PG/VG: WHICH DOSAGE TO CHOOSE?

Have you just left the world of traditional cigarettes for that of vaping? Although it may seem a little confusing at first, you will only need a few puffs and some basics to fully appreciate this change of course. PG/VG: What is this funny indication that is on all your E Liquids? This simply indicates the dosage of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) used for the manufacture of your E-Liquid.

What formula to use? How does this affect the amount of vapour and flavour intensity? What material to use? 

Often used for the manufacture of pharmaceutical, food or even cosmetic products, Propylene Glycol (PG) is one of the main ingredients of your E Liquids for electronic cigarettes. Odourless, colourless and not very viscous, this chemical compound enhances the aromas of your E Liquids and allows you to reproduce the sensation of Hit. The “Hit” is the muscle contraction felt in the throat when inhaling cigarette smoke. It is largely thanks to Propylene Glycol (PG) that most ex-smokers manage to say goodbye to traditional cigarettes.

The higher the PG dosage, the more we feel the intensity of the “Hit” and the taste of the aromas. E Liquids with a high PG do develop a thin vapour volume and require the use of low power resistors (greater than or equal to 1 Ohm).

In rare cases, some vapers may have an intolerance to Propylene Glycol. This is usually characterized by irritation of the mucous membranes followed by an insistent cough. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives to Propylene Glycol such as Vegetal or Mono Propylene Glycol Vegetal (MPGV) which comes from Rapeseed.

Like Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is regularly used in the manufacture of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Best friend of vapers looking for big clouds, vegetable glycerin has a viscous texture and a very slightly sweet taste. The higher the VG dosage, the denser the volume of vapour will be. On the other hand, an E-Liquid highly dosed in VG will be less tasty, hence the usefulness of a certain amount of PG to satisfy your taste buds.

Due to its high degree of viscosity, Vegetable Glycerin puts a lot of strain on the resistance of your electronic cigarette. Thus, an E-Liquid highly dosed in vegetable glycerin must be vaporized with a material compatible with powerful resistors. These E Liquids commonly called High VG E Liquids have a VG rate higher than the PG rate (example: 40/60 PG/VG).

To take full advantage of your thickest E Liquids, prefer the use of powerful resistors (Sub-Ohm). The higher the dosage in VG, the more the value in Ohms of your resistance will have to be close to zero.

PG/VG formulas: what dosage for which vaper?

Now that you are familiar with the terms PG and VG, it is a question of choosing the formula of your E-Liquid. In case of doubt, the PG/VG ratio is indicated by the manufacturer on the bottle label. The first number usually corresponds to “PG” and the second to “VG”. The choice of the PG/VG ratio is directly related to your needs in terms of nicotine and your type of inhalation.

Indeed, E Liquids with a high nicotine dose are recommended for a vape in indirect inhaling (MTL), with a PG/VG ratio greater than or equal to 50/50 PG/VG. Too many puffs of nicotine can cause irritation and headaches! In the case of a direct inhale (DL) vape, the greater the vapour volume, the more nicotine you inhale. It is for this reason that most so-called “High VG” E Liquids are not offered in nicotine levels above 3mg.

Today, a large majority of E Liquids are offered in a 50/50 PG/VG formula. This formula corresponds to a perfect balance between the volume of vapour and the intensity of flavours. This ratio also corresponds to a majority of resistors of different powers.

Impact of the different PG/VG formulas on the vape