What is the V in Vape Juice?

When it comes to the vape juice that powers your electronic cigarette, there are various components that play a critical role in the vaping experience. One of the key ingredients is Vegetable Glycerine (VG), which is a transparent, colorless, and odorless liquid alcohol similar to Propylene Glycol (PG). Both VG and PG have their unique characteristics and uses, but in this article, we'll focus on the role of Vegetable Glycerine in vape juice.

Understanding Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

VG stands for Vegetable Glycerine, a vegetable-based alcohol that is widely used in pharmaceutical and food products. It is a USP (United States Pharmacopeia) approved food product derived from natural sources such as coconuts. Despite its classification as a food product, modern vape juice that is labeled as 100% VG would actually contain at least 10% flavoring, which is typically PG.

VG Characteristics and Uses

Vegetable Glycerine is known for its thickness and sweetness. It is significantly thicker than PG and tends to mute flavors. This makes VG ideal for those who prefer a subtler flavor and a smoother vaping experience. Moreover, VG is less irritating to the throat, often resulting in a softer throat hit. This is why VG is preferred by many vapers who enjoy the cool, “throat hit” feeling. On the contrary, VG can also enhance vapor production, making it a favorite for cloud chasers who seek massive clouds of vapor.

VG in E-Liquids

The ratio of VG to PG in e-liquids is crucial for determining the vaping experience. Many e-liquids today combine both VG and PG to achieve a balanced flavor and vapor production. A typical ratio is 50:50, but this can vary widely, with some users preferring higher VG ratios. VG-heavy e-liquids, particularly those with ratios of 70:30 or higher, produce more vapor and are generally sweeter. However, they require specific types of coils, typically with lower resistance measured in ohms (Ω) and a larger total surface area. This is because the thicker VG is less conductive than PG, meaning it needs more power to produce vapor.

Safety and Allergic Reactions

Historically, all e-liquids were predominantly PG-based. Back in 2009, when e-cigarettes were still in their early stages, most e-liquids were 100% PG. However, as the vaping community began to grow, it became apparent that some vapers experienced allergic reactions to PG. This led some to switch to 100% VG liquids, which are less likely to cause irritation. Although VG is generally considered safe, it is also worth noting that there are safer alternatives like Propanediol, which have the same hit but are harder to find.

Alternatives and Mixes

For those who prefer a mix of VG and PG, ratios such as 50:50 or 60:40 are commonly used. These mixes provide a balanced flavor and vapor production, often favored by those who find that a 100% VG liquid has muted their flavor too much. My personal experience aligns with this; switching to a 60:40 VG:PG mix has minimized any issues with flavor and throat hit.

Conclusion

Vegetable Glycerine plays a vital role in the vaping experience, particularly in terms of flavor, throat hit, and vapor production. As the vaping community continues to evolve, so too do the ingredients and ratios in e-liquids. Understanding the differences between VG and PG can help vapers make informed choices that enhance their vaping experience.

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