What is PG and VG?

28 April 2016

If you've delved into the mysterious world of vaping you've probably already heard the terms PG and VG. You might not know what they are though, and how they contribute to the vaping experience. If you're already a professional cloud chaser then I'm preaching to the choir, but for the rest of you, listen up!

PG

The term PG refers to the substance propylene glycol. PG is an organic compound, and has several uses outside of vaping. It can be found in asthma inhalers, medical products and beauty products, such as make-up, shampoo and baby wipes. It is also used in various edible items such as coffee-based drinks, sweeteners, ice cream and fizzy drinks.

VG

VG is otherwise known as vegetable glycerin, and is a natural substance derived from vegetable oil. It's a thick, colourless and odourless liquid, with a sweet taste. VG is thicker than PG and gives a much smoother hit. In terms of real-world applications, VG is used in a wide range of food, medical and personal care products including make-up, aftershave, pet food, soap and hand cream, toothpaste and as a sweetener in various foods. 

Vegetable Glycerin

The Differences 

There are a few main differences between the two substances, but together they form the basis for nearly all e-liquids. The ratio of the two varies based on personal preference, since it has an effect on the final vaping experience. PG is noted for its 'throat hit', which gives a sensation somewhat similar to smoking tobacco. This makes it desirable for heavier cigarette smokers who may be used to the feeling. It also carries flavour well, allowing you to properly taste a wide range of complex flavour combinations.

VG gives a smoother sensation when vaped, so if a throat hit isn't a priority it's a great alternative. Another thing VG is noted for is that it creates large vapour clouds, so the higher the percentage of VG in your e-liquid, the bigger these will be. Some vapers, known as cloud chasers, have taken this to competitive levels and try and create the largest clouds possible through modified equipment and high VG e-juice. This performance comes at a price, though, as the thick VG can make cleaning your equipment difficult. 

PG VG
More of a throat hit Smooth throat hit
Smaller clouds Huge clouds
Better flavours Muted flavours
Easy on your equipment Can clog up equipment

Are They Safe?

This is hard to answer definitively, but common sense should tell us that PG and VG are much preferable to the toxins from cigarettes/cigarette smoke. If you don't believe me, do you believe the Royal College of Physicians? Common side effects can include dry mouth, dry skin and itchiness (symptoms of dehydration) and possible allergies to PG that can cause irritation, but these allergies are rare, and much more preferable to cancer, heart disease and emphysema (some of the possible side effects of smoking). 

Where Can I Get PG/VG?

Good question. Well, here at Vape Mountain we've got a great selection of PG and VG e-liquids, so why not pick some up today?

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

OK Vape Tobacco High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

OK Vape Tobacco High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • High nicotine strength of 18mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.20 per pack!
OK Vape Quartz Strawberry Kiwi Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Strawberry Kiwi Disposable Vape (20mg)

£0.99
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in strawberry and kiwi flavour
  • Contains 2ml of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 20mg (2%)
  • Pre-filled, pre-charged and drag activated for use straight out the box
  • Prices start from as low as £3.80 per vape
OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Extra-high nicotine strength of 20mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.20 per pack!
OK Vape Tobacco Low Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (6mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Low Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (6mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Low nicotine strength of 6mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.20 per pack!
Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Pineapple Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape device in a tasty pineapple flavour
  • Provides 600 puffs per vape, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Bright and colourful design in a conveniently compact case
  • Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device
Blu 2.0 Blueberry Ice Liquidpods (9mg)

Blu 2.0 Blueberry Ice Liquidpods (9mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Provides a consistent vapour in a tasty blueberry ice flavour
  • Ceramic pod technology for a smooth vaping experience
  • Now provides roughly 25% more puffs per pod
  • Magnetic lock for fast and secure refills
Lost Mary BM600 Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape device in an icy menthol watermelon flavour 
  • Provides 600 puffs per vape, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Bright and colourful design in a conveniently compact case
  • Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device
OK Vape Quartz Blueberry Raspberry Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Blueberry Raspberry Disposable Vape (20mg)

£0.99
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in blueberry and raspberry flavour
  • Contains 2ml of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 20mg (2%)
  • Pre-filled, pre-charged and drag activated for use straight out the box
  • Prices start from as low as £3.80 per vape
OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Mango Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£0.99
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in a delicious mango flavour
  • Contains 2ml of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 20mg (2%)
  • Pre-filled, pre-charged and drag activated for use straight out the box
  • Prices start from as low as £3.80 per vape
OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

OK Vape Menthol High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Menthol-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • High nicotine strength of 18mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.20 per pack!
OK Vape Quartz Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

OK Vape Quartz Watermelon Ice Disposable Vape (20mg)

£0.99
(RRP: £4.95)
In stock now  In stock now
  • Hassle-free disposable vape pen in watermelon ice flavour
  • Contains 2ml of e-liquid with a nicotine strength of 20mg (2%)
  • Pre-filled, pre-charged and drag activated for use straight out the box
  • Prices start from as low as £3.80 per vape
OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette Starter Kit and High Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges Saver Pack

£37.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Starter kit containing everything that you need to start vaping
  • Menthol flavoured and ideal for those who want to cut down on smoking
  • Contains a total of 26 high strength refills (18mg) and one medium strength refill (12mg)
  • Includes a USB charger, K1 Battery and an OK Vape carry case