Propylene Glycol vs Vegetable Glycerine: Vapes Differences

Vaping and e-cigarettes have exploded in popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional smoking. At the heart of any vaping device is the e-liquid that creates the vapor. This vape "juice" mainly contains a mix of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which produce a vapor cloud when heated. So what exactly are PG and VG, and what sets them apart? This guide will compare propylene glycol vs. vegetable glycerin and break down their key differences.

Quick look:

PG and VG Work as Critical Components in Vape Juices

PG and VG are critical components in vape juices and have a major influence on the vaping experience. These two base liquids allow for the production of vapor clouds when heated and aerosolized inside the vape device. Without PG or VG as the foundation, there would be no vapor at all.

Beyond enabling vapor formation, the ratio of PG to VG directly impacts key factors like throat hit, flavor intensity, and vapor density. PG carries flavors very well and provides a satisfying throat-hit sensation similar to smoking a cigarette. For vapers who prioritize rich, accurate flavor profiles, juices with a higher PG ratio in the 50-70% range are preferred. The thinner viscosity also allows efficient wicking for clean vapor production.

VG, on the other hand, is favored for its ability to create enormous, dense clouds of vapor. For vape trick enthusiasts who want to perform smoke rings, competitions, or other cloud-centered activities, very high VG ratios above 60% or even max VG blends are used. However, the tradeoff is that VG tends to mute more subtle flavor notes. Finding the right PG/VG balance means dialing in the ideal vape juice for your particular preferences and style of vaping.

Poor quality PG or VG, or improper ratios for a given device, can lead to issues like flooding, leaking, or lackluster flavor and vapor. But when high-grade PG and VG are blended at the right percentages for your needs, the difference in performance is substantial. For any vaper looking to customize and optimize their vaping experience rather than settling for generic off-the-shelf juices, understanding how to leverage PG and VG ratios to your advantage is extremely beneficial.

Before we have any further discussion, let’s get to know what are propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin.

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol (PG) is an organic compound classified as a diol alcohol. It is a clear, thin liquid synthesized from propylene oxide. PG has become a common ingredient in many types of vape juice, particularly for its ability to carry flavor effectively.

When heated and aerosolized, PG creates a “throat hit” that users look for to simulate the feel of cigarette smoke in the back of the throat. This gives vaping a more satisfying, cigarette-like experience. PG is also less viscous than VG, giving it a thinner consistency that wicks well and creates a less dense vapor cloud.

PG ratios around 50-70% work well for delivering pure, intense flavor notes and a hearty throat hit. One downside is some research indicates PG can cause mild irradiation or dryness with prolonged vaping. Overall, PG brings excellent flavor and satisfaction to vape juices.

What is Vegetable Glycerin?

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a clear, odorless liquid derived from plant oils like palm, soy, or coconut. Known for being smooth and slightly sweet, VG creates dense vapor clouds but also provides less throat hit than PG. The viscosity of VG is around 60% thicker than PG.

VG is favored for vapor production in trick-oriented vaping with an emphasis on big, thick clouds. Blends with higher VG ratios – 60% or above – excel at cloud chasing. The tradeoff is mutes flavor subtlety somewhat. Pure 100% VG liquids may feel too muted in flavor for some.

Overall, VG brings smooth plumes, a milder throat hit, and a sweeter profile. It excels at cloud chasing but higher ratios can limit flavor. It also seems to cause less dryness or irritation issues for longer-term vaping.

Propylene Glycol vs Vegetable Glycerine

We have a basic understanding of PG and VG, and we will compare the differences and understand how do they influence vape juice blends.

• Flavor Intensity: PG carries more nuanced flavor notes while VG mutes subtlety somewhat
• Throat Hit: PG provides a strong throat hit while VG has a much milder feel
• Vapor Production: VG outputs significantly denser, thicker vapor clouds
• Viscosity: PG has a thinner consistency while VG is around 60% more viscous

Most vape juices use a combination of PG and VG to balance these characteristics at ratios like 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30 PG/VG. For the best of both, a ratio in the 60PG/40VG range merges great flavor and vapor production. Those wanting huge clouds may use 30PG/70VG or higher VG content.

The Verdict: PG vs. VG

Based on what we discussed above, we know that propylene glycol delivers pure flavor and satisfaction similar to smoking while vegetable glycerin provides enormous vapor density. Finding the right PG/VG balance depends on your vaping preferences:

• For flavor chasing, opt for PG-based juices with 50% or higher ratios
• For cloud chasing, get max VG juices with at least 60% VG
• For a balance, stick to 60PG / 40VG for the best of both

When selecting a vape juice, understanding the PG vs. VG differences is key. Mix and match to fine-tune the experience you want. Just be sure to choose high-quality, lab-tested juices from reputable brands like SKE Crystal Bar. Understanding PG and VG puts the power in your hands to customize the perfect vape.