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!

Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a delicious mixed berry flavour
  • Provides 600 puffs per bar, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Compact, portable and drag-activated for a great vape experience 
  • Mix and match 10 of any flavour to reduce price to £3.80 per device
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
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  • 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
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

OK Vape Rechargeable Tobacco E-Cigarette Starter Kit

£5.49
In stock now  In stock now
  • Rechargeable electronic cigarette with slim "cigalike" design
  • Includes two tobacco flavoured nicotine refills
  • Starter kit includes everything that you need to start vaping
  • Number of different tobacco and menthol refills available
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

Blu Pro Polar Mint E-Liquid

£3.99
Currently unavailable. Please check back soon  Currently unavailable. Please check back soon
  • Refreshingly crisp and cool peppermint
  • Nicotine strengths: 9mg
  • VG: 30%, PG: 70%
  • Made in the USA
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!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
Elf Bar 600 Blueberry Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

Elf Bar 600 Blueberry Disposable Vape Pen (20mg)

£4.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Disposable vape pen supplied in a delicious blueberry flavour
  • Provides 600 puffs per bar, roughly the same as 20 cigarettes
  • Compact, portable and drag-activated for a great vape experience 
  • 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
Vuse Pro ePod Golden Tobacco Refill Pods (12mg)

Vuse Pro ePod Golden Tobacco Refill Pods (12mg)

£6.49
In stock now  In stock now
  • Refill pods for use with Vuse Pro and Vuse ePod devices
  • Classic tobacco flavour with toasty caramel notes
  • Features nicotine salts and a strength of 12mg
  • This double pack lasts up to a massive 1900 puffs
OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

OK Vape E-Cigarette K1 Replacement Battery with Refill Cartridges

£9.48
In stock now  In stock now
  • Replacement battery and pack of cartridges
  • For the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Available with tobacco or menthol cartridges
  • Purchase one, two, or three batteries
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
OK Vape Tobacco Medium Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (12mg)

OK Vape Tobacco Medium Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (12mg)

£6.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco-flavoured electronic cigarette refill
  • Suitable for the OK Vape Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Medium nicotine strength of 12mg
  • Each pack contains 5 refills, with bulk offers available
  • Available from £5.20 per pack!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
Vuse Pro ePod Chilled Mint Refill Pods (3mg)

Vuse Pro ePod Chilled Mint Refill Pods (3mg)

£6.49
In stock now  In stock now
  • Refill pods for use with Vuse Pro and Vuse ePod devices
  • Supplied in a simple, fresh and cooling chilled mint flavour
  • Features nicotine salts and a strength of 3mg
  • This double pack lasts up to a massive 1900 puffs
EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
In stock now  In stock now
  • Tobacco flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK