How to choose between PG and VG e-liquid

If you’re a smoker looking to make the switch to electronic cigarettes, you’re probably curious about what you’ll be putting into your lungs instead of that dreadful tobacco smoke. Vaping terminology can be a bit confusing at first, so in this article I’m going to try and explain the differences between the two most widely used e-liquid bases: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG).

No-Match e-liquids contain four ingredients: a PG or VG base, nicotine, water and food grade flavourings. The base, or carrier, holds the nicotine and flavour in suspension so your e-cigarette or vapourizer can produce those nice clouds of smoke-like vapour. Both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are non-toxic organic compounds and generally considered safe for consumption. In fact, they are widely used as food additives in a variety of commercially available food and personal care products.

PG e-liquid

First, let’s talk about PG-based e-liquid, because it’s the most popular of the two. The low density of the juice means that gunk doesn’t build up on the heating element of your atomiser as fast as it does when thicker vegetable glycerin liquid is used.

Propylene glycol is a tasteless odorless substance, so it doesn’t alter the flavour of the e-liquid in any way. PG also produces a stronger throat hit, similar to that of tobacco cigarettes.

VG E-liquid

Vegetable glycerin is a considerably thicker solution, compared to propylene glycol. On its own, VG has a slight sweet taste which also makes the e-liquid sweeter and the flavours a little difficult to detect.

Because of its thick consistency, VG e-liquids produce significantly more vapour.

How to choose between PG and VG E-liquid?

PG e-liquids tend to give you a better throat hit and a lot more flavour. Most No-Match premium e-liquids are predominantly PG based. Our 70% VG e-liquid on the other hand, allows your atomizer to produce a lot more vapour. VG e-liquid is a thicker and more sticky fluid, the more VG e-liquid you use, the less of a throat hit you’re going to get – that’s the general idea.

The vaping community is evenly divided when it comes to e-liquid preference. Some enjoy the intense throat hits more than flavour and vapour, others enjoy the sweet, thick plumes of vapour.

We suggest starting with PG eliquid, especially if you are looking for an experience similar to smoking.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG) : more vapour, less throat hit.

VG e-liquid is thick and a little sweet. It produces luscious clouds of vapour. VG e-liquid also imparts a sweeter taste to your liquid..

Propylene Glycol (PG) : better throat hit and flavour.

PG e-liquid is thinner and produces more of a “throat hit” than VG e-liquid does, which simulates the feel of smoking better. PG e-liquid also has a higher rate of sensitivity for some people, meaning that some people just can't use PG in their vape. Usually side effects are mild allergy symptoms.

So which is better, VG or PG?

The answer is “neither” – you will need both in most cases, to get the best of both worlds. Some prefer more VG and some prefer more PG.