What is High PG E-Liquid?
A high PG e-liquid - otherwise known as high PG vape juice - simply means an e-liquid that has a higher ratio of Propylene Glycol (PG) to Vegetable Glycerine (VG). An example of a high PG e-liquid is one that has a 60 PG / 40 VG ratio.
E-liquids are usually made up of ingredients like PG, VG, nicotine and flavourings. This substance is heated in vapes to produce vapour.
PG is a tasteless, colourless solution that’s used in e-liquids and various other products. You can find out more on propylene glycol in e-liquid through our guide PG vs VG – What Is VG and PG?
E-liquids can come in different PG/VG ratios, which can alter the vaping experience in a few ways. These include changing the intensity of the flavour, the density of the vapour and the strength of the throat hit.
While high PG e-liquid has a higher concentration of PG than VG, you can also find e-liquids that have a greater ratio of VG, known as high VG e-liquids. There are also e-liquids that use an even balance of PG to VG - these are known as 50/50 e-liquids.
Why Would You Use High PG Vape Juice?
There are a few different reasons why adult vapers use high PG vape juice over other PG/VG ratios, including the following:
•A stronger throat hit
•More flavour
•Less vapour production
Explore these features in more depth below.
A Stronger Throat Hit
High PG vape juice can offer a stronger throat hit than high VG e-liquids.
‘Throat hit’ is the sensation of the vapour hitting the back of your throat. Some adult smokers have a similar experience when drawing smoke from a cigarette.
More Flavour
The flavour might also be stronger with high PG e-liquids compared to other PG/VG ratios. This is because PG is known to carry the flavour in an e-liquid better than VG. Therefore, the higher the PG, the better the flavour experience could be.
Less Vapour Production
The lower the VG ratio, the smaller the vapour production an e-liquid may offer. PG has a thinner consistency than VG, which could be why a high PG e-liquid produces less vapour and needs less heat to vapourise. Less vapour also means a more subtle, discreet vaping experience.
Adult smokers who are just switching over from continued smoking to vaping might find that high PG vape juice offers a similar experience to smoking compared to other PG/VG ratios.
This means that these high PG e-liquids may be better suited to adult smokers who have only just switched over to vaping, and want a subtle, flavourful experience with that familiar throat hit sensation.
While PG and VG do have some similarities - both being nearly colourless and odourless - these two substances differ in a few ways. Therefore, having different ratios of each within an e-liquid can bring distinguishable qualities to the vaping experience.
What Devices Can I Use With High PG E-Liquid?
You can use high PG e-liquids in a variety of vapes, but they work best with devices that have low wattage and high resistance coils - such as pod mods and vape pens.
As these e-liquids are often compatible with lower powered devices, they’re generally more discreet when being used. This is because these devices usually produce less vapour and come in smaller sizes to higher-powered box mods.
These smaller devices are also often vaped MTL style - where the vapour is drawn into the mouth before breathing into the lungs. This vaping style is similar to how a cigarette is smoked, and is therefore another reason why adult smokers might find it easier transitioning over to high PG vape juice, which is commonly used in MTL vapes.
In contrast, high VG e-liquids tend to be used in vapes that have high wattage and low resistance coils. Because of the stronger throat hit of a high PG e-liquid, it’s best to avoid using these e-liquids in devices that deliver high wattages.
Using high PG vape juice on a high wattage and low resistance coil device could also cause the e-liquid to flood or leak. This is because the inlet holes between the tank and atomiser on these devices are large and better suited to viscous, high-VG juices.
Common Issues with High PG E-Liquids
While high PG e-liquids have features that appeal to some, they might not be the right choice for everyone.
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when exploring this PG/VG ratio:
The Throat Hit is Too Harsh
Generally, high PG vape juice will always provide a sizable throat hit, and some may find this too harsh for their liking. Adult vapers who’d prefer less of a throat hit might find lower PG e-liquids more suitable.
It Causes Dryness
High PG vape juice may cause quite a dry throat hit, which could leave the mouth and throat feeling dry after use.
Drinking water might help you stay hydrated after vaping, and could help to alleviate a dry mouth and throat. You might also want to explore lower PG e-liquids to avoid this.
Sensitivity to High PG E-Liquids
If you experience any throat discomfort when vaping high PG e-liquids, you might have an intolerance to PG. If you think this may be the case, do not continue vaping this e-liquid.
PG is also added to certain food products too. If you think you have an intolerance to PG, consult a medical professional for advice on how to manage this.
Alternatives to High PG E-Liquids
There are a variety of other PG/VG e-liquids available, including 50/50 PG/VG, and e-liquids with a higher ratio of VG to PG.
Remember, PG/VG ratios are compatible with specific devices and vaping styles - so make sure you’re always using a device that’s suitable for your chosen e-liquid. Discover more about how the different PG/VG ratios compare, and the types of vapes available.
Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.
