Almost every e-liquid bottle has a ratio like 70VG/30PG or 50VG/50PG written on its label somewhere. Almost no one who isn't already deeply immersed in vaping knows what that means offhand.
However, it is very worthwhile to understand this ratio. It changes your actual vaping experience in everyday life far more than most flavor descriptions.
What VG and PG actually are
E-liquids essentially consist of two carrier liquids, each with completely different properties:
Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Is a thick, slightly sweet liquid. VG is primarily responsible for the density and volume of the vapor in the liquid.
Propylene Glycol (PG): Is significantly thinner than VG. It serves as an excellent flavor carrier and produces the typical, slightly scratching sensation in the throat – the so-called "throat hit" – that many ex-smokers look for when switching.
Every finished liquid is a precise blend of these two components, supplemented by flavors and optionally nicotine. The chosen ratio massively determines how vaping feels to you.
What a high VG content does
A liquid with a high VG content (usually 70% VG or more) produces noticeably thicker and denser vapor clouds. That's why users of powerful sub-ohm devices and rebuildable atomizers almost exclusively use high-VG liquids.
Due to the high glycerin content, the liquid naturally tastes a little sweeter and feels extremely smooth and soft when inhaled. Throat irritation is reduced to a minimum. If you prefer thick clouds and a gentle draw, this is exactly what you need.
What a high PG content does
A liquid with a high PG content delivers a significantly more noticeable throat hit. This slight scratching in the throat comes extremely close to the feeling of a real cigarette, which is why many ex-smokers specifically look for PG-heavy liquids when switching.
In addition, PG transports flavors extremely efficiently, which often makes the taste perceived as very clear and intense. Since PG is very thin, it produces significantly less visible vapor. Therefore, high-PG liquids or balanced mixtures are particularly often used in small, inconspicuous pod systems and disposable vapes.
Choosing the liquid ratio to match the device
This knowledge is extremely important for practical use, as not every liquid works in every device:
-
Small Pod Systems & Disposable Vapes: Are optimized for thinner liquids (mostly 50VG/50PG or higher PG content). The small liquid channels often cannot draw thick high-VG liquid quickly enough, which can lead to a burnt taste (dry hit).
-
Sub-Ohm Tanks & Powerful Mods: Require thicker high-VG liquid. If a very thin high-PG liquid is filled here, the atomizer can quickly leak or start to spit unpleasantly.
How to find your perfect ratio
If you are new to vaping and don't yet know exactly what you like best, you are safest with a balanced middle ground of 50VG/50PG. This mixture works excellently in almost every modern starter device and offers you a balanced blend of good taste and pleasant vapor production.
After that, choose more PG if you are looking for a more intense throat hit and want to vape discreetly.
Choose more VG if you prefer silky-smooth, dense vapor and want to produce larger clouds.
An important note on PG intolerance
A small number of people are sensitive to propylene glycol (PG). This can manifest as a constantly dry throat, slight scratching, or an itchy irritation in the throat.
If you notice such symptoms when vaping – completely regardless of the nicotine strength – it is worth trying a high-VG liquid (e.g., 80VG/20PG). Often, the discomfort disappears immediately, and you don't have to suspect the entire device as the source of the problem.
Would you like to find the perfect liquid for your setup? Discover our huge selection of different e-liquids in our shop. Whether high-VG, high-PG, or a balanced 50/50 ratio – you'll find what you're looking for here and can pay safely and conveniently with TWINT at checkout!
0 comments