What is VG and PG?

27 April 2016

If you’re new to vaping, you might have come across the terms VG and PG. Fear not, this isn't some secret code exclusive to the experienced vaping community - it simply stands for Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol. Still have no idea what these mean? Don't worry - they sound more complex than they actually are! Read on to learn more.

All About That Base

Vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol are two of the key ingredients which provide the base for e-liquids. Combined with flavouring and often nicotine and distilled water, they make the juice what it is and allow it to be successfully transformed into yummy vapour for you to inhale! 

Many e-liquids have equal amounts of VG and PG in their content, but this balance can be adjusted depending on your individual preference. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Spot the Difference

Both PG and VG are odourless, colourless substances found in many common food and personal care products, like soap, and are generally regarded as safe. However, the two ingredients have different consistencies, as well as a slightly different tastes. This means they produce their own distinctive mouth and throat sensation when inhaled. We’ve drawn up the differences below for you to compare!

PG VG
Petroleum by-product Natural chemical derived from plant oil
Slightly higher risk of allergic reaction than with VG Natural – less likely to cause allergic reaction
Provides a stronger “throat hit” similar to a traditional cigarette Provides a smoother hit
Carries flavour more effectively Slightly sweeter than PG
Thinner than VG – will not clog your vaping device Thicker than PG – gives denser sensation to the liquid and produces larger clouds but can clog atomiser

PG vs. VG

If you enjoy a sharper throat hit, for instance if you want to simulate the sensation of smoking as closely as possible, you’ll probably want a higher PG liquid. PG also carries flavour a little better than VG and produces less vapour, ideal if you want to be less conspicuous when vaping in public. 

If a smoother delivery is important to you, higher VG may be more suitable. It produces a thicker cloud which feels slightly heavier in the mouth, as well as enabling denser, larger clouds of vapour. If you’re interested in cloud-chasing, the activity which involves competing to create impressive plumes of vapour, definitely favour VG over PG. 

If none of this means that much to you then best go for a 50/50 PG/VG liquid – the best of both worlds! Have a browse of the e-liquids available at Vape Mountain now and discover your preferred blend!

See Our Trending E-Liquids!

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
Vuse Pro ePod Golden Tobacco Refill Pods (12mg)

Vuse Pro ePod Golden Tobacco Refill Pods (12mg)

£6.49
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  • 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
Lost Mary BM600 Triple Mango Disposable Vape (20mg)

Lost Mary BM600 Triple Mango Disposable Vape (20mg)

£4.95
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  • Disposable vape device in a tangy triple mango 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
EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Very Menthol E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Menthol flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Forest Fruits E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Blueberry and strawberry flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
  • Made in the UK
EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

EDGE Virginia Tobacco E-Liquid (Pack of 5)

£11.99
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  • Tobacco flavoured e-liquid
  • Nicotine strengths: 6mg, 12mg and 18mg
  • VG: 50%, PG: 50%
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OK Vape Tobacco High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (18mg)

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

£6.99
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  • 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!
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
OK Vape E-Cigarette Low Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges (6mg)

OK Vape E-Cigarette Low Strength Menthol Refill Cartridges (6mg)

£6.99
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  • Menthol flavour refill cartridges for the OK Rechargeable E-Cigarette
  • Each pack contains five cartridges and lasts for the equivalent of 125 traditional cigarettes
  • Low strength with 6mg of nicotine in each cartridge
  • Bulk offers available starting at £5.20 per pack
  • FREE OK Vape Starter Kit Offer: Enter switch2ok at checkout
OK Vape Tobacco Extra-High Nicotine E-Cigarette Refills (20mg)

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

£6.99
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  • 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
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  • 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
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
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