PG vs. VG: Understanding E-Liquid Ratios for UK Vapers

Choosing the right e-liquid is key to a satisfying vaping experience, and understanding the difference between Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a great place to start. These two ingredients make up the base of most e-liquids, affecting flavour, throat hit, and cloud production. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced vaper in the UK, this guide from Vapes Venture will help you pick the perfect PG/VG ratio for your vaping style. Let’s break it down!

What Are PG and VG in E-Liquids?

E-liquids are primarily made of two base ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), combined with nicotine (optional) and flavourings. Here’s what each does:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): A thin, colourless liquid that carries flavour well and provides a stronger throat hit, mimicking the sensation of smoking. It’s less viscous, making it easier on coils.
• Vegetable Glycerin (VG): A thicker, sweeter liquid derived from vegetable oils. It produces larger clouds and offers a smoother inhale but can mute flavours slightly.

Explore our range of e-liquids to find options with varying PG/VG ratios that suit your preferences.

How PG and VG Affect Your Vaping Experience

The balance of PG and VG in your e-liquid impacts three main aspects of vaping:

• Flavour: PG carries flavour more effectively, resulting in a sharper, more defined taste. VG, being thicker, can slightly dull flavours but adds a subtle sweetness.
• Throat Hit: PG delivers a stronger throat hit, ideal for ex-smokers transitioning to vaping. VG provides a smoother inhale, reducing the throat hit intensity.
• Cloud Production: VG is responsible for bigger, denser clouds, making it popular for cloud chasers. PG produces less vapour, focusing more on flavour and throat hit.

Common PG/VG Ratios and Their Uses

Different PG/VG ratios cater to various vaping styles and devices. Here are the most common ratios available in the UK:

• 50/50 (PG/VG): A balanced ratio offering a mix of flavour, throat hit, and moderate clouds. Ideal for beginners and mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapers using pod systems or vape pens. Find compatible devices in our vape kits collection.
• 70/30 (VG/PG): Higher VG for bigger clouds and a smoother inhale, with decent flavour. Best for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and sub-ohm devices. Note: Thicker e-liquids may require more frequent coil changes—shop spares in our coils & accessories.
• 30/70 (PG/VG): High PG for intense flavour and a strong throat hit, with minimal clouds. Suited for MTL vaping and low-wattage devices, often used in pod systems. Check out compatible pods in our refills & pods section.
• Max VG (80/20 or higher VG/PG): Maximum cloud production with a very smooth inhale, but less flavour intensity. Perfect for advanced DTL vapers using high-wattage mods.

Which PG/VG Ratio Is Right for Your Vaping Style?

Your vaping style and device type determine the best PG/VG ratio for you:

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping: Mimics smoking, with a tight draw and focus on flavour and throat hit. Best ratios are 50/50 or 30/70 (PG/VG). MTL is ideal for beginners using pod systems or those transitioning with rechargeable disposables—explore options in our rechargeable disposables.
• Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping: Involves larger clouds and a looser draw, focusing on vapour production. Best ratios are 70/30 or Max VG (VG/PG). DTL works well with sub-ohm devices and higher wattages.
• Hybrid Vaping: A mix of MTL and DTL, often using versatile devices. A 50/50 ratio provides a balance for both styles, offering flexibility for all-day vaping.

Tips for Choosing and Using PG/VG Ratios

Here are some practical tips to help you select and use the right e-liquid ratio:

• Start with 50/50: If you’re new to vaping, a 50/50 ratio is a safe choice, balancing flavour, throat hit, and clouds. It works well with most devices, especially pod systems.
• Consider Your Device: Thicker, high-VG e-liquids (e.g., 70/30) can clog coils faster in low-power devices. Use them with sub-ohm kits for best results, and keep spare coils handy.
• Adjust for Preference: If you crave a stronger throat hit, opt for higher PG (e.g., 30/70). For bigger clouds, choose higher VG (e.g., 70/30 or Max VG).
• Check for Allergies: PG can cause irritation for some vapers. If you experience discomfort, switch to a higher VG ratio or consult a doctor.
• Store Properly: Keep e-liquids in a cool, dark place to maintain consistency, especially high-VG liquids, which can thicken over time.

UK Vaping Regulations and PG/VG

In the UK, e-liquids are regulated under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR):

• Nicotine Cap: E-liquids cannot exceed 20mg/ml nicotine strength, regardless of PG/VG ratio.
• Bottle Size: Nicotine-containing e-liquids are limited to 10ml bottles, affecting both PG and VG blends.
• Product Safety: All e-liquids must be registered with the MHRA, ensuring safe PG and VG quality.

Always buy from reputable UK retailers like Vapes Venture to ensure compliance with these standards.

Find Your Perfect E-Liquid Ratio with Vapes Venture

Understanding PG vs. VG ratios helps you tailor your vaping experience to your preferences, whether you’re chasing clouds, flavour, or a strong throat hit. At Vapes Venture, we offer a wide range of e-liquids to suit every style, from 50/50 blends for beginners to high-VG options for cloud chasers.

Browse our e-liquids, vape kits, rechargeable disposables, coils & accessories, and refills & pods to create your ideal setup. Have questions? Drop a comment below or join our newsletter for the latest vaping tips and UK regulation updates.

Happy vaping with Vapes Venture!