Learn the PG/VG dosage

All of the liquid configurations leave a wide margin of possibilities for enhancing taste and sensation. We cannot do without the PG/VG debate when we talk about vaping. The role that is attributed to these two elements is of paramount importance that every vaper must understand. Whether you like vapour or hit in the throat, these are characteristics that are determined by this basic ratio between propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. Before embarking on the various applications, let’s take a look at the nature of these solutions.

Why PG and VG in e-liquid?

Any vape liquid must reflect a chemical behaviour that resembles cigarette smoke since the electronic cigarette was designed in this way. The great challenge of the material relates to the almost exhaustive imitation of the behaviour of this smoke, whether it is a question of sensation, flavour, inhalation as well as aesthetics. PG and VG brilliantly accomplish this substitution mission and are even more effective as withdrawal substances.

Propylene glycol is in high demand in synthetic applications from the pharmaceutical industries to textiles, and aeronautics but is also, used in the food industry or everyday foods! The real power of PG lies in its chemistry which serves as a solvent, and a hydrator and it is also very active in the conservation of unstable molecules, you can meet it in this case on the instructions of antiepileptic drugs or on the boxes of canned in supermarkets (under the indication E 1520 and others…). The electronic cigarette serves as a base (80 or 90%) for most liquids and is the conciliator of ingredients such as flavourings and additives. Very important for maceration or steeping!

Vegetable Glycerin is the product responsible for the viscosity and hydration of the liquid. Also used in pharmaceutical and agri-food purposes, it has characteristics similar to PG in its chemical property, which is used as a laxative or preservative for microorganisms. It plays a very important role in the vape of its viscosity which prevents the liquid from leaking, but it is just as strong in the creation of vapour. When heating the resistance, it is the dosage of vegetable glycerin that allows the vapour to be denser and more expensive.

Is the use of PG and VG compulsory?

Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin form what is called the base of the liquid. In this sense, they serve to dilute and synthesize the additional ingredients that will define the customization of the desired rendering. Used as such, they are not necessarily mandatory since there are substitutes that fulfil the same role, but with effects that are not guaranteed. The PG and the VG also comprise toxic substances with very low risks, the other elements are especially less explicit on their effects on health. It is mainly DIY experimenters who use this alternative in the context of seeking more pronounced taste and sensation. With this in mind, it would be necessary to find out about the material used in terms of chemical properties and dosages.

The benefits of a good PG/VG dosage

The vape is first and foremost a question of sensation and taste. This is the main advantage of a vaper over a smoker, putting aside the health issue. Each liquid carries certain magic due to its composition which can be modulated according to desires. With all the settings that currently exist (resistance settings, DIY liquid, change of coil, replacement of tips or drip tip …) the criterion of the PG / VG base is essential.

Propylene glycol is responsible for what is called hit. It’s a feeling you get in your throat when you inhale the vapour, which is similar to the slap you get when you smoke a real cigarette. The more PG there is, the more we feel this aggressiveness of the aerosol and we perceive more taste and flavour. Vegetable glycerin has a less material role and plays on the aesthetics and density of the vape. Its viscous property helps to enhance the smoke which, as the dosage increases, becomes larger and thicker. Vape competitors often prefer this amount of cloud to the pronunciation of taste, such as power vaping and cloud chasing enthusiasts.

Standard ratios and their effects

We are used to meeting the following dosages according to the needs of a vaper whether they are turned towards the PG or the VG.

The 20PG/80VG is part of the extreme dosages that are the main demands of high sensation vapers. With this enormous rate of VG, we expect a thick, very dense vapour, which will however leave the taste and flavours on the sidelines.

The 30PG/70VG is also a limited dosage but with a slight preference for aromas. Used for sub-ohm configurations (low resistance), with a small touch of not very pronounced hit.

The 40PG/60VG approaches flavour with a preference for more cloud. We feel the hit thanks to the reasonable dosage of PG.

The 50PG/50VG is the most neutral of the bases which allow a good compromise between flavour and vapour. It is used when looking for simplicity, and the economy of liquid while savouring the aromas without going towards perfection. These are the ideal bases when you have just started vaping.

The 60PG/40VG is the dosage for the taste buds, with enough vapour to fill the trachea but also feel a good hit in the throat.

The 70PG/30VG is used for perfectionists letting out a small amount of vapour for form.

The 80PG/20VG is the other end of the assay with heavy-hitting as a preference.

The 100% are rare cases, however, exist in certain configurations. It is important to know that with this ratio, the risks of toxicities are multiplied by the frequency. You should only use an exclusively PG or VG base when trying a new experiment without making it a habit.