VG/PG ratios - cigge sorts it out
As you probably know, vaping is a newer, less harmful form of smoking. You most likely already know this, otherwise you probably would not have found your way here. The benefits of vaping instead of smoking cigarettes are many. Replacing traditional cigarettes with vaping can be tricky and tough, but it is definitely possible. We have thousands of proofs of this at cigge.
It can also be complicated to understand device specifications, voltage settings, flavour, nicotine strength, cloud production, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin levels (PG/VG ratios). We suspect that there is still a great deal of confusion about how this whole process actually works - which we at cigge understand - but don't worry if you have just started.
One question that really gets to the heart of the matter is VG/PG (vegetable glycerin & propylene glycol) - We will try to explain and give you knowledge about the subject so that you can choose the right VG/PG ratio for your personal needs and preferences.
E-liquid is basically propylene glycol(PG) and vegetable glycerin(VG) - these two are usually called carriers in your E-juice. This is therefore the base of your E-juice. To then get an E-liquid that is flavourful enough to inhale, you need to add flavourings and possibly nicotine. In short - propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are the foundation of your E-juice.
What is PG?
PG stands for propylene glycol and is basically a food additive. It is therefore an approved food additive that has been formally recognised as safe. PG has a similar structure to alcohol and is a clear, odourless liquid that is less viscous than VG. You can find PG in various foods, medicines and products. E-juices with a high PG content are best suited to those who have previously smoked regular cigarettes and enjoy a "throat hit". In addition, PG liquid carries nicotine and flavour very effectively.
High-PG liquids also produce significantly less vapour because PG requires considerably less power to heat up - which can make it more suitable if you feel the need not to advertise that you vape.
What is VG?
VG stands for vegetable glycerin and is a significantly thicker liquid than PG. VG liquid is clear, odourless and sticky and is made from vegetable fat. Vegetable glycerin has a wide range of uses and is used, among other things, in the production of toothpaste, medicines and more.
VG has a fairly high heating point, which means that e-liquids with a high VG content are best suited to electronic cigarettes with high power.
VG has primarily two functions in your e-juice. The first is that the liquid contains a slight sweetness that is added to your e-juice, affecting the end result and the experience of every puff you take. The second, and primary, function is to facilitate cloud production - as mentioned earlier, VG is the main creator of large clouds.
An e-juice that contains a high VG content provides a smooth and even throat hit that does not feel as harsh on the throat as a liquid with a high PG content. Unlike PG, VG does not carry flavours and nicotine as effectively. Liquids with a high VG content are more suitable for sub-ohm vaping or in devices where you can adjust the power on the device yourself. VG liquids require high power.
Together and in harmony, these chemicals work very well together. When heated, PG produces throat hits that provide a similar smoking experience to traditional cigarettes, while VG produces clouds and more vapour. Do you want large clouds and soft throat hits? Then you should use an E-juice with a high VG content. Do you want thicker E-juices that resemble tobacco cigarettes? Then you should use an E-juice with a high PG content
Can I mix VG/PG liquids?
Yes. It works perfectly well to mix, for example, a nic shot that is 50VG/50PG into an e-juice with 70VG/30PG.
The only thing that really happens is that you dilute your juice; you may lose a little flavour if you choose to use a liquid with a high VG content. Generally, the difference is so small that you will not notice anything.
What happens is that you change the VG/PG ratio when you mix
Example:
You have:
- 50 ml shortfill 70/30 (VG/PG)
- 10ml nic shot 50/50 (VG/PG)
You mix:
- If you add 10ml of 50/50(VG/PG) nic shot to your 50ml shortfill, the VG content drops to 67VG in the shortfill.
Your result:
- 67/33 (VG/PG)
/happy vaping ciggecrew!
