
Is 100% VG good?
When compared to PG, VG may not always carry flavours as effectively, and can sometimes reduce the intensity of more subtle flavours in vape juice. While it is possible to vape e-juice that is made up of 100% VG, it is generally recommended to use a VG/PG blend.
Is 70% VG good?
The 70 VG / 30 PG Vape Juice is perfect for vapers who enjoy a casual or lifestyle experience. It provides a satisfyingly flavourful taste, smooth throat hit, and produces big clouds upon exhalation. This well-rounded juice offers the best of both worlds for vapers seeking a balanced vaping experience.
Which is healthier PG or VG?
Both PG and VG are non-toxic, organic compounds that are safe for human consumption. They have been used for decades as food additives in a variety of commercially available food products, such as cheese, cereal, ice cream, and soft drinks.