What is the difference between PG and VG liquid?

[backoffwarchild]

How can I tell the difference between the two? I've probably only had 5 or 6 different liquids, and I haven't noticed much difference other than flavor. One of them specifically has a stronger throat hit, so I'm thinking that may be PG while the others are VG, or vica versa? All my liquids are 18mg.

I've just heard a lot of people stating preferences for either PG or VG liquids and I'm not too sure what that means. Can I have an explanation of the difference?

Thanks.

 

[Boiler]

You are right. Pg has more throat hit, and carries more flavor. It also thinner and so absorbs better through cartomizer filler and wicks. Vg on the other hand is smoother on the throat and produces more vapor.

Find that balance that works for you.

 

[yzer]

Lots of discussion about this available through the ECF search function.

PG: Propylene glycol USP
VG: Glycerin USP

Both are base liquids for vaping.

PG: mineral based, thinner than VG, requires less flavoring than VG, more likely to "pop" when vaped (some like this, some don't), more likely to produce rare allergic reactions than VG.

VG: vegetable based, thicker than PG, requires more flavoring than PG, less likely to "pop" when vaped, less likeley to produce rare allergic reactions than PG.

Contrary to myth, high percentage VG juices can work very well in cartomizers. I use 95% VG in my DIY juice which is about as high a percentage of VG as can be used with a carto. The wicks found with clearomizers and genesis type atomizing devices require a thinner liquid for proper operation and do not work well with high percentage VG juices.

 

[FunkyVapes]

Contrary to myth, high percentage VG juices can work very well in cartomizers. I use 95% VG in my DIY juice which is about as high a percentage of VG as can be used with a carto. The wicks found with clearomizers and genesis type atomizing devices require a thinner liquid for proper operation and do not work well with high percentage VG juices.

This is not necessarily the case. I use pure VG in genesis atomizers with no issues whatsoever. You just have to tune your wick to it. You can use a lower count of mesh and/or make it hollow. A little off-topic, just wanted to let you know.

 

[Plumes.91]

And VG creates more vapor

 

[yzer]

This is not necessarily the case. I use pure VG in genesis atomizers with no issues whatsoever. You just have to tune your wick to it. You can use a lower count of mesh and/or make it hollow. A little off-topic, just wanted to let you know.

Thanks for letting me know. There are always experimenters out there that change things.

 

[DaveP]

PG is a petroleum based product. Petroleum, being a product of decaying vegetable and animal matter over thousands to millions of years is a little different from VG (vegetable glycerin). It's still from a similar source, but from fresh vegetable sources rather than the reconstituted decayed matter of PG. Both are highly refined and pure sources of a good vape.

Maybe the animal matter content adds a little more flavor to PG, kind of like steak being better than a salad.

 

[yzer]

Propylene glycol is mineral (petroleum) derived but the chemical structure is such that it bears no resemblance to complex petroleum molecules.

 

[DaveP]

Propylene glycol is mineral (petroleum) derived but the chemical structure is such that it bears no resemblance to complex petroleum molecules.

Better living through chemistry?

 

[Plumes.91]

I'd like some discussion on the differences of glycerine and glycol.
And I'd also like to hear about what propylene and glycerine are and how they differ.

 

[Karanime]

Wait, so I can't use 100% VG in my SideSho carto?

 

[aevea]

I'd like some discussion on the differences of glycerine and glycol.
And I'd also like to hear about what propylene and glycerine are and how they differ.

I don't know much about how they're processed by the body, but the chemical differences are pretty straightforward.

VG: Glycerine and glycerol are synonyms. They're both names for this structure:


PG: Propylene Glycol is similar but lacks one -OH group:


The extra -OH group makes VG is more viscous/stickier.