What's the deal with Glycerin?

[howard]

Okay so first off, I'd like to thank everyone for explaining the process to me, and also going into some detail as to the terminology/jargon of mixing your own e-liquid.

I thought, I'd try to condense all the information collected so thus far, so that other newbies(like myself) can benefit from this collective information.

Here's what I've learned so far:

1.) Glycerin,Glycol,Glycerine(also the title of a Bush song) are all categorized under the "Vegetable Glycine" a.k.a "VG" title.

2.) While "Propylene Glycol" a.k.a "PG" is in a category itself.

3.) Some people are allergic to either "PG" or "VG" and therefore they have the option to try the other, if they feel inclined to add glycerin into their e-liquid. Alternatively, "PG" & "VG" can be used together.

4.) When making a purchase of "VG" or "Glycerin" from a local store, make sure to get one that is USP grade and if possible, Food Grade.

5.) Two well known brands, are "Wiltons" & "HUMCO", NOW also has VG. There are also other sources for USP grade Glycerin i.e tractor & feed stores but they sell them in larger than necessary quantities.

6.) Local stores(within the US) that carry glycerin, are Walmart, CVS, Michael's Arts & Crafts, etc...

7.) Ingredients in cartridges or E-liquid is an excellent source for recipes and more indepth discussion on ingredients.

8.) And finally, expect your local pharmacist to assume you have bowel problems or require laxatives if you ask him/her for glycerin.

[Kate]

... 1.) Glycerin,Glycol,Glycerine(also the title of a Bush song) are all categorized under the "Vegetable Glycine" a.k.a "VG" title.

No. Glycol is not the same as glycerine/glycerin/glycerol.

2.) While "Propylene Glycol" a.k.a "PG" is in a category itself.

We use monopropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. There are other glycols that are not used for vaping, careful not to get them mixed up.

4.) When making a purchase of "VG" or "Glycerin" from a local store, make sure to get one that is USP grade and if possible, Food Grade.

I've been told that food grade is essential.

...

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/for...-recepies.html

[howard]

fix'd?

1.) Glycerin,Glycol,Glycerine(also the title of a Bush song),Glycerol are all categorized under the "Vegetable Glycine" a.k.a "VG" title.

2.) While "Propylene Glycol" a.k.a "PG" is in a category itself.^{*As per Kate, We use monopropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. There are other glycols that are not used for vaping, careful not to get them mixed up.}

3.) Some people are allergic to either "PG" or "VG" and therefore they have the option to try the other, if they feel inclined to add glycerin into their e-liquid. Alternatively, "PG" & "VG" can be used together.

4.) When making a purchase of "VG" or "Glycerin" from a local store, make sure to get one that is USP grade and if possible, Food Grade.

5.) Two well known brands, are "Wiltons" & "HUMCO", NOW also has VG. There are also other sources for USP grade Glycerin i.e tractor & feed stores but they sell them in larger than necessary quantities.

6.) Local stores(within the US) that carry glycerin, are Walmart, CVS, Michael's Arts & Crafts, etc...

7.) Ingredients in cartridges or E-liquid & E-liquid Recipes are excellent sources for recipes and more indepth discussion on ingredients.

8.) And finally, expect your local pharmacist to assume you have bowel problems or require laxatives if you ask him/her for glycerin.

I've been told that food grade is essential.

But then the HUMCO brand I purchased only states, it's USP grade. There's no mention of "food" grade?

[IceGoal]

Came across this I found it concise and a great starting point:
How to Make Your Own E Liquid | Electronic Cigarette Sale

I picked up a 6 oz Humco Glycerin and a bottle of distilled water form Walmart today, for just a few bucks. I did Glycerin/water 80/20 mix without nic and flavoring. Well, it does give a lot of vapor, literally no throat hit as I expected. There is a subtle sweet taste to it and it is much easier on my throat than commercial juice. Honestly, I think I can live with it. My intention is to try out non-nicotine vaping and it works fine for me so far If I can vape without nicotine that'll be great for me. The only thing I miss is the flavoring. Will get some flavoring liquids soon.

Just wanted to share.

[MollieA]

I do cake decorating, so I bought my glycerin from a restaurant supply store in my area. It's used in making fondant and other foodstuffs. I needed to thin some juice I recently got, so it came in handy. Because I bought my glycerin from a food supplies place, it's definitely food-grade, so no worries there. I thinned it with a bit of distilled water and have it as a "solvent"- a temporary fix until my other DIY goodies show up in the mail.