Vape juice is primarily made up of a few basic ingredients - vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavorings, and optionally, nicotine. Variations in these four ingredients are what makes up most of the differences between one e-juice and another. Flavoring and nicotine content are more apparent, while VG and PG are not as familiar to newbies. As VG and PG make up a good deal of your vaping experience, from vapor thickness and throat hit to the strength of the flavor,getting to know these two compounds is key to picking out the right juice for you.

Properties of VG and PG

VG and PG are both colorless, odorless liquids that, when heated, producing vapor. Both compounds are deemed safe and non-toxic by the FDA and can be seen used in food and medicine as solvents or a way to draw in moisture.

Vegetable Glycerin, as the name indicates, is derived from vegetable oil - usually soybeans or palm. It is a thick, viscous fluid that, despite thelack of noticeable odor, carries a distinct and sweet taste useful in foods. The viscosity of VG makes it smooth and a main ingredient in personal care products like soaps and skin lotions.

Propylene Glycol is synthetically created from Propylene Oxide for a variety of uses in food, medicine, and cosmetics. In vaping, PG is most notable for its thin, low density, and flavorless properties working effectively as a solvent and carrying moisture.

How do VG and PG Affect Vaping?

These two base fluids share many useful chemical properties and are often used together in vaping. However, e-liquids vary in the VG/PG ratio used, which in turn affects how it interacts with the user and vaporizer.

• VG is much thicker than PG, so VG vape juice absorbs more slowly into the wick or cartomizer. PG-based vape juice generally burns more quickly than VG-based e-liquid.
• Thicker fluids yield more vapor, therefore a VG base is preferred by those who want to make huge displays of vapor clouds and a PG base is preferred by a more discreet vaper.
• PG produces stronger throat hits, while VG bases are smoother. The latter works better with sub-ohm mods to avoid excessively strong hits.
• PG is flavorless, so the flavor additives are typically stronger. However, VG’s sweetness can complement various flavors.
• High VG content produces more gunk, so tanks and coils need more regular cleaning. PG is less dense, but can be runny when filling up.
• Though both are non-toxic, some users report irritation from PG due to allergies, whereas VG allergies are far rarer.

Try Vape Juice Best Suited For You

Whether you like to pace yourself with a vape juice that lasts longer like VG-based e-liquid or enjoy an immensely flavorful e-liquid found in PG, Wickedly Hot Vapors has plenty of options for everyone. Our two Texas locations carry vape juices across the VG/PG spectrum to suit whatever your vaping needs are. Check us out online or at our local vape shop, where you can talk to one of our knowledgeable employees about finding your new favorite vape juice.

Image: DedMityay