What is E-Liquid/E-juice?
It is a liquid used for electronic cigarette devices, producing vapor that simulates the smoke in cigarettes. The main ingredients in a bottle of essential oil include the following compounds:
PG - Propylene Glycol
VG - Vegetable Glycol
Nicotine
Flavor - Flavor
PG - What is Propylene Glycol?
Propylene Glycol, abbreviated PG, is a viscous, colorless, odorless organic compound that is completely soluble in water and has the chemical formula CH3CH(OH)CH2OH
It is also considered a dioxin because it contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH), which are hygroscopic.
Propylene Glycol is synthesized and produced by adding water to propylene oxide, which is derived from petroleum products.
Propylene Glycol is used as a humectant, preservative, solvent, or emollient in a variety of formulations, such as creams, lotions, shampoos, and many other personal care products, including vape juice.
In industry, 45% of propylene glycol produced is used as a chemical feedstock for the production of unsaturated polyester resins.
Used in many antifreeze formulations. Primarily in aircraft wing de-icing applications and in airport runways.
Applications in electronic cigarettes
Used in humectants, foods, pharmaceuticals, and e-cigarettes. Along with vegetable glycerin, it is the main ingredient of e-liquid in e-cigarettes.
Harmful effects of Propylene Glycol?
There are many conflicting statements about the dangers of Propylene Glycol to humans.
PG is considered safe by the US FDA even though it is a petroleum byproduct. However, because it is derived from petroleum, many people are concerned that it may be carcinogenic and potentially toxic when used in skin care.
In some cases, the user who is experiencing a rash may be allergic to one of the product's ingredients, and PG is often the culprit.
⇒ Conclusion: In general, products containing propylene glycol are safe for most people to use. Based on years of use in cosmetic products, propylene glycol is a safe ingredient to use, provided you are not allergic to it.
What is VG - Vegetable Glycol?
A natural chemical derived from vegetable oils, it is safe for vegetarians. It is often used in e-juice to give a thicker, more 'full' feel to the vapor. VG tastes slightly sweeter and is significantly thicker than PG. The hit from a high VG liquid is much smoother than PG, making it more suitable for sub-ohm vaping. While nicotine and flavorings are often suspended in PG, some suppliers are offering alternatives, allowing for 100% VG blends.
Harmful Effects of Vegetable Glycol?
The FDA has classified VG as “generally recognized as safe,” and it is considered one of the most benign substances known to humans. SIDS assessment profiles found it to have low toxicity when consumed, and low potential to irritate the skin or eyes. This, coupled with VG’s widespread use in food and medicine, suggests it is safe for humans.
PG & VG
PG - Propylene Glycol and VG - Vegetable Glycol are the 2 main ingredients in E-Liquid and are certified food safe.
- PG is a colorless, tasteless liquid solution.
- VG is thicker and made from vegetable oil, stickier than PG
- PG and VG are both used frequently in the food, cosmetic, etc. industries.
- PG is thinner, VG is thicker.
E-liquid can be made from 100% PG, 100% VG or a mixture of PG/VG ratios.
Many e-liquid manufacturers now blend PG/VG together to maintain the benefits of both ingredients. PG will give you a stronger tasting e-liquid, but it will be harsh on your throat; and VG will produce more smoke. Common VG/PG ratios are 50/50, 60/40, or 70/30.
Note: Some people (a small percentage) are allergic to PG, commonly experiencing rashes or stomach upset.
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Solution: Use e-liquid containing 100% VG .
Suitable PG/VG ratio
Depending on your preferences and Vaping experience. And each different level of PG and VG has different uses.
• Throat Hit: If you like a strong throat hit when vaping, you'll want a high PG ratio. The harsh feeling in the back of the throat is something many ex-smokers crave, and PG (along with nicotine) provides more of this than VG. PG has a milder flavor than VG, so you'll get more flavor than VG.
• Smoothness: E-juice with a high VG ratio gives a much smoother feel in the throat, with a thicker mouthfeel and significantly more vapor. Flavor is the weak point of VG, but this can be improved by using more power when using.
• Stealth Vaping - If you want to vape in public but not be noticed, PG is your best option because PG will produce less smoke when exhaled. And this is also the recommended solution when vaping in public because it is also a culture of proper behavior. Vaping is still a new concept so we should not create more bad impressions with public opinion.
• Cloudchasing – A growing trend in the vaping world is ‘Cloud Chasing’. This simply involves exhaling dense clouds of vapor, the thicker the better. And the candidate for this trend is of course VG and the more VG the better.
The above article gives you a deeper look at the two main ingredients VG and PG in e-liquid, but this is not the end as nicotine and flavor are equally important. Don't miss out on important information through "Things to know about e-liquid: Nicotine and flavor - Part 2" with us!
