PG vs VG in Vape Juice: What's the Difference and Which Ratio Is Right for You?

PG vs VG — The Two Ingredients That Shape Your Vape

Look at any bottle of vape juice and you'll see something like '50/50' or '70/30'. Those numbers refer to the ratio of two base ingredients: PG and VG. They make up the majority of every e-liquid, and the balance between them changes everything about how your vape feels, tastes, and performs.

What Is PG (Propylene Glycol)?

PG is a thin, almost flavourless liquid. In e-liquid, it does three main jobs:

• Carries flavour — PG is excellent at holding and delivering flavour, so higher-PG liquids often taste sharper and more defined.
• Delivers throat hit — PG produces the slight 'kick' at the back of the throat that many ex-smokers find satisfying.
• Wicks easily — Being thin, PG absorbs into coil cotton quickly.

The trade-off: PG produces less visible vapour, and a small number of people are mildly sensitive to it (dry throat or mild irritation).

What Is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?

VG is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid. Its main contributions:

• Produces vapour — VG is responsible for big, dense clouds. The higher the VG, the more vapour.
• Smoother inhale — VG produces a softer, smoother hit with less throat irritation.
• Slight sweetness — VG adds a mild natural sweetness to the vape.

The trade-off: VG is thick, so it wicks more slowly and can shorten coil life if used in a device not designed for it. It also mutes flavour slightly compared to PG.

Common PG/VG Ratios Explained

50/50

The all-rounder. Balanced throat hit, decent flavour, moderate vapour. This ratio wicks well in pod systems and MTL devices, making it the standard for nic salts and most pod-friendly e-liquids. If you use a pod system, this is almost certainly what you want.

60/40 or 70/30 (VG-heavy)

More vapour, smoother inhale, slightly muted flavour. These higher-VG liquids are designed for sub-ohm and direct-lung devices that can handle thicker juice. Most freebase shortfills sit here.

Max VG (80/20 and above)

Maximum cloud production, very smooth, minimal throat hit. Strictly for powerful sub-ohm setups. Will not wick properly in a pod system and will likely burn the coil.

Which Ratio Should You Use?

• Pod system / MTL device: 50/50 — and pair it with nic salts for the best experience.
• Sub-ohm / direct-lung device: 70/30 or higher — paired with lower-strength freebase nicotine.
• Switching from smoking, want throat hit: Higher PG (50/50) gives the most cigarette-like sensation.
• Want big clouds: Higher VG, but only in a device built for it.

The Golden Rule: Match the Liquid to the Device

The most common mistake we see is people using the wrong ratio for their device. High-VG juice in a pod system leads to dry hits and dead coils. Thin 50/50 juice in a high-powered sub-ohm tank can leak and spit. Get the match right and everything works better.

Get the Right Juice at Krem

Krem Vape Studio stocks e-liquids across the full PG/VG range — 50/50 nic salts and longfills for pod users, higher-VG freebase for sub-ohm vapers. Browse the full selection online at kremvape.co.za with nationwide delivery. Range varies by store, so if you prefer to shop in person, it's worth calling your nearest Cape Town branch to check what they have in.