Glykerine Bases
When we talk about refill fluids, two terms keep coming to mind: PG (propylene glycol) and VG (glycerin). This may seem confusing to the newcomer to the e-cig world, but knowing these two ingredients can greatly enhance your vaping experience. Below you will find our guide and everything you need to know about PG and VG.
Simply put:
PG and VG are flavorless liquids that are combined with flavor and nicotine to create refill liquids. Both PG and VG belong to the class of chemical spirits (despite the name, they are not intoxicating). Although refill fluid is sometimes called "oil," it's not really oil and can't cause any of the medical issues—like lipoid pneumonia—like inhaling real oils. They produce steam when heated, which allows them to be inhaled. The two liquids have a different consistency to each other and also have a slightly different taste. They have distinct sensations in the mouth and throat when vaped. Most modern refill fluids use a combination of the two substances.
Choosing the wrong PG/VG strength in e-liquids can be a deterrent to an e-cigarette newcomer, so be careful to choose the right strength for your equipment.
Now let's take a look at each one in more detail.
Propylene glycol (PG)
PG stands for Propylene Glycol and is a petroleum by-product. PG has no odor or color and is less viscous than VG. In vaping it is used to provide a "throat hit", which some users claim is similar to the sensation they experience when smoking a traditional cigarette. It also renders flavors more effectively than VG (glycerin), meaning it is the most commonly used liquid for concentrated perfumes.
Where is it used?
Propylene glycol can be found in many things we use, including:
Nicotine inhalers
Toothpaste and other oral hygiene products
Medicinal products used orally, injectably or as topical preparations
Beauty products such as make-up, shampoo and baby wipes
It is safe;
Studies have shown that PG is safe to ingest, and the FDA has deemed it "generally recognized as safe" for use as a food additive. However, most studies on the safety of propylene glycol look at ingestion, rather than consumption as an aerosol. Of the limited studies that exist, a long-term experiment conducted in 1947 deemed PG inhalation to be "completely harmless."
There are many misinformed scare stories in the media claiming that PG is a toxic substance used in antifreeze. However, there are two types of antifreeze: toxic and "non-toxic". Toxic antifreeze uses the dangerous substance actually referred to as ethylene glycol. Typically PG-based antifreeze is used in food processing machinery, where toxic antifreeze can be problematic, and is also sold at retail as "animal safe" antifreeze.
What should you know when vaping propylene glycol?
Some people find the high level of PG in refill fluids irritating to the throat. True allergies to PG are rare but have been reported.
The most common side effects of using propylene glycol containing refill fluids are dry mouth, sore throat, and increased thirst. These symptoms usually last anywhere from a few days to weeks as the body gets used to the propylene glycol. It is recommended to drink more water and fluids, at least for the first few weeks of using the e-cigarette. Be aware that any unusual reactions may be side effects of stopping smoking, and not necessarily due to PG.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
VG stands for vegetable glycerin. It is a natural chemical, derived from vegetable oil, so it is safe for vegetarians. It is commonly used in refill liquids to give a "thick" feel to the vapor. Glycerin has a slightly sweet taste and is much thicker than PG. The throat hit, or the sensation we get as we draw down the vapor, is much smoother than propylene glycol, making it more suitable for sub-ohm vaping. Unlike propylene glycol, glycerin does not enhance flavor.
Where is it used?
Again, it can be found in numerous medical care, food and personal care products:
Sweetener as a replacement for sugar
Beauty products, such as make-up, shower gels and
