Do you know the difference between vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol? If you use electronic cigarettes, you have probably wondered what you are “smoking”. Well, your e-cigarettes are made of two main e-liquid bases – vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. They both contain nicotine as well as other ingredients that are heated up by the battery, and the vapor that is produced is what you inhale and exhale.

The differences between these two active ingredients can be quite confusing and difficult to understand, but it is important to know everything about them – and that is what this post is all about. Keep reading to know more.

What Is Vegetable Glycerin (VG)?

This e-liquid base is derived from plant oils such as palm oil, coconut oil, and soy. It is a product that is completely natural and usually has no odor or color (1). While it is tasteless in most cases, there are times when it has a sweet undertone. Vegetable glycerin is most commonly used in e-liquids, foods, and cosmetics.

What Is Propylene Glycol (PG)?

This is an organic compound that is derived from Propylene Oxide. It also has no color, is odorless (2), and has low viscosity. It is commonly used as a food preservative and also in tobacco products, e-liquids, solvents, and medications.

E-Liquid Made Of Propylene Glycol:

PG is more commonly used in e-liquids than VG. This is due to a number of reasons, including its low viscosity. Since it is less viscous, it is much easier to handle when e-cigarettes need to be refilled. It is also lower in density, which lowers the risk of buildup – something that plays a role in the performance of e-cigarettes. PG is also more absorbent than VG, which means that consumers can enjoy the vaping experience more, regardless of whether their e-cigarette is wick-based or made with polyfill or other fabrics.

Propylene glycol typically has no taste. However, flavorings that are PG-based that are used in e-cigarettes tend to have a higher intensity when it comes to taste. PG can dry the throat and mouth because it is a humectants (3). It should also be noted that PG can cause allergic reactions in some e-cigarette users. These reactions can range from minor ones like a tingling feeling in the throat to severe irritations on various parts of the body.
It is important to note that if you experience any symptoms that are unusual after vaping e-liquid made with PG, you should stop using it immediately. It may also be better for you to switch to e-cigarettes with vegetable glycerin e-liquids.

E-Liquid Made Of Vegetable Glycerin:

Many consumers prefer e-cigarettes that have a liquid base made of vegetable glycerin. This is because VG has a higher viscosity and this in turn makes it produce a thicker or higher density vapor that is preferable to some smokers. It also hits the throat less severely while it is being smoked.

Some solutions made of VG have their own residual taste that is a little sweet. Many consumers feel that this may dilute or change the taste of the e-juice. For smokers who prefer to have a sweet-tasting e-cigarette, this is not necessarily a bad thing. However, many users prefer PG because of this very reason. When compared to e-liquids made of PG, those with VG tend to clog the coil more and cause a buildup in the e-cigarette. This means that extra maintenance is required to make sure that it works well.

While PG causes the throat and mouth to go dry in some users, there are quite a few users who have complained that they experienced phlegm build up in their throat after they used e-cigarettes with e-liquids that are made with vegetable glycerin. However, it does not cause allergic reactions and has a thicker vapor when compared to PG-based e-liquids.

Which Is The Better E-Liquid Base?

It is hardly surprising that the community of e-cigarette users is divided when it comes to deciding which is better (4) – propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin. For some, the hard throat hit PG-based e-liquids provide are more preferable while there are those that prefer the sweet taste and thick vapor that e-liquids with a VG base provide. What it ultimately boils down to is the personal preference of the user. It cannot be said for certain whether PG e-liquids are better than VG ones, and vice versa.

Many manufacturers use a mixture of PG-based and VG-based e-liquids to provide consumers with high-quality products that have all the plus points of both types of solution. When the two are combined, it provides a much better density when it comes to vapor, better intensity when it comes to flavor, and variable levels of throat hit feeling that depends on the ratio of the mixed solutions.

The only way to know whether you like e-liquids with PG, those made with VG, or a mixture of both is to experiment and try them all out. When you try the combination variety, do so at different ratios and strengths as they are not all the same. By doing so, you can find out which one works best for you and satisfies your cravings.

Safety And Health Issues:

Relevant authorities consider both vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol safe for use (5). This is why they are used in a wide range of products and applications. As mentioned earlier, they are used in food production, medications, tobacco products, cosmetics, etc. As you can see, they are used in products that are even ingested (remember that e-cigarettes are not meant to be ingested), which means that they are highly safe. The only point that needs to be kept in mind is PG can cause allergic reactions in some people, such as skin irritation or throat inflammation. If you experience these reactions, you should discontinue the use of e-cigarettes and consult a health care provider.

As mentioned, it is up to the consumers to decide which e-liquid base works most effectively in satisfying their cravings. Each person has different expectations and tastes – so trying out all base types is important. Once you determine which you prefer, you can enjoy your vaping experience.

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by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE