Tips & Guides

Vegetable glycerin (VG), also known as glycerol, is the second main base used in the manufacture of e-liquids for electronic cigarettes, alongside propylene glycol (PG). Here is a detailed overview of vegetable glycerin, its properties and its uses:

What is vegetable glycerin (VG)?
Vegetable glycerin is a natural chemical compound derived from plants, often extracted from oils such as palm oil, coconut oil or soybean oil. It is widely used in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and, of course, e-liquids.

Properties of VG
- Chemical formula: C3H8O3
- State: Thick and viscous liquid
- Colour: Colourless
- Taste: Slightly sweet
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- Hygroscopic: Easily absorbs water from the environment

Uses of VG
- Food industry: Used as a sweetener, humectant, thickener and preservative. It is also present as a carrier in food flavours.
- Pharmaceutical industry: Used as a base ingredient in many medicines, including syrups, capsules and topical creams.
- Cosmetic industry: Found in many beauty and personal care products, such as moisturisers, lotions, soaps and shampoos, for its moisturising and emollient properties.
- Electronic cigarettes: Used as a base for e-liquids in conjunction with propylene glycol (PG).

Properties of VG in e-liquids
- Vapour density: VG produces dense and abundant vapour, providing a visually impressive vaping experience.
- Smoother throat hit: VG offers a smoother and gentler throat hit on the throat compared to PG, making it more comfortable for some users.
- Sweeter taste: VG has a slightly sweet taste that can add a sweet note to e-liquids, although it may also slightly mask the flavours.
- Viscosity: VG is much thicker than PG, which can sometimes cause clogging in low-resistance atomisers or pod systems. It is generally better suited to powerful and high-power atomisers.

Safety and tolerance
- Recognised safety: Vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe for consumption by regulatory authorities, including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
- Allergies and intolerances: VG allergies are rare, but possible. People who are intolerant to PG often turn to high-VG-content e-liquids to avoid throat irritation and other side effects.

Comparison with propylene glycol (PG)
- VG vs PG:
- VG: Smoother throat hit, sweeter taste, higher vapour density.
- PG: More pronounced throat hit, accurate flavour reproduction, lower vapour density.
- PG/VG ratio: E-liquids are often labelled with a PG/VG ratio, such as 50/50, 70/30 or 80/20, depending on the user's preference. A high VG ratio is preferred for vapour-rich vaping experiences and a smoother throat sensation, while a high PG ratio is favoured for those looking for an experience similar to traditional cigarettes.

Tips for choosing your VG ratio
- High vapour: If you like dense and abundant vapour, opt for high-VG-content e-liquids (over 70% VG).
- Sub-ohm vaping: For low-resistance (sub-ohm) atomisers and high-power devices, high-VG e-liquids are recommended to maximise vapour production and minimise risks of clogging.
- Smooth throat hit: If you want a smoother and softer vaping experience, choose high-VG e-liquids.
- Tank compatibility: Make sure your tank is compatible with high-viscosity e-liquids. Some tanks may have problems with high-VG e-liquids due to their thickness.

Conclusion
Vegetable glycerin (VG) is an essential component of e-liquids for electronic cigarettes, offering benefits such as a smoother throat hit and dense vapour production. Although generally safe, it is important to choose the PG/VG ratio that best suits your personal vaping preferences and your hardware. By understanding the properties and uses of VG, you can make informed choices to optimise your vaping experience and enjoy a satisfying and personalised vape.