The meaning of PG and VG: what do they stand for?

PG stands for Propylene Glycol, while VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin. Both are compounds that are added to e-liquid to enhance its attributes. Along with Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin, e-liquid sometimes also includes nicotine, distilled water and flavouring depending on the flavour you’re vaping.

How are PG and VG used in e-liquid?

Propylene Glycol is more commonly used than Vegetable Glycerin in the production of e-liquid and has a thinner consistency. Additionally, it’s generally thought to offer a greater flavour intensity than Vegetable Glycerin. As it has a thinner consistency, Propylene Glycol will not clog your clearomiser as much as Vegetable Glycerin.

Vegetable Glycerin is thicker than Propylene Glycol, and because of this it can be more difficult to prevent clogging in the vape pen when using a VG-based e-liquid. Vegetable Glycerin is also sweeter than Propylene Glycol, meaning it can affect the flavour of the e-liquid. Vegetable Glycerin also provides a thicker vapour density, meaning the plumes of vape produced when using a VG-based e-liquid are more voluminous than those produced using a PG-based e-liquid.