The Role of PG/VG Bases in E-Liquids

PG & VG: What You Need to Know
Ever looked at an e-liquid bottle and thought, what’s with this PG/VG thing? If so, you’re not alone. Loads of vapers just grab a flavour they like and move on, but these two ingredients actually make a huge difference to how your vape feels.
Want big clouds? A stronger throat hit? A smoother inhale? It all comes down to PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerine).
Let’s break it down – no overcomplicated nonsense, just the basics you actually need to know.
PG vs VG – What’s the Difference?
Both carry flavour and nicotine, but they do very different things.
🔹 PG (Propylene Glycol) – Thin, stronger flavour, sharper throat hit.
🔹 VG (Vegetable Glycerine) – Thick, smooth inhale, bigger vapour clouds.
Pick the wrong ratio, and your vape could feel totally off.
PG – The One That Feels Like a Cigarette
PG is thin, absorbs quickly, and gives you that strong throat hit – which is why ex-smokers often prefer high-PG e-liquids.
✔ Sharper throat hit – Feels closer to smoking.
✔ More intense flavour – Carries flavour better than VG.
✔ Works well in pod systems & basic vape kits – Because it’s thin, it wicks easily.
Downside? It can feel too harsh for some, especially at higher nicotine strengths.
VG – The One That Makes Clouds
VG is thicker and gives a smoother inhale, which makes it perfect for people who love big clouds and an easy draw.
✔ More vapour – If you love thick clouds, go high VG.
✔ Smoother inhale – Less throat hit than PG.
✔ A slight sweetness – Can slightly mute flavours but adds a soft, natural sweetness.
But: Because VG is so thick, it doesn’t wick well in small coils – you’ll need a more powerful vape to handle it.
What PG/VG Ratio Should You Use?
It depends on what you want from your vape. Here’s a rough guide:
PG/VG Ratio | Best For | What It Feels Like |
70/30 PG/VG | MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping | Strong throat hit, sharp flavour, less vapour |
50/50 PG/VG | Balanced vaping | Even throat hit & vapour |
30/70 PG/VG | DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping | Smoother inhale, thick clouds |
Max VG (100% VG) | Cloud chasing | Ultra-thick vapour, super smooth inhale |
Which One Works Best for Your Vape?
🔹 Small pod systems & starter kits → Higher PG (50/50 or 70/30) for better wicking & stronger flavour.
🔹 Sub-ohm tanks & powerful mods → Higher VG (70/30 or Max VG) for bigger clouds & smoother hits.
If your e-liquid is too thick, your coil won’t wick properly, and you’ll get dry hits. If it’s too thin, it could leak all over the place – so the right balance matters.
Why This Actually Matters
Getting your PG/VG mix right can completely change how your vape feels.
✔ Stronger Flavour? Go for more PG.
✔ Smoother Vape? Higher VG is your friend.
✔ Big Clouds? More VG = thicker vapour.
It’s really that simple.
Final Thoughts – What’s the Best Mix for You?
PG and VG might seem like random ingredients, but they totally change your vaping experience.
Want a stronger throat hit and sharper flavour? Go for higher PG.
After thick clouds and a smoother inhale? More VG is the way to go.
Experiment with different blends until you find what suits you best – and always buy from trusted brands using high-quality PG & VG.
💨 Looking for quality e-liquids? Check out our expertly crafted PG/VG Bases, made for every type of vaper!