What Is A PG-Based E Liquid?

Vapers have a whole lexicon of abbreviations to simplify the countless scientific terms associated with the different parts of vaping. Whether you’re new to vaping, or you’re a vaping master, no one really knows everything about how vape works. The two most commonly-known abbreviations are most likely PG and VG. If not the most common, they are perhaps two of the most important factors in vaping. PG stands for propylene glycol and VG stands for vegetable glycerin, both organic compounds, and they are one of three main ingredients used in e liquids. Either PG or VG is used in each e liquid, combined with water, artificial flavoring, and possibly nicotine, if desired. There are e liquids that combine PG and VG, and the various ratios create wildly different vaping experiences through cloud production and throat hit. Let’s break down the basics of PG:

Propylene glycol, or PG, is the most widely-used e liquid base. It rapidly absorbs moisture, which provides a stronger throat hit, similar to the experience of smoking tobacco cigarettes. PG has a much thinner consistency than VG, and doesn’t create a build-up of gunk inside the tank. PG is also an odorless substance, and therefore does not alter your e liquid flavor experience. Many ex-smokers choose PG-based e liquids to help curb their tobacco cravings, because the throat hit and dry throat feeling replicates the experience of smoking a cigarette. A negative effect of vaping with a PG-based e liquids is allergic reactions. Many have reported minor and major allergic reactions and throat irritation from PG-based e liquids. In this case, stop using that e liquid immediately.

Check out our next PG/VG article on the basics of VG-based e liquids.