Vape e-liquid is the key to customizing your vape experience. We've explained what makes up vape e-liquid, but that was only an introduction. Now it's time to dive into the two ingredients that make or break your enjoyment: Vegetable Glycerine and Propylene Glycol. Not only do they make up the bulk of any given e-liquid, they also control how that e-liquid delivers nicotine, flavor, and cloud production.

 

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) are most commonly referenced as a percentage ratio when a brand is describing their product's ingredients. This ratio is the VG/PG ratio, and you'll see it in descriptions usually as 60/40 or 70/30. Choosing the right ratio is purely up to personal preference and the type of experience you desire.

 

As the vape world expanded and grew in popularity, all manners of ratios and blends could be found on store shelves. "High VG" ratios, such as 80/20 and 75/25, mean that there is more Vegetable Glycerine than Propylene glycol. These juices provide massive clouds with very little of the throat-hit sensation.

 

"High PG" juices, with ratios like 60/40 and 50/50, are able to pack in more nicotine with every powerful throat-knocking hit. Holding more PG, they are thicker and harder-hitting, with the sacrifice that these juices often produce less cloud than their High VG siblings.

 

During the rapid expansion of the vape market, the "Golden Ratio" soon became common on store shelves -- 70/30. There are still brands that offer a wide variety of ratios, accounting for all vape enthusiasts' tastes, but many realized that 70/30 could satisfy a wider audience all at once for a few reasons.

 

While PG enhances flavors, VG contributes to a more rounded overall flavor profile. Maintaining a 70/30 ratio optimizes the balance between flavor retention and cloud production.

 

A 70/30 ratio is versatile and compatible with a wide range of vaping devices, including sub-ohm tanks and most modern atomizers. This ratio ensures an consistent vaping experience from many devices without compatibility concerns.

 

As vaping technology improved, the demand for a smoother vaping experience grew and encouraged a mainstream acceptance of a VG/PG ratio that could satisfy a wider audience. This would encourage vapers to try new products without worrying if the juice was too different from their normal e-liquid, and help boost sales from up-and-coming brands.

 

It is important to note that while the 70/30 ratio became the standard due to its marketability and ability to meet the needs of most of the community, there are still a wide range of brands and products that offer other ratios. Some vapers may enjoy a higher PG content for higher nicotine or for a harsher throat-hit. Some vapers may want an even smoother experience than what 70/30 offers. Ultimately, finding the ideal VG/PG ratio is a personal choice that depends on individual vaping style, device compatibility, and flavor preference.

 

by Harley Butler & Jessica Dube Bowker