Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Understanding Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
- Comparing PG vs. VG: A Practical Breakdown
- Common PG/VG Ratios and What They Mean
- Matching Ratios to Your Hardware
- Troubleshooting Your PG/VG Experience
- Quality Matters: The Vapor Authority Standard
- Storage and Handling
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Every bottle of e-liquid contains a specific blend of ingredients that determines how your device performs and how the vapor feels. When you look at a label, you will almost always see a ratio such as 70/30 or 50/50, referring to Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). At Vapor Authority, we believe that understanding these two base liquids is the most important step in finding the perfect setup for your personal preferences. Whether you prioritize intense flavor, massive clouds, or a specific sensation in the throat, the PG/VG ratio is the primary factor driving that experience.
Introduction
Choosing the right e-liquid can be overwhelming for beginners and experienced vapers alike because the market is flooded with thousands of options. However, once you strip away the branding and the flavor names, every e-juice relies on the same fundamental chemistry. PG and VG are the "carriers" for nicotine and flavoring, and they behave very differently when heated by a coil. This guide will break down the physical properties of both substances, how they interact with your hardware, and how to choose the ratio that best suits your goals.
Warning: This content is intended for adults of legal vaping age only. Vaping products contain nicotine, which is an addictive chemical. These products are not intended for use by minors, non-smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or asthma. Consult a physician if you have concerns about whether vaping products are appropriate for you.
Understanding Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene Glycol, commonly referred to as PG, is a synthetic organic compound. It is a colorless, nearly odorless liquid with a low viscosity, meaning it is thin and flows easily. In the vaping world, PG is valued for its ability to carry flavor effectively and its contribution to the "throat hit" that many adult vapers look for.
The Characteristics of PG
Because PG is a thin liquid, it is absorbed into atomizer wicks very quickly. An atomizer is the component of your device that houses the heating coil and the wicking material (usually cotton). Because PG is thin, it can travel through the cotton fibers with minimal resistance. This makes high-PG e-liquids ideal for low-powered devices that have small wicking ports.
Furthermore, PG is a better flavor carrier than VG. Most food-grade flavor concentrates are suspended in PG because it does not have a strong inherent taste of its own. This allows the complex notes of a tobacco or fruit profile to stand out clearly. If you are a "flavor chaser" who wants the most accurate representation of a specific recipe, a higher PG content is often beneficial. For a closer look at the kinds of blends that rely on these ratios, browse our nicotine salt e-liquids.
The Throat Hit Factor
One of the most distinct attributes of PG is the "throat hit." This is the slight tingling or rasping sensation felt at the back of the throat during inhalation. For many people transitioning from traditional tobacco products, this sensation is a vital part of the experience. Higher concentrations of PG intensify this feeling, while lower concentrations make the vapor feel smoother.
Understanding Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable Glycerin, or VG, is a natural chemical derived from vegetable oils, typically soy, coconut, or palm oil. It is significantly thicker and more viscous than PG, possessing a consistency similar to syrup or warm honey. VG is responsible for the density and volume of the vapor clouds produced during a puff.
The Characteristics of VG
VG is a very stable liquid that produces thick, heavy plumes of vapor when atomized. Unlike PG, VG has a slightly sweet natural taste. While this sweetness can complement dessert or fruit flavors, it can occasionally mask the subtler notes of more complex e-liquids.
Due to its high viscosity, VG moves slowly through wicking material. If you use a high-VG liquid in a small pod system, the cotton may not be able to soak up the thick liquid fast enough between puffs. This can lead to "dry hits," where the coil burns the dry cotton because there wasn't enough liquid present to vaporize.
Smoothness and Cloud Production
VG is much smoother on the throat than PG. Even at high nicotine strengths, a high-VG liquid will feel significantly "softer" during inhalation. This makes it the preferred choice for sub-ohm vaping. Sub-ohm vaping refers to using a coil with a resistance of less than 1.0 ohm. These setups operate at higher wattages, producing more heat and more vapor. Because you are inhaling a larger volume of vapor at once, the smoothness of VG is necessary to prevent the experience from becoming too harsh. A setup like the Vaporesso Cascade Sub Ohm Tank is a good example of hardware built for that style of use.
Comparing PG vs. VG: A Practical Breakdown
To help you decide which base dominates your next bottle of juice, it is helpful to see how they compare across the most important categories of performance.
- Flavor Intensity: PG is the winner here. It is tasteless and carries flavor molecules efficiently. VG has a slight sweetness that can slightly dull the sharpness of certain flavors.
- Vapor Production: VG is the undisputed champion of clouds. If you enjoy seeing large plumes of vapor, you need a high-VG ratio.
- Throat Hit: PG provides a stronger throat hit. If you find vaping too "airy" or "weak," increasing the PG ratio can add the tactile sensation you are missing.
- Viscosity: PG is thin; VG is thick. This affects which devices you can use, as thick liquids require larger wicking holes and more power to vaporize effectively.
- Coil Longevity: Generally, high-VG liquids can "gunk up" coils faster, especially if they contain added sweeteners. The thickness of the liquid can leave more residue on the heating element over time. For replacement hardware, see our replacement coils.
Common PG/VG Ratios and What They Mean
E-liquid manufacturers have settled on several standard ratios that cater to different types of hardware and vaping styles. Understanding these numbers will help you navigate the selection at our shop.
50/50 (Equal Parts PG and VG)
A 50/50 ratio is the "middle ground" of the vaping world. It provides a noticeable throat hit and clear flavor while still producing a respectable amount of vapor. This ratio is almost always used for nicotine salt e-liquids. Nicotine salts are a specific formulation of nicotine that allows for higher concentrations without excessive harshness.
Best for: Pod systems, vape pens, and Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) tanks. MTL is a style of vaping where you draw the vapor into your mouth first, then inhale it into the lungs, similar to how one might use a cigar. If you are shopping for a compact setup, start with a pod system starter kit.
70/30 (70% VG / 30% PG)
This is currently the most popular ratio in the industry for freebase e-liquids. It offers a smooth inhale and excellent cloud production while still containing enough PG to keep the flavor profile vibrant. Most sub-ohm tanks are designed specifically to handle this viscosity.
Best for: Sub-ohm tanks, rebuildable drippers (RDAs), and high-wattage box mods. If you are building around this style, explore a starter kit or a dedicated tank setup.
80/20 and Max VG
Max VG e-liquids are designed for maximum cloud production. "Max VG" does not mean 100% VG, as the flavorings and nicotine are usually suspended in PG. However, it means the manufacturer has added as much VG as possible. These liquids are very thick and require powerful hardware.
Best for: Competitive cloud chasing and vapers with a high sensitivity to PG.
Matching Ratios to Your Hardware
Using the wrong ratio for your device is the number one cause of leaking and burnt coils. Here is how to ensure your hardware and juice are compatible.
Pod Systems and Small Starter Kits
Most pod systems use small coils with tiny wicking ports. These devices are not designed to generate massive amounts of heat. If you use a 70% or 80% VG liquid in these devices, the liquid will struggle to enter the coil. This results in the cotton burning, which creates a "burnt" taste and ruins the coil. For these devices, stick to 50/50 ratios. A good place to start is with pod system replacement pods.
Sub-Ohm Tanks and High-Wattage Mods
Sub-ohm tanks feature large wicking ports and massive airflow. If you use a thin, high-PG liquid (like a 50/50 blend) in a sub-ohm tank, the liquid may flow too quickly. This leads to "flooding," where the liquid leaks out of the airflow holes or "spits" back into your mouth during a hit. For these devices, a 70/30 or higher VG ratio is essential to provide the necessary surface tension to stay inside the tank.
Battery Safety for High-Powered Devices
If you are using high-wattage box mods or mechanical mods to vaporize high-VG liquids, battery safety is paramount. High-VG setups often require more power (wattage), which places a higher "amp load" on your batteries.
- Inspect Wraps: Always check the plastic wrap on your 18650 or 21700 batteries. If there is a tear or nick, do not use the battery; it can cause a short circuit.
- Use a Dedicated Charger: While many mods have USB ports, we recommend using an external charger to ensure a balanced and safe charge for your cells.
- Storage: Never carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag. If they touch coins or keys, they can vent. Use a dedicated plastic battery case.
- Match Your Sets: If your mod takes two batteries, use a "married" pair. This means buying them together and always using/charging them as a set so they age at the same rate.
Troubleshooting Your PG/VG Experience
Sometimes, even with high-quality products from Vapor Authority, you might find that your experience isn't quite right. Adjusting your ratio is often the solution.
If You Experience Leaking
If your tank is leaking from the bottom airflow, your e-liquid is likely too thin for your coil's wicking ports. Try switching from a 50/50 ratio to a 70/30 VG/PG ratio. The thicker consistency will help the liquid stay within the cotton.
If You Experience Dry Hits
If you get a burnt taste after only a few puffs, your liquid is too thick for your device to wick efficiently. This is common when using "Max VG" liquids in mid-range tanks. Switching to a ratio with more PG (like 70/30 or 60/40) will allow the liquid to flow faster.
If You Experience Throat Irritation
A small percentage of the population has a sensitivity to PG. This can manifest as an excessively sore throat, sinus irritation, or a dry cough that doesn't go away. If you find vaping uncomfortable even at low nicotine strengths, try a "Max VG" e-liquid. Removing as much PG as possible often resolves these issues.
Quality Matters: The Vapor Authority Standard
The PG/VG ratio isn't the only thing that determines the quality of your vape. The purity of those ingredients is just as important. All e-liquids sold at Vapor Authority are manufactured in the USA using food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.
Lower-quality e-liquids may use industrial-grade PG or VG, which can contain impurities that affect flavor and performance. By sourcing directly from manufacturers and authorized distributors, we ensure that every bottle you purchase meets strict standards for consistency. We test the products ourselves before they ever reach our San Diego fulfillment center, so you can trust that what is on the label is what is in the bottle. If you want to know more about the company behind the store, visit our About Us page.
Storage and Handling
To maintain the integrity of your PG/VG ratio and the flavor of your juice, proper storage is required. Over time, exposure to heat and light can cause the nicotine to oxidize and the VG to thin out.
- Keep it Cool and Dark: Store your e-liquids in a cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight and heat sources like heaters or electronics.
- Seal the Cap: Always ensure the child-resistant cap is tightened fully. Exposure to air (oxygen) can degrade the flavorings and nicotine over time.
- Shake Before Use: Since VG and PG have different densities, they can sometimes settle slightly if left sitting for weeks. A quick shake ensures the ratio is perfectly blended before you fill your tank.
- Safety First: Always store e-liquids out of the reach of children and pets.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between PG and VG is the key to customizing your vaping experience. PG provides the flavor and the throat hit, while VG provides the smoothness and the clouds. Most vapers find their "sweet spot" in a 70/30 VG/PG ratio for sub-ohm devices or a 50/50 ratio for pod systems and nicotine salts.
- Choose high PG if you want strong flavor, a distinct throat hit, and are using a low-powered device.
- Choose high VG if you want large vapor clouds, a smooth inhale, and are using a high-wattage sub-ohm tank.
- Always match your ratio to your coil's resistance and wicking port size to avoid leaking or burnt hits.
At Vapor Authority, we carry a massive selection of US-made e-liquids in every possible ratio to ensure you find exactly what you need. Our team in San Diego is dedicated to providing only authentic products and award-winning service. Explore our extensive collection of e-liquids today to find the perfect PG/VG blend for your setup.
FAQ
What is the best PG/VG ratio for flavor?
Generally, a higher PG ratio (such as 50/50 or 60/40) is better for flavor because PG is a more effective flavor carrier and has no inherent taste. However, many modern 70/30 VG/PG blends still offer excellent flavor due to high-quality concentrates and advanced coil technology.
Can I mix two different PG/VG ratios?
Yes, you can mix e-liquids with different ratios as long as the flavors are compatible and you shake the bottle well to ensure they are fully blended. For example, mixing equal parts of a 50/50 liquid and a 70/30 liquid will result in a 60/40 ratio.
Why does high VG juice sometimes taste muted?
VG has a natural, slight sweetness and a high viscosity that can "coat" the tongue, occasionally masking the finer details of complex flavorings. Additionally, because flavorings are usually carried in PG, a Max VG juice simply has less of the primary flavor carrier.
Does the PG/VG ratio affect how much nicotine I feel?
While the ratio doesn't change the nicotine concentration, it does change the delivery. High PG increases the "throat hit," which can make the nicotine feel "stronger" or more aggressive. High VG smooths out the hit, which is why people can comfortably vape larger volumes of vapor at lower nicotine strengths (like 3mg or 6mg) in sub-ohm devices.
