Mastering the VG and PG Ratio: The Best E-Liquid Mix Guide

Wondering how the VG and PG ratio in your e-liquid affects your vaping experience? VG (Vegetable Glycerine) and PG (Propylene Glycol) play key roles in how your vape juice tastes, feels, and the size of your vapour clouds. In this guide, we’ll go over what these ratios mean, their impact, and how to choose the best VG:PG ratio for your needs.

Key Takeaways

• VG (Vegetable Glycerine) focuses on creating thick vapour clouds and a smoother throat hit, while PG (Propylene Glycol) excels at flavour delivery and provides a stronger throat hit. (1)

• The VG:PG ratio is key to customising the vaping experience; higher VG ratios yield denser clouds, while higher PG ratios enhance flavour intensity and throat hit.

• Personal preferences, device compatibility, and vaping style are crucial when selecting the optimal VG:PG ratio, and experimenting with different blends can help vapers find their perfect mix.

Understanding VG and PG

VG and PG are the backbone of any e-liquid, playing pivotal roles in shaping the vaping experience. VG, or Vegetable Glycerine, is a thicker, sweeter liquid that produces dense vapour clouds. PG, or Propylene Glycol, is thinner and excels at carrying flavours, providing a more pronounced throat hit.

E-liquids consist of several components, primarily flavourings, nicotine, and the base liquids PG and VG. Both VG and PG contribute to the overall taste and feel of the vapour, influencing factors such as throat hit, flavour intensity, and cloud production. The VG:PG ratio in e-liquids is crucial as it affects these characteristics, allowing vapers to customise their experience based on personal preferences.

Understanding the properties and roles of VG and PG helps vapers fine-tune their vape juice. Here’s a deeper look at each component and their contributions to the vaping experience.

What is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is a thick, colourless liquid derived from vegetable fats (2), producing vapour when heated. Its syrup-like consistency creates larger vapour clouds and offers a smoother inhale compared to PG. VG’s slight sweetness can add a subtle flavour to the vape juice.

High VG e-liquids appeal to those seeking dense vapour clouds and a smoother throat hit. Increasing VG concentration results in thicker vapour, enhancing the vaping experience. However, VG provides less throat hit, making it gentler for those sensitive to harsher substances like PG.

What is Propylene Glycol (PG)?

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a clear, odorless liquid that is slightly thicker than water and is safe for human consumption (3). In vaping, PG plays a crucial role in carrying flavours effectively and recreating a satisfying throat hit. Its thinner consistency makes it an excellent carrier for flavours, ensuring that the taste is potent and not masked.

Compared to VG, PG provides a stronger throat hit, which is often preferred by new vapers transitioning from traditional smoking. PG is manufactured from the reaction of propylene oxide with water and is commonly used in pharmaceutical products, ensuring its safety for consumption.

Safety of VG and PG

Both VG and PG are generally recognised as safe for consumption, widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and other products. Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is classified as safe for human consumption by the FDA and the WHO. VG is commonly found in products like ice cream, toothpaste, and cough medicine, highlighting its widespread use and safety.

Propylene Glycol (PG) is also deemed safe for human consumption according to several standardisation bodies. However, some individuals may experience respiratory and ocular irritations related to PG sensitivity. Symptoms of PG sensitivity can include skin irritation and headaches, with estimates that it affects approximately 10% of vapers.

While VG is less likely to cause irritations or allergic reactions, individuals with allergies to plant oils should avoid it. If adverse reactions occur while using e-liquids, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult the manufacturer. Understanding the safety profiles of VG and PG can help vapers make informed decisions about their e-liquid choices.

The Importance of VG:PG Ratios

The VG:PG ratio in e-liquids is a critical factor that influences throat hit, flavour strength, and cloud production. Higher VG ratios typically produce larger vapour clouds but may mute flavour intensity. Conversely, higher PG ratios enhance flavour intensity and provide a stronger throat hit, making them preferable for many vapers.

Different VG:PG ratios offer unique experiences, allowing vapers to fine-tune their vape juices to match their preferences. For example, a 50/50 blend provides a balanced mix of flavour intensity and vapour production. Understanding how these ratios affect your vaping experience is key to finding the best PG:VG ratio for you.

Let’s explore some common VG ratios and their benefits, including the PG VG ratio and the best pg vg ratio.

Balanced 50/50 Ratio

A 50/50 VG:PG ratio offers a balanced experience, supporting flavour, throat hit, and vapour production. This ratio is versatile and compatible with most standard vape devices, ensuring ease of use. It’s a popular choice among vapers seeking a fair mix of flavour intensity and vapour production.

Vapers can adjust VG:PG ratios to enhance specific aspects of vaping. For instance, increasing VG can produce denser clouds, while a higher PG content can provide a stronger throat hit and more pronounced flavours.

At SMOKO, we offer a 50/50 VG:PG ratio in our SMOOTH VAPE POD refill range, designed to work with out SMOKO VAPE POD Starter Kit, as well as our non-tobacco flavours at the 1.8% nicotine strength in our great new device, the VAPE MAX!

High VG E-Liquids

High VG e-liquids are typically composed of 70% VG or more, with thicker consistency and denser vapour clouds. These e-liquids produce thicker, denser vapour clouds and provide a smoother throat hit, accompanied by a slightly sweet taste. High VG ratios require sub-ohm coils and increased power due to the thicker nature of VG, allowing for better wicking at higher wattages. Additionally, high vg e liquid is favoured by many vapers for its ability to enhance flavour, especially when using high VG liquids. The high VG ratio is essential for achieving optimal performance in these setups.

Optimal VG:PG ratios for cloud production typically include 70 VG / 30 PG and can extend to 90 VG / 10 PG for maximum vapour output. High VG e-liquids are ideal for cloud chasers and those who prefer a smoother vaping experience. For those with a sensitivity to propylene glycol (PG), higher VG liquids, or even 100% VG liquids may help to avoid any irritation.

High PG E-Liquids

High PG e-liquids are often favoured for their strong throat hit and flavour delivery, making them ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping. A 30 VG and 70 PG e-liquid is known for its robust throat hit and strong flavour, but it produces less vapour compared to higher VG blends. PG is more effective at carrying flavours compared to VG, which can sometimes mute flavours. Additionally, many vapers prefer high PG e liquid for its intense flavour profile.

A high PG ratio will typically provide a stronger and more intense throat hit, preferred by those seeking a real smoking sensation when they quit smoking to help with the transition to vaping. High PG e-liquids allow for a more powerful and intricate flavour profile due to their thinner consistency. This makes them a great choice for vapers who prioritise flavour over cloud production, especially those who enjoy high PG ratios.

At SMOKO, our priority is helping smokers to quit, which is why we offer a cigalike vape to mimic the look and feel of a traditional cigarette, and utilise an 80/20 PG to VG ratio for our cigalike refills. This combination explains why so many smokers have success when they quit smoking with SMOKO!

Choosing the Right VG:PG Ratio for You

Selecting the optimal VG:PG ratio is largely dependent on individual vaping preferences and style. Factors such as desired throat hit, flavour intensity, and cloud production play a crucial role in determining the best PG:VG ratio. Mixing VG and PG allows vapers to create personalised experiences tailored to their unique preferences.

Many vapers start with a 50/50 VG:PG ratio to find a balanced vaping experience. However, experimentation is key. Adjusting the VG:PG ratio can help you find the optimal balance for your preferences.

Let’s delve into how device compatibility and vaping styles can influence your choice of VG:PG ratio.

Device Compatibility

High VG e-liquids (70% VG or more) are best used with sub-ohm devices and higher wattage for effective vaporisation. These devices are designed to handle the thicker consistency of high VG e-liquids, ensuring smooth and consistent vapour production. Using high VG e-liquids with smaller pen-style vape devices can lead to quick coil clogging and burnout.

Conversely, high PG e-liquids (typically 60% PG or more) perform best with lower resistance coils and devices specifically designed for MTL vaping. A 50/50 VG:PG ratio is versatile and suitable for nearly all vape kits, including pod systems.

Matching VG:PG ratios to devices is crucial to avoid issues such as coil clogging and dry hits.

Vaping Styles

MTL vaping involves inhaling vapour into the mouth before the lungs, which is common among new vapers. This style typically requires e-liquids with a higher PG content for a better throat hit. Beginners often prefer MTL kits because they resemble traditional smoking and provide cooler, thinner vapour.

DTL vaping, on the other hand, involves directly inhaling vapour into the lungs, resulting in larger vapour clouds. Vapers can experiment with various VG:PG ratios to determine what suits their personal vaping style best. Whether you prefer the strong throat hit of high PG e-liquids or the dense clouds of high VG e-liquids, there’s a perfect balance waiting for you.

Effects of Sub-Ohm Vaping

Sub-ohm vaping is associated with increased health risks compared to traditional vaping methods. The combination of low atomizer resistance and high voltage in sub-ohm vaping significantly increases aerosol production, contributing to higher levels of nicotine and toxic compounds. Understanding these effects is crucial for making informed decisions about your vaping habits.

Let’s take a closer look at the health risks and device performance associated with sub-ohm vaping.

Health Risks

Research indicates that sub-ohm vaping can cause cellular toxicity, reducing cell viability and disrupting gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells. Studies have shown significant cytotoxicity in lung cells, with exposure resulting in dysregulated gene expression and increased oxidative stress. Sub-ohm vaping increases levels of carbonyls, which are harmful compounds produced during vaporisation. (4)

The combination of low atomizer resistance and high voltage in sub-ohm vaping significantly increases aerosol production, contributing to higher levels of nicotine and toxic compounds. E-cig aerosol produced under regular vaping conditions contains lower carbonyl levels compared to sub-ohm conditions. These findings highlight the potential increased health risks associated with sub-ohm vaping compared with low powered vapes.

Further to this, an earlier study indicated that higher levels of VG results in higher levels of acetaldehyde production in the vaping process (5), indicating that higher PG liquids may be generally safer than high VG liquids.

Device Performance

Sub-ohm devices are designed to handle high VG e-liquids effectively, but require careful attention to wicking and power settings to optimise performance and minimise risks. Proper wicking is essential to prevent dry hits and ensure consistent vapour production and avoid a burnt taste and dry hits. Sub-ohm devices offer enhanced cloud production but must be used with caution.

Understanding how to optimise your device’s performance can help you enjoy the benefits of sub-ohm vaping while minimising potential risks. Let’s explore how VG and PG influence flavour delivery in e-liquids.

VG and PG in Flavour Delivery

The VG/PG ratio in e-liquids significantly influences flavour delivery, vapour production, and the overall smoothness of the vaping experience. PG is thinner than VG, blends flavours well, and creates potent flavours. VG, on the other hand, tends to add a slightly sweet taste and contribute to a softer throat hit.

Mixing your own e-liquids allows you to control the flavour intensity and create unique combinations. Let’s delve into how VG and PG impact flavour intensity and the sweetness and smoothness of e-liquids.

Flavour Intensity

Higher VG ratios can mute the flavour intensity because VG does not carry flavours as effectively as PG. This is why vapers who prioritise strong and distinct flavours often prefer e-liquids with a higher PG content, as PG is known for its ability to carry flavours better and interfere less with the taste.

High VG e-liquids produce dense vapour clouds and smoother hits, but they can dilute the flavour sensation. For vapers who enjoy a robust flavour profile, a balance or higher PG content might be more suitable.

DIY e-liquid mixing can further enhance control over the flavour profile, allowing vapers to customise their experience to their liking.

Sweetness and Smoothness

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) gives a mildly sweet flavour to e-liquids. This subtle sweetness can enhance the overall vaping experience, making each inhale more enjoyable. Additionally, VG contributes to a smoother throat hit, which is beneficial for those who find PG’s throat hit too harsh.

In addition to the sweetness, VG is known contributing to a smoother throat experience. This makes high VG e-liquids a preferred choice for vapers looking for a softer and more pleasant throat hit, adding to the richness of the vaping experience.

Customising Your Vaping Experience

One of the most exciting aspects of vaping is the ability to customise your experience. Mixing your own e-liquids allows you to create customised flavours and achieve the ideal VG:PG ratio tailored to your preferences. If you can’t find a pre-mixed e-liquid that matches your preferred VG:PG ratio, you can purchase VG and PG separately to mix your own e-liquid.

A potential future trend in the vaping industry includes customisable e-liquids where consumers can select their desired VG/PG ratios, flavours, and nicotine strengths. This trend empowers vapers to experiment and find the perfect balance that suits their vaping style and preferences.

Do be aware that prefilled devices are designed for the e-liquid contained inside and shouldn't be refilled unless it is specified as a 'refillable pod', for example. The coil set up in a prefilled device is specific to the liquid inside, and using a liquid with a different balance of PG:VG could result in an underwhelming, ineffective vaping experience.

DIY E-Liquid Mixing

Mixing your own e-liquids at home can be rewarding. Creating your own blend allows you to achieve the perfect VG:PG ratio if a suitable pre-mixed option isn’t available. A 50/50 VG:PG ratio is a good starting point for novice vapers.

Using an e-liquid calculator can help determine the proportions of each ingredient in your custom mixes. Experiment with different ratios and flavours to create a unique vaping experience tailored to your preferences.

Experimentation Tips

Experimenting with different VG:PG ratios helps vapers discover their preferred balance of flavour, throat hit, and vapour production. It’s all about personal preference, and experimenting is the best way to find what works for you.

Testing various ratios can help you determine which blend provides the optimal vaping experience for you. Whether you prefer the intense flavours of high PG e-liquids or the dense clouds of high VG e-liquids, there’s a perfect balance waiting to be discovered.

Summary

Understanding and mastering the VG and PG ratios in your e-liquids can significantly enhance your vaping experience. VG, known for its dense vapour production and smoother hits, and PG, renowned for its flavour carrying capabilities and stronger throat hit, both play crucial roles in shaping your vape juice. The PG to VG ratio impacts everything from flavour intensity to vapour production and throat hit, allowing for a highly personalised experience.

At SMOKO, we offer a range of PG to VG ratios across our devices, ranging from 80/20 PG to VG to 50/50 balance. Primarily, the high PG content is to provide the throat hit that smokers are familiar with so the vaping experience is as close to the smoking experience as possible, to aid in a seamless transition to vaping, but we also appreciate some vapers enjoy a little more vapour production which is why we offer a 50/50 balance on our new devices: the VAPE POD and the VAPE MAX.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VG:PG ratio in e-liquids, and why is it important?

The VG:PG ratio in e-liquids indicates how much Vegetable Glycerine is mixed with Propylene Glycol, and it's crucial because it influences the throat hit, flavour strength, and vapour production. Understanding this ratio helps you tailor your vaping experience to what you enjoy most.

What are the benefits of high VG e-liquids?

High VG e-liquids are great for producing thick, dense vapour clouds and offer a smoother throat hit, making them perfect for sub-ohm vaping enthusiasts and cloud chasers. If you enjoy intense vapour production with a gentler feel, high VG is the way to go! Stealth vapers will prefer high PG as less vapour production makes it easier to hide your vaping!

Are there any risks associated with sub-ohm vaping?

Absolutely, there are health risks with sub-ohm vaping, such as cellular toxicity and higher exposure to harmful substances compared to traditional methods. It's crucial to be aware of these risks to make informed choices about your vaping habits.

How does PG affect flavour delivery in e-liquids?

PG enhances flavour delivery in e-liquids because it's thinner and better at blending flavours, resulting in a stronger taste that doesn't get masked. If you're all about flavour intensity, high PG e-liquids are the way to go!

Can I mix my own e-liquids at home?

Absolutely, you can mix your own e-liquids at home! Just grab an e-liquid calculator to help you balance the flavours and VG:PG ratio to match your tastes. A word of warning - you don't need to add much flavouring!

REFERENCES

(1) The Impact of E-liquid Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin Ratio on Ratings of Subjective Effects, Reinforcement Value, and Use in Current Smokers

(2) What Is Vegetable Glycerin? Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

(3) NIH - Compound Summary: Propylene Glycol

(4) Sub-ohm vaping increases the levels of carbonyls, is cytotoxic, and alters gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed at the air–liquid interface

(5) Influence of the E-Cigarette Emission Profile by the Ratio of Glycerol to Propylene Glycol in E-Liquid Composition

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes. Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking. During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.