What is Propylene Glycol(PG) in Vape Juice?

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Propylene Glycol (PG) is one of the core components found in almost every vape juice. If you’ve ever wondered why your vape juice has a strong throat hit or how flavours taste so vivid, you can look at the label and find PG in the ingredients. This is perfect for flavour enthusiasts, former smokers and people in the process of quitting smoking.

You can find complete beginner knowledge of vape juices in our blog  “Complete Vape Juice Guide 2025”

1. The basic definition:

When you look at vape juice labels, one question always strikes is- What is PG?

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a synthetic organic compound that is colourless, odourless, and nearly tasteless. This is found mostly in a combination of VG. PG is a thin liquid that has been used for decades in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as a solvent and carrier. 

2. Is PG safe?

Propylene Glycol is generally recognised as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There has been no official ban of PG in Canada. 

3. Where is PG used other than vape juices?

Not just e-liquid, you get PG in other products like.

3.1. Food and Beverages

  • PG is widely used as a solvent and preservative. You can find PG in flavourings, food colourants, Ice cream, sauces, baked goods and soft drinks. 

3.2. Pharma:

  • You can find PG in syrups, elixirs, drugs, ointments, inhalers, nebulisers, antiseptics and disinfectants and many more.

3.3. Personal Care and Cosmetics

  • It is used for its ability to retain moisture and dissolve active ingredients it is used in many beauty products like moisturisers, lotions, deodorants, antiperspirants, shampoos, mouthwash, etc,

3.4. Household Products

  • PG helps improve texture, shelf life, and solubility in cleaning and care products like Air fresheners, Liquid detergents, Fabric softeners, Disinfectant sprays and Floor cleaners.

3.5. Industrial Applications

  • It serves as a non-toxic alternative to ethylene glycol in some applications like coolants, hydraulic fluids, paints and coatings, like plastic and resin manufacturing.

3.6. Live shows

  • Used in fog and smoke machines for stage shows, concerts and other special effects.

4. How does PG change the E-Liquids and vaping?

4.1. Throat Hit

PG is responsible for delivering a sharper throat hit, which mimics the sensation of traditional smoking.  This is going to help all the people who recently quit smoking and need a similar experience.

4.2. Flavour excellence

Propylene Glycol is an excellent flavour carrier. It Its molecular structure allows it to bind with flavour compounds better than VG, making the taste more intense and accurate.

4.3. Vapour Production

PG produces less dense vapour than VG. Less vapour means less noticeable. You can makes the most of this stealth vaping with less cloud production.

4.4. Better absorption

PG is a lower viscosity liquid. This makes the wicks absorb it faster and quickly, making it ideal for smaller vape devices like pod systems and mouth-to-lung (MTL) setups.

5. VG/PG Ratios in E-Liquids

You will get all these ratios in general in all vape e-liquids:

  • High PG (30VG/70PG): This combo produces less vapor but delivers a stronger throat hit and better flavour intensity. Common in salt nicotine e-liquids and are best used with Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) pen-style or pod-style kits.
  • Low PG ratio(70VG/30PG):  This combo produces more vapor and smoother hits. Best for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping with sub-ohm devices.
  • Balanced (50VG/50PG):  This combo offers a balance between vapor production and throat hit. Compatible with most pod systems and beginner devices.

You can read with our exclusive content on PG in -“What is VG in vape juice?”.

Also, find the blog with a crisp explanation of VG/PG difference.

6. Possible Side Effects:

Some possible side effects are that users may experience minor side effects, especially during the initial phase of switching to vaping:

  • Dry throat
  • Mild sore throat
  • Dehydration
  • Coughing
  • Mild irritation

These effects are for the short term and can be sustained by staying hydrated, and using lower-PG e-liquids can help. In case these issues are sustained, any other issues that arise, it is better to consult a health expert.

7. PG in salt nics:

The name nic salt comes from the fact that they contain a salt form of nicotine called nicotine salicylate, which is similar to natural tobacco leaf. Salt nic e-liquids usually have a 50/50 VG/PG ratio vape juices. Salt nicotine e-liquids have gained traction as they provide a smoother experience, even at higher nicotine levels. This type of e-liquid, along with PG, allows users to enjoy quicker nicotine absorption. These nicotine salts are less harsh at higher concentrations and give a traditional tobacco feel. 

Conclusion

It is always better to have an understanding of why we choose Propylene Glycol (PG). Many Canadian users pick it for a strong throat hit and a better flavour profile with low vape production.

More Info:

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