What Are VG and PG in E-Liquid, and Are They Harmful?

VG stands for vegetable glycerin. It is a natural chemical derived from vegetable oils, making it safe for vegetarians. It is commonly used in e-liquids to give the vapor a "thick" feel. VG is slightly sweet and thicker than PG. Vegetable glycerin provides a smoother throat hit compared to propylene glycol, making it more suitable for vaping. While nicotine and flavorings are typically suspended in PG, some suppliers offer VG alternatives for a 100% VG mixture.

What is it used for?

It can be found in many medical, food, and personal care products:

· Sweetener as a sugar substitute.

· Beauty products such as cosmetics, mousses, bubble baths, aftershaves, and deodorants.

· Pet food.

· Soaps and hand creams.

· Baked goods and other foods to increase moisture.

· Providing a thick gel for certain medicinal creams, capsule pills, and jellies.

· Toothpaste and other dental care products.
VG is harmful to the human body?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified VG as "generally recognized as safe" and is widely considered one of the least harmful substances known to humans. It has low toxicity and a low potential to irritate the skin or eyes. This, along with VG's widespread use in food and medicine, indicates that it is safe for humans. However, like PG, research on the inhalation of VG rather than ingestion is limited.

A 2008 study on the toxicity of inhaled glycerin found minimal risk. We can assume that using VG in e-cigarettes is not significantly harmful, but like PG, we will need more detailed studies on it.

It is important to note that the risk of allergy to vegetable glycerin is very low, making it a useful alternative for those who have issues with PG-containing e-liquids. If you are allergic to palm oil or coconut oil, VG may be a concern, but this is relatively uncommon. Diabetics may encounter metabolic issues with VG, but this should not be a problem when using e-cigarettes.

What ratio of PG/VG should be used?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. It depends on the type of vaping experience you prefer. Many people use different levels of PG and VG for different purposes:

Throat hit - If you enjoy a sharp throat hit while vaping, you might prefer a higher PG vape. The "kick" at the back of the throat is something many quitters crave, and PG (along with nicotine) provides more of that. The flavor of PG is slightly better than VG, so it can enhance the taste a bit.

Smoothness - High VG liquids can make the throat feel smoother, with a thicker "feel." The flavor in VG liquids is slightly muted, but this can be offset by using more power to produce more vapor. Be careful to stay within the voltage/power range of your atomizer, or you may experience dry hits or even damage your device.

Stealth vaping - If you want to keep your vaping discreet, then high PG is the way to go. It produces less vapor when exhaled, which is ideal for vapers who prefer not to draw attention. However, you should always apply common sense. In some places, such as waiting rooms and public transport, it is often illegal and just plain rude. Since vaping is relatively new, we have a responsibility to understand public opinion and act responsibly.

What should be noted when using VG?

Increasing the thickness of VG means it can reduce the lifespan of your atomizer faster than PG-based liquids. High VG liquids can clog coils more quickly, and in some tanks, they may not work well at all. Older products are particularly susceptible, especially models with smaller coils, such as clearomizers. The Nautilus series and eGo tanks are some well-known tanks that are known to struggle with high VG liquids.

Like PG, the most common side effect of vaping high VG e-liquids is dehydration: dry mouth, sore throat, and increased thirst. Again, be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks as needed.
What kind of e-liquid do I need?

Many people enjoy using different levels of PG and VG at different times, along with various devices and flavors. Tobacco, fruit, and beverage flavors usually pair well with PG, as the freshness of PG blends well with the acidity or mixture of the flavors. Similarly, cream-based, custard, and yogurt flavors tend to be used with high VG, as the thick texture enhances the dessert-like quality.

There are no fixed rules for choosing e-liquids; just follow your taste buds!