Vaping has gained significant popularity in recent years as an alternative to traditional smoking. Central to the vaping experience is the e-liquid, a fluid that is heated and transformed into vapour for inhalation. With a wide range of flavours, nicotine strengths, and base ingredients, e-liquids offer a diverse and customizable vaping experience. You might have heard names of e-liquid like 50/50 vape juice, 70/30 e-liquids, but what do these titles imply? And most importantly what are they made of?

Ingredients of E-Liquid

Base Ingredients:

E-liquids typically consist of a base that forms the foundation of the vaping experience. The two main types of base ingredients are propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Here's a breakdown of their characteristics:

Propylene Glycol (PG):

PG is a colourless and odorless liquid with a thinner consistency. It provides a stronger Throat Hit and carries flavours exceptionally well. E-liquids high in PG tend to produce less vapour but offer a more intense flavour experience.

Vegetable Glycerin (VG):

VG is a thicker and sweeter liquid that creates dense vapour clouds. It provides a smoother throat hit and is ideal for those who prefer a milder sensation. E-liquids high in VG may have a slightly muted flavour compared to PG-based options.

Nicotine Strength:

E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, allowing vapers to tailor their vaping experience according to their preferences. Here are the most common nicotine levels:

a. High Nicotine: Suitable for heavy smokers transitioning to vaping, high nicotine e-liquids typically range from 12mg to 24mg per milliliter (ml).

b. Medium Nicotine: Moderate smokers often opt for e-liquids with nicotine levels between 6mg and 12mg/ml.

c. Low Nicotine: Vapers who have significantly reduced their nicotine consumption may choose e-liquids with nicotine levels around 3mg/ml.

d. Nicotine-Free: For those who enjoy vaping without nicotine, there are a plethora of nicotine-free e-liquids available, providing a purely flavourful experience.

The Two primary components of e-liquids are propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the properties, uses, and differences between PG and VG, helping you make informed decisions about your vaping experience.

Properties of PG

Propylene glycol is a synthetic organic compound commonly used as a food additive, solvent, and humectant. In e-liquids, PG serves several important purposes:

a. Throat Hit: PG provides a throat hit, the sensation similar to smoking traditional cigarettes. If you prefer a stronger throat hit, e-liquids with a higher PG Ratio are suitable.

b. Flavour Intensity: PG acts as a carrier for flavours, enhancing the taste and aroma of e-liquids. It effectively transports the flavours and ensures a more pronounced taste.

c. Thin Consistency: PG is less viscous than VG, resulting in a thinner consistency of e-liquids. This property is particularly advantageous for devices with smaller wick openings, such as pod systems and certain atomizers.

d. Low Vapour: Production: Due to its thin consistency, PG produces less vapour compared to VG. If discreet vaping is your preference, or you simply enjoy a subtler vapour output, e-liquids with a higher PG content would be suitable.

Properties of VG

Vegetable glycerin, often derived from plant oils such as soy, coconut, or palm, is a natural and organic compound widely used in various industries. In e-liquids, VG offers the following characteristics:

a. Thick Vapour Production: VG is significantly more viscous than PG, leading to denser vapour clouds. If you enjoy large and billowy vapour production, e-liquids with a higher VG ratio are preferable.

b. Smoothness: VG contributes to a smoother vaping experience, often referred to as a "creamy" or "smooth" sensation. It provides a milder throat hit, making it ideal for vapers who find PG too harsh.

c. Sweetness: VG has a slightly sweet taste, which can impact the overall flavour profile of an e-liquid. Some users find that higher VG content can slightly mute certain flavours, particularly delicate ones.

d. E-Liquid Consistency: Due to its higher viscosity, VG adds thickness to e-liquids. This property is beneficial for devices with larger wick openings, as it helps prevent dry hits and promotes better saturation of the wicking material.

PG/VG Ratios:

E-liquids are typically labeled with a PG/VG ratio, indicating the relative amounts of propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin in the formulation. Common ratios include 50/50, 70/30, and 30/70, although there are many variations available.

Finding the Right Ratio:

The ideal PG/VG ratio depends on personal preferences and vaping goals. Here are some common ratios and their characteristics:

a. 50/50 (Equal Ratio): A balanced blend of PG and VG that provides a moderate throat hit, good vapour production, and well-defined flavours. This ratio is suitable for beginners or those who desire a well-rounded vaping experience.

b. High PG (e.g., 70/30 or 60/40): These ratios offer a stronger throat hit, intense flavour profiles, and lower vapour production. High PG e-liquids are often favored by those who are transitioning from smoking or enjoy a more pronounced throat hit.

c. High VG (e.g., 70/30 or 80/20): These ratios provide smoother throat hits, slightly muted flavours, and dense vapour clouds. High VG e-liquids are popular among cloud chasers or vapers who prioritize vapour production over throat hit.

The PG/VG ratio in your e-liquid significantly impacts your vaping experience. By understanding the characteristics of PG and VG, you can select the ratio that aligns with your preferences. Whether you prioritize throat hit, flavour intensity, or vapour production, experimenting with different PG/VG ratios will allow you to fine-tune your vaping experience and find the perfect balance that enhances your enjoyment. Remember, everyone's preferences are unique, so don't hesitate to explore different ratios to find the one that suits you best.