What do VG and PG mean in e-cigarette e-liquid?

On the ingredient label of e-cigarette e-liquids, VG and PG are often listed, and for those new to e-cigarettes, they may not understand what VG and PG are and the differences between them. Today, I will share some knowledge about this with you.

What is VG?

VG, also known as "vegetable glycerin" or "glycerol," is a colorless, clear, and viscous liquid with a sweet, odorless taste and a warm, sweet flavor. It is officially called glycerol by national standards and can absorb moisture from the air. It is commonly used as a solvent, lubricant, pharmaceutical, and sweetener, and is one of the basic raw materials in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Although e-cigarette e-liquid is called "oil," it is not a real oil. When heated, VG produces vapor that is inhaled.

VG has a certain sweetness and is more viscous than PG. High VG e-liquids have a mellow taste and are very suitable for producing large amounts of smoke. Nicotine and flavorings typically use PG as a carrier.

What is PG?

PG is the abbreviation for "propylene glycol," which is made by hydrating propylene oxide. Compared with VG, PG is thinner and produces less smoke. PG produces a strong throat hit that many users enjoy. PG has been recognized by the FDA as a safe food additive.

What are the pros and cons of VG and PG?

The advantages of VG include producing a large amount of smoke, being relatively healthy, having fewer allergic reactions, having a natural sweet taste, and being comfortable for the throat. The disadvantages are that the e-liquid is relatively viscous, not easy to flow, has no throat hit, the sweetness may mask the flavor, and it may cause dry mouth or coughing.

The advantages of PG include being easy to mix with flavors, having a strong throat hit, and the e-liquid is smooth, while the disadvantages are that it needs to add sweeteners to increase sweetness.

Through the above introduction, we have learned what VG and PG represent and their differences. I hope this information can help you better understand the ingredients in e-cigarette e-liquid.