What is Propylene Glycol?
A lot of us who vape are very particular about every aspect of our setup, from the nicotine strength of our e-liquid to the resistance level of our coil. We also pay attention to the ingredients in our e-liquid, primarily the VG/PG ratio.
Every vape juice has a base of VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol). These ingredients allow the e-liquid to turn into thick vapor without burning. But, many vapers don’t know a whole lot about these ingredients outside of the fact that they are the base of the vape juice formula.
Things to Know About Propylene Glycol as it Relates to Your Vaping Experience
Today, we’ll be taking a closer look into one of those ingredients: PG. PG is an alcohol derivative that’s flavorless, colorless and odorless. If you’ve ever wondered if PG is safe, as well as how it affects your vaping experience, you’ll be able to learn a whole lot here.
Many of Us Consume PG Daily in Other Forms
One thing that surprises a lot of vapers is that PG is actually used in a lot of products that we use daily. Found in everything from cleaners to certain beverages, PG has proven itself to be quite a useful ingredient that can help out a whole lot of industries. Many of us consume it daily, as it’s in a lot of things that we both ingest and apply topically to the skin.
PG is Thinner Than VG
PG is thinner in consistency than VG, which is why it exists in order to balance out the VG in a vape juice. If the formula of an e-liquid is too thick, it won’t vaporize, but rather clog the coil. If it’s too thin, it will burn when the coil is fired, just like water. Finding the balance between the two determines the consistency of an individual vape juice.
PG Can Decrease the Cloud Production Capabilities of Your Setup
If you’re a cloud-chaser, PG can get in the way of things. PG is thinner, it thins out the vapor as well as the e-liquid formula. This means that vape juices with a lot of PG in them will not give you the massive clouds that you want. However, more PG means a stronger throat hit, which is more desirable for some vapers.
Some Vapers are Allergic to PG
While PG is not harmful in and of itself, some people are allergic. When you think about it, that’s not a surprise. Almost everything that exists can be an allergen to some number of people in the world. If you’re allergic to PG, you’ll know, because you’ll either develop skin issues around the mouth, or you’ll feel physically ill when you use it. Know that PG allergies are actually quite rare, so there’s no need to be worried about vaping an e-liquid containing it. And, because PG is so prevalent already, you’d likely know by now if you had an allergy to it.
PG is FDA-Approved
PG is approved by the FDA, which we know because it’s already commonly used in a number of industries.
PG Can Be Slightly More Irritating Than VG
Some vapers find that higher amounts of PG are a bit irritating to the throat, and this likely has to do with the output level of your device and the resistance level of the coil. PG burns more easily than VG because it’s waterier, which means that more powerful systems can cause it to become pretty harsh when inhaled. If you’re vaping an e-liquid that contains high PG, you’ll want to adjust your settings so that it’s not too harsh along the throat.
PG Might Make Some Vapers Feel Thirsty
Those who chain vape might find that they feel thirstier after vaping high PG juices than high VG juices. Again, this has to do with the consistency of PG more than anything, and it’s nothing that some water can’t fix.
Almost All Salt Nic E-Liquids Contain a 50/50 VG/PG Ratio
If you’re vaping a salt nic e-liquid, you’re almost definitely consuming a half-PG and half-VG base. This formula seems to work really well for the unique demands of pod mods as well as the demands of salt-based nicotine, allowing for a smooth and flavorful experience that’s not harsh. Meanwhile, with freebase nic e-liquids, you can choose from a large variety of VG/PG ratios, including high and low-PG options. So, the next time you’re shopping for e-juice, take note of the PG level in a particular vape juice.
Final PG Thoughts
All vape juices contain PG, but the exact amount in a particular e-liquid varies based on the unique recipe of the e-liquid. Now, you can understand what PG does and what it is, which will help you better grasp what it is that you’re vaping.