E-juice, vape juice and e-liquid are all names for one and the same thing — it is what you need to put in your vaping device for vaping to make sense. They come in a variety of flavors and choosing between icy mango and cappuccino may be one of the funnest things about vaping. But what are e-liquids actually made of
What are e-liquids made of?
There are four main components that make up most e-liquids:
- 90% PG (propylene glycol) OR VG (vegetable glycerin)
- Food grade flavouring
- Water
- Nicotine (optional)
Propylene glycol, PG, is an agent typically used in flavorings to distribute the taste evenly. You will often find it in the list of ingredients for vanilla extracts, food colorings and even pharmaceuticals.
Vegetable oil, VG, is basically what the name says: a thick vegetable-based liquid that is often used as a sweetener or sugar replacement.
As we can see from above, PG or VG make up the main component of e-juice, while the other ingredients account for about 10%. So, what is the difference between PG and VG?
VG vs PG
On the market of vape juices, you will find both PG liquids and VG liquids — as well as mixtures of the two. So what is the difference and which e-liquid would work best for you?
Propylene glycol e-juice
- These types of e-liquids are typically thinner than vegetable oil-based liquids. Because of that, they leave less residue in the tank.
- PG liquids have no flavor of their own and do not affect the taste of your e-liquid at all.
- PG juices make for a stronger throat hit — a feeling that a large number of vapers appreciate.
- Some users may have an allergic reaction to PG-based e-liquids.
Vegetable oil e-juice
- Vegetable e-juices are thicker and more viscous. Thus, they leave more residue in the tank and can affect the lifespan of your vaping device.
- VG liquids have a sweeter taste, which may affect the overall flavour of the e-liquid.
- Vegetable glycerin juices are known for producing bigger clouds (thanks to their dense composition) — and this one of their main selling points.
- With that, vegetable oil juices produce a softer throat hit compared to PG vape juices.
- VG juices don’t seem to be causing any allergic reactions, but some users report a mucus build-up in the throat after frequent use.
Choosing among PG, VG or mixed liquids, thus, mostly comes down to what you want to get out of the experience. For a tougher throat hit, go with a PG-based liquid. Want to blow huge clouds? Try VG vape juice. You can also check with your vaping device maker as to what liquids would go best with gadget.
What about nicotine level?
E-liquids come in a variety of nicotine strengths. As the main mission of most vaping brands is to help you battle smoking as well as nicotine addiction, the unspoken rule is that you should start off with the level of nicotine that replicates your cigarette consumption and then consistently lower it till you get to nicotine-free e-liquids.
IQ Vape e-liquids are available in the following nicotine levels:
- No nicotine — 0.0%
- Low — 9%
- Medium — 2.5%
- High — 3.5%
- Extra high — 5%
In the end, your choice of e-liquid has more to do with personal preference. Try different combos, flavors and nicotine levels and you are sure to find the perfect match. The most important thing is this: whichever e-liquid option you go with, it will always be better than a cigarette.
