Explore how VG/PG ratios influence nicotine delivery, throat hit, and vapour production. Learn to customise your vaping experience with the right e-liquid blend.
When selecting an e-liquid, many vapers instinctively gravitate toward flavour or nicotine strength — and while these are key considerations, they only tell part of the story. What often goes overlooked is the VG/PG ratio, a factor that profoundly influences nicotine delivery, throat hit, vapour output, and even device compatibility.
If you’ve ever wondered why a 20mg nicotine salt feels milder than expected or why a lower-strength freebase juice can still pack a punch, the answer often lies in the balance between vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). By understanding how these two base ingredients work — and how they interact with nicotine — vapers can achieve far greater customisation of their experience without changing devices or increasing nicotine strength.
What Are VG and PG?
To appreciate the impact of VG/PG ratios, it helps to understand what these ingredients are:
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is a thick, sweet liquid derived from plant oils. It’s responsible for producing dense vapour clouds and contributes to a smoother inhale.
- Propylene Glycol (PG) is thinner and odourless but delivers a sharper throat hit. It’s also an effective carrier for flavour and nicotine.
Most e-liquids are a blend of VG and PG, and the proportions vary depending on the intended effect. For example, an e-liquid might be labelled 70/30 VG/PG, indicating 70% VG and 30% PG.
Nicotine Delivery: The Hidden Influence of VG/PG
While nicotine strength is measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml), the sensation and efficacy of nicotine delivery can vary significantly depending on the VG/PG ratio.
Higher-PG blends deliver nicotine more efficiently. PG is a more effective carrier of both flavour and nicotine than VG, which means a 50/50 blend will typically feel stronger than a 70/30 at the same nicotine level. The thinner consistency of PG also allows it to vaporise at lower temperatures, making it ideal for mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices and nicotine salts, where precision and satisfaction matter.
Higher-VG blends, on the other hand, offer a smoother, more diluted experience. VG mutes the throat hit and slows nicotine absorption slightly due to its viscosity. This is why many cloud chasers opt for higher VG liquids — not only for denser clouds but also to avoid the harshness of high nicotine content when sub-ohming.
Choosing the Right Ratio for Your Goals
Different VG/PG ratios are suited to different vaping goals. Whether you’re after a stealthy nicotine fix or theatrical vapour clouds, tailoring your e-liquid is a powerful tool for customisation.
1. 50/50 Blends – Balanced and Versatile
A 50/50 VG/PG ratio offers a balanced experience and is ideal for nicotine salts and low-wattage pod systems. These e-liquids deliver a noticeable throat hit, efficient nicotine delivery, and moderate vapour production. They’re perfect for those switching from smoking or anyone who prioritises discretion and satisfaction.
Nicotine salts are commonly formulated at 50/50, and they absorb quickly into the bloodstream due to their lower pH, providing a smooth yet effective experience even at higher strengths like 10mg or 20mg.
2. 70/30 VG/PG – Smooth and Cloud-Friendly
A 70/30 VG/PG ratio is the gold standard for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and sub-ohm devices. These blends produce more vapour and offer a gentler throat hit, which makes them ideal for freebase nicotine at lower strengths (e.g. 3mg or 6mg).
For users focused on flavour and cloud performance, or those using more advanced kits, this is the ratio of choice. The smoother experience also makes it easier to enjoy extended vape sessions without the harshness associated with higher PG.
You can find a wide selection of high-VG juices tailored to this style at Vaping101’s e-juice collection, where options range from dessert blends to refreshing fruits.
3. Max VG – Ultimate Smoothness and Vapour
Some e-liquids are labelled “Max VG,” meaning they contain minimal PG, typically under 10%. These are designed for competition-level clouds and ultra-smooth draws. However, they may not be suitable for smaller coils or pod systems due to their thickness, which can cause wicking issues.
Device Compatibility: Why It Matters
Choosing the right VG/PG ratio also depends heavily on your hardware. High-PG liquids are thinner and better suited to lower-powered devices with tighter draws and smaller wicking ports. Using a 70/30 or Max VG juice in a pod device can result in dry hits or coil flooding.
Conversely, high-VG liquids are ideal for sub-ohm tanks, rebuildables, and higher-wattage mods, where larger coils and airflow channels can handle the thicker viscosity.
Matching your e-liquid to your device ensures optimal performance, coil longevity, and a more enjoyable experience overall.
Use Cases: Customising Your Vape with VG/PG
Understanding VG/PG ratios empowers vapers to fine-tune their sessions to specific contexts:
- Stealth Vaping: Choose a 50/50 nic salt in a discreet pod system for minimal vapour and quick nicotine satisfaction, ideal for work breaks or public spaces.
- Cloud Chasing: Opt for a 70/30 freebase juice in a high-powered mod for thick clouds and immersive flavour, best enjoyed at home or in social settings.
- Smooth High-Nicotine Use: Nicotine salts in high VG blends (such as 60/40) can deliver smooth draws without the harshness, perfect for transitioning smokers sensitive to throat hit.
- Throat Hit Lovers: Choose a higher-PG ratio (like 60/40 PG/VG) for a sharper, cigarette-like sensation.
Tailoring Your Vape: How VG/PG Ratios Shape Nicotine Delivery and Experience
In the ever-evolving world of vaping, customisation is king — and VG/PG ratios are one of the most underutilised tools for tailoring your experience. By understanding how these components influence nicotine absorption, vapour output, and throat hit, vapers can make more informed decisions that go beyond simply picking a flavour or strength.
Whether you’re exploring the wide range of nic salts for smooth, satisfying hits or experimenting with high-VG e-juices for dense clouds and layered flavours, knowing your VG/PG preferences puts control back in your hands.
For a diverse selection of both styles, along with expert support and competitive pricing, check out the offerings at Vaping101 — a trusted UK retailer with everything you need to vape smarter and more sustainably.