VG vs PG Differences Explained
A clear UK guide to VG and PG, the two main bases in every e-liquid, and how the ratio affects vapour, throat hit and flavour.
VG produces big clouds and sweet smoothness. PG produces strong throat hit and intense flavour.
VG (vegetable glycerine) is thick, sweet and creates dense vapour. PG (propylene glycol) is thin, neutral and carries flavour effectively while producing throat hit. UK e-liquids mix the two in different ratios. High VG suits sub ohm clouds. High PG suits MTL throat hit.
VG and PG are the two ingredients that make up around 90 percent of every e-liquid. The ratio between them determines almost everything about how your vape feels. Understanding VG versus PG is one of the most useful pieces of knowledge for any UK vaper choosing e-liquid.
What VG and PG actually are
Both are food grade liquids used widely outside vaping. The grid below covers each.
Vegetable glycerine
Thick sweet liquid derived from plants. Used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
✓ Plant basedPropylene glycol
Thin neutral liquid used in food, theatrical fog machines and asthma inhalers.
✓ Widely usedVapour production
VG produces visible clouds. PG produces less visible but still effective vapour.
✓ Different visualsThroat hit and flavour
PG carries flavour better and produces throat hit. VG smooths everything but mutes flavour slightly.
✓ Trade offCommon UK e-liquid ratios
The table below covers the typical ratios you will see on UK e-liquid bottles.
| Ratio | Best for |
|---|---|
| 50/50 PG to VG | MTL pods, balanced throat hit and flavour |
| 60/40 VG to PG | Smoother MTL with slightly more vapour |
| 70/30 VG to PG | Sub ohm shortfills, the UK standard |
| 80/20 VG to PG | High cloud DTL, smoother flavour |
| 100% VG (Max VG) | Very high cloud production, less throat hit |
| High PG above 60% | Maximum flavour and throat hit, less vapour |
PG sensitivity is real
A small percentage of UK vapers are sensitive to propylene glycol. Symptoms include sore throat, cough, mouth ulcers and skin irritation. The fix is switching to high VG or 100 percent VG e-liquid which contains little or no PG. Most vape shops stock high VG options for this reason. PG sensitivity affects roughly 5 percent of vapers based on UK vape industry data.
PG and VG are both classified as Generally Recognised As Safe by food authorities including the UK Food Standards Agency. Both have decades of safety data from food and pharmaceutical use. The vaping context introduces inhalation which is the main area of ongoing UK research. The bases themselves are well understood ingredients.
How to pick the right ratio
The checklist below covers what UK vape shop staff most often recommend.
VG vs PG ratio checklist
Use four or more of these to pick the right ratio.
- Match ratio to your device, sub ohm needs high VG, pods suit 50/50
- Pick high PG for maximum throat hit and flavour intensity
- Pick high VG for big clouds and smoother experience
- Try 50/50 first if you are new to vaping
- Switch to higher VG if PG sensitivity affects you
- Test small bottles before buying large quantities of new ratios
Why ratios matter for your device
Pod systems and MTL devices have small wicking holes designed for thinner e-liquid. High VG in a pod system causes poor wicking and burnt coils. Sub ohm tanks have large wicking holes designed for thicker e-liquid. Low VG in a sub ohm tank causes leaks and spitting. Matching ratio to device is essential for trouble free vaping. UK e-liquid bottles always state the ratio.
Each base has its own dedicated guide, which our our guide on what is VG in vape liquid explore in detail, plus our article on what is PG in vape liquid covers the high VG ratios used in cloud chasing setups.
Frequently asked questions
Is VG or PG better?
Neither is universally better. Each suits different devices and styles.
Can I be allergic to PG?
Roughly 5 percent of vapers experience PG sensitivity. High VG e-liquid is the fix.
Why do clouds need high VG?
VG is denser and creates more visible vapour when heated than PG does.
Are higher VG e-liquids safer?
Both bases are equally well studied. Higher VG affects wicking, not safety.
Can I mix my own VG/PG ratios?
Yes. UK shops sell pure VG and PG plus nic shots for DIY mixing.
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