What are PG and VG?
When it comes to vaping, PG and VG are the main ingredients found within your bottles of e-liquid and are often referred to as the "base". Nicotine and flavour is added to the base to create the e-liquid.
You will usually find PG and VG blended at different levels in e-liquids, expressed as a ratio on the bottle. For example:
- 80% PG / 20% VG = High PG base
- 70% PG / 30% VG = PG base
- 50% PG / 50% VG = 50/50 base
What is PG?
PG (Propylene Glycol) is a thin, odourless liquid. It is used in everything from asthma inhalers to food colourings. In vaping, its primary job is to boost the flavour and provide that "hit" at the back of the throat - similar to the experience when smoking tobacco.
Most e-liquids contain some PG, though it's unusual to find an e-liquid made purely of PG. That's because PG alone doesn't produce much vapour.
PG, in a nutshell:
- Boosts flavour
- Gives throat hit
- Vapourless
The higher the PG ratio of an e-liquid, the more throat hit sensation and flavour it has.
What is VG?
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is a thick, slightly sweet liquid derived from vegetable oils (usually coconut or palm). It’s used in sweets, toothpaste, and cosmetics. In vaping, it boosts the amount of vapour produced (the "clouds"). It's also a lot smoother, with no throat hit sensation.
Most e-liquids contain at least some VG as it helps to produce vapour and balance the harshness of PG.
VG, in a nutshell:
- Creates vapour
- Slightly sweet
- Smoother vape
The higher the VG ratio in an e-liquid, the smoother the vape is and the more vapour it produces.
PG vs VG compared
| Feature | PG (Propylene Glycol) | VG (Vegetable Glycerin) |
| Throat Hit | Strong (mimics a cigarette) | Smooth (gentle on the throat) |
| Flavour Clarity | High (excellent carrier) | Muted (natural sweetness) |
| Cloud Production | Low / Discreet | High (dense, thick vapor) |
| Common Ratio | 70% PG / 30% VG (High PG) | 30% PG / 70% VG (High VG) |
| Best For... | Transitioning smokers | Cloud-chasers & sub-ohm tanks |
How to choose a PG / VG ratio
When buying an e-liquid, you will often find PG and VG blended together. Most e-liquid brands will display the blend as a % ratio. For example:
- PG 50 / VG 50: Best for most vapers and typically the modern standard. It provides a solid balance of flavour, a satisfying throat hit, and enough vapour.
- PG 30 / PG 30: Choose this if you want a very smooth inhale with almost no throat hit and large vapour clouds.
- PG 70 / VG 30: Best for those who want an intense throat hit that mimics a cigarette.
The right PG/VG ratio is really down to personal preference. If you're not entirely sure, then we suggest a PG 50% / VG 50% blend as it offers a balance between the two.
Read more: How to choose your e-liquid flavour
Are PG & VG safe?
The UK’s Royal College of Physicians and Public Health England have consistently stated that while no inhalation is 100% risk-free, vaping these regulated ingredients is at least 95% less harmful than inhaling the combustion products (tar and carbon monoxide) found in tobacco smoke.1
Both PG and VG are used in everyday foods and medicines and are generally recognised as safe.
As PG has an exceptional ability to hold onto moisture and flavour, it can be found in:
- Asthma inhalers and many nebuliser treatments. And therefore has been inhaled by millions of asthmatic people over decades.
- Soft drinks, salad dressings, cake mixes. To ensure the flavour is evenly distributed.
- Cosmetics. It’s a key ingredient in many baby wipes, deodorants, and hand sanitisers.
- Fog machines. It is the main ingredient in the "fog" used in theatrical stage machines and nightclubs.
As VG has a slightly sweet taste it is often used as a low-glycaemic sugar substitute.
- Fudge, cakes, and sweets. To keep them moist. It’s also used as a sweetener in some liqueurs and sugar-free snacks.
- High-end skin creams, soaps, toothpastes. It is the "moisturiser".
- Cough syrups, herbal tinctures, and gel capsules. To add the sticky texture.
- Pet food. Used to keep "meaty" pet snacks soft and chewy.
- Beer. Used to stabilise the foam.2
Are there any side effects of PG and VG in e-liquids?
The only known side effects are a dry or sore throat, increased thirst and, in rare cases, an intolerance.
- PG Sensitivity: A small number of people find PG slightly irritating. If you experience an itchy throat or a persistent cough, switching to a High VG ratio often solves the issue.
- Dehydration: Both PG and VG are hygroscopic (they attract water). This is why vapers often get a dry mouth. Pro-Tip: Stay hydrated!
Does PG and VG cause "popcorn lung"?
The UK has a strict "ban list" of substances that are strictly forbidden in e-liquids, such as Diacetyl (linked to popcorn lung), Vitamin E Acetate, and certain stimulants like caffeine. You can rest assured that all JAC Vapour e-liquids are manufactured to the strictest of safety standards and do not contain (and have never contained) any of these banned substances.
Read more: E-Liquid Compliance & Safety
E-Liquids in different PG/VG ratios
JAC Vapour has a range of e-liquids like no other vape brand as most of our e-liquids come in many different PG/VG bases.
For example, our Pure Menthol e-liquid is available as a PG base (PG 70% / VG 30%) or a VG base (PG 30% / VG 70%). And these come in 5 different nicotine strengths (0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg) meaning that our Pure Menthol e-liquid has 10 different variants.
Quite simply, you won't find another brand of e-liquid that offers this much variety.
| PG / VG ratio | E-Liquid Range | What to know |
| PG 50% / VG 50% | Blend 22 | Perfectly balanced with 50% PG and 50% VG, some see this as the best of both worlds, ideal for those who want to balance flavour, throat hit and vapour production. |
| PG 50% / VG 50% | Ice Vape | Mimics the flavours, Nic Salt base and 50/50 blend often found in disposable vapes at a much lower cost per puff. |
| PG 70% / VG 30% |
Premium
(with PG base)
|
Our best-selling vape juice is available in a High PG option. Simply select 'PG' as your base option. |
| PG 70% / VG 30% | SMOKING | The closest you will get to smoking, without smoking. This Nic Salt base not only delivers a quick nicotine hit, it's also a high PG ratio. |
| PG 30% / VG 70% | Premium (with VG base) |
Our bestselling e-liquid is available in a High VG ratio. Simply select VG as your base. |
| PG 80% / VG 20% | JAC Originals | JAC Originals provides flavours with an intense inhale thanks to the high PG ratio. |
