When it comes to vaping, flavor and nicotine strength are only part of the equation. What often gets overlooked by beginners, and even some experienced vapers, is the base of the ejuice, which plays a major role in how the vape feels, tastes, and performs. That base is made up of PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin), the two essential ingredients in every ejuice formula.
If you’ve ever looked at a bottle of ejuice and seen something like “70/30 VG/PG” or “50/50 blend,” that’s referring to the ratio of these two ingredients. But what do they mean? And how do they affect your vaping experience? Let’s break it down so you can make the most informed choice when picking your next ejuice.
What Is PG in Ejuice?
PG (Propylene Glycol) is a thin, odorless, colorless liquid that’s commonly used in everything from cosmetics to food flavorings. In ejuice, PG serves as a flavor carrier and helps deliver the throat hit that many ex-smokers crave.
Key Characteristics of PG:
Stronger throat hit
Carries flavor better than VG
Produces less vapor compared to VG
Thin consistency: works well in most vape tanks
Less gunk buildup on coils
PG-heavy ejuices (like 70% PG or 60/40 PG/VG blends) are great for mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices, pod systems, and vapers who prefer a discreet vape with a cigarette-like feel.
What Is VG in Ejuice?
VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is a natural compound derived from vegetable oils. It’s thicker and slightly sweet, which makes it ideal for producing large vapor clouds and offering a smoother inhale.
Key Characteristics of VG:
Thicker consistency: may require sub-ohm tanks or high-powered mods
Smooth inhale: less of a throat hit
Massive vapor production
Adds slight sweetness to the flavor
Can gunk coils faster, especially in sweet dessert flavors
High-VG ejuices (like 70/30 VG/PG or max VG blends) are a go-to for cloud chasers and direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers who enjoy blowing thick, dense clouds of vapor.
Choosing the Right PG/VG Ratio for Your Ejuice
The right ejuice base for you depends on your device, vaping style, and personal preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you match the PG/VG ratio to your vaping goals:
50/50 Blend (Balanced)
Best for: MTL tanks and pod systems
Offers a balance of flavor, throat hit, and vapor
Great for beginners or anyone switching from smoking
70 VG / 30 PG (Cloud & Smoothness Focused)
Best for: Sub-ohm tanks and DTL vaping
Produces thick clouds with a smooth draw
Slightly reduced throat hit but full flavor if using quality ejuice
Max VG
Best for: Advanced vapers, rebuildable atomizers
Cloud chasing and minimal throat hit
May mute some flavors and needs powerful devices
High PG (70 PG / 30 VG or 60/40)
Best for: Mouth-to-lung vapers, stealth vaping
Strong throat hit and crisp flavor
Minimal vapor production
Device Compatibility Matters
Not all devices are designed to handle all ejuice types. Thinner, high-PG ejuices can leak from sub-ohm tanks or burn too fast in high-wattage mods. On the other hand, thick VG-heavy juices can clog the coils in smaller pod systems, leading to dry hits or premature coil burnout.
Before buying a new bottle of ejuice, consider your device’s coil resistance, airflow, and wattage range. Matching the correct ejuice ratio to your vape setup can greatly improve your overall experience and coil longevity.
Flavor Considerations: How PG and VG Affect Taste
Ejuice isn’t just about vapor production: it’s also about flavor. That’s where PG really shines.
PG enhances flavor intensity, especially in fruit, menthol, or tobacco profiles.
VG mutes flavor slightly but adds a smooth, creamy texture, which pairs well with dessert or custard flavors.
If you’re vaping something bold and sharp like menthol or citrus, a higher PG ratio may give you that punch you're looking for. If you love the richness of a vanilla custard or a bakery blend, higher VG will bring out the smooth, sweet notes.
Know Your Base, Love Your Vape
The PG/VG ratio in your ejuice is more than just a number on the label—it’s the foundation of your entire vape session. Whether you prefer discreet puffs with a solid throat hit or thick clouds with velvety smoothness, understanding your ejuice base empowers you to choose (or mix) the right juice for your needs.