It is not possible to talk about vaping without the acronyms of PG and VG coming up. As you know, they are the respective acronyms for propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, fundamental ingredients of e-liquids.
However, they raise many questions among vapers, including some with some experience. What differences are there between PG and VG in steam ? Which is better between VG and PG ? What bases of PG/VG? Are they less harmful to health? Here we will answer these and other questions.
Propylene glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol is the main ingredient in most e-liquids. It is an organic compound without color, taste or smell, with many applications and not only in vaping. Have you seen those baby wipes? Well, its “moisture” is due to propylene glycol.
Similarly, propylene glycol is present in:
- lubricant for women
- ointments against burns or healing,
- eye drops
- asthma inhalers
- calming and anxiolytic.
- food preservation
- soft drinks
- refrigeration and industrial lubricants
In electronic cigarettes, propylene glycol is responsible for enhancing the flavor you love so much . E-liquids with a high concentration of PG produce, in addition to a strong taste and a throat hit similar to tobacco, and dilute nicotine very well. Propylene glycol is less dense than vegetable glycerin, so e-liquids with a higher concentration of PG give more flavor than vapor.
Health effects of PG
Propylene glycol is safe for health and the environment , although you must consume it in pharmaceutical grade (USP). why? Because however you look at it, it’s a chemical, and it has a certain impact on the body. Whether by contact, ingestion or inhalation, it can cause discomfort in the digestive and respiratory systems:
- irritation and/or sore throat
- skin rash
- increased thirst
- allergies of various kinds (only in isolated cases)
So you must be careful when you make your mixtures, especially if you suffer from allergic, digestive or respiratory problems. In such a case, we recommend looking for 100% VG e-liquids. Or with 80/20 vapor PG/VG concentrations if you can’t shake the “heavy” vaping that propylene glycol provides.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Vegetable glycerin  is also colorless and odorless, but has a sweet taste. It is a natural alcohol extracted from palm and coconut oils. Thanks to its moisturizing properties, it has many uses in industry:
- creams, soaps, shampoos and toothpaste
- ointments for burns
- suppositories
- natural lubricant
- food sweeteners and preservatives
- herbal remedies (as a substitute for alcohol)
When it is part of an e-liquid, it offers a sweeter taste, although less strong . On the other hand, the vapor clouds it produces are very noticeable compared to propylene glycol. The higher the percentage of VG with respect to PG, the larger vapor clouds will be produced.
As it is of natural origin, VG is 100% safe for health and the environment that surrounds it in all aspects. Hence, e-liquids with 100% VG base in the vapor turn out to be the healthiest.
Impact of GV on the useful life of sprayers
Vegetable glycerin is a thick substance, so it clogs coils faster than propylene glycol . This means that if the higher the concentration of VG, the shorter the life of the coils will be and you will have to change them more often. Therefore, it is best to find a suitable balance between VG and PG .
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