E-liquids contain 4 main ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerol (VG), nicotine, and flavouring.
These are combined in different amounts to create the different types of e-liquid we see for sale, like 50-50s or High-VG ranges. You can learn more about what goes into a typical e-liquid in our guide, but here we will explain what VG is all about.
What is VG in Vaping?
- VG is a clear, slightly sweet, and colourless base material that is used in a massive range of products, from food to hand sanitiser.
- VG is perfect for e-liquids as it helps to create bigger and bolder flavours.
- VG is very thick in its consistency and can produce massive vape clouds.
- Most e-liquids use a balanced combination of VG and PG, as VG is not an effective carrier agent for nicotine or flavourings, this is also why HVG products tend to only be available in low strengths like 3mg or 6mg.
- Having more VG in an e-liquid often makes the vaping experience smoother, with a reduced throat hit.
Is VG Safe?
Yes, VG is considered safe for human consumption in products like e-liquids by food authorities in the USA, Europe and UK.
It is very neutral in taste, with only a background sweetness that is almost unnoticeable when combined with flavourings in the final vape product.
Examples of other products you may be more familiar with that contain VG include:
- Ice cream and other frozen goods
- Cakes, desserts, and other baked goods
- Natural Sweeteners
- Cosmetics like soaps, creams and other topicals, as well as liquid-based treatments
Where does VG come from?
VG is essentially an oil extracted from plant materials, hence the name ‘vegetable glycerol/glycerine’. It can be derived from coconuts, soybeans and palm plants.
Palm used to be one of the most common sources for VG used in vapes but as palm derivatives place strain on the environment, alternative sources like soybeans are taking its place.
What is VG Vape Juice?
e-liquids containing a higher ratio of VG to PG, are called High-Vg vape juices, they come on to main types: 10ml, or shortfill.
They are best suited to higher powered devices with enough oomph to heat up the thick liquid and produce the big clouds many people associate with vaping in general – in reality it is VG that plays the biggest role in this!
You can learn more about HVG vapes in our QuickStart sub-ohm vaping guide, or our shortfill guide.
