Choosing the right e-liquid is more than just picking a flavour. It’s about understanding the balance between Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG). These two core ingredients shape your entire vaping experience, from the intensity of flavour and throat hit to the size of the vapour clouds and the compatibility with your device. Kardinal’s expertly crafted e-liquids are designed to give you the best of both worlds, no matter how you vape.
What is PG (Propylene Glycol)?
PG is a clear, tasteless, low-viscosity liquid that plays a major role in many e-liquids. It’s known for delivering a stronger throat hit, much like what you get from smoking a cigarette. PG also enhances flavour, making it a favourite for those who want a sharp, defined taste. Because of its thin consistency, it vaporises easily, which makes it ideal for beginner vape kits and mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices. E-liquids with over 50 percent PG are usually recommended for MTL vaping.
You’ll also find PG in everyday products like food, medicines, cosmetics, and even asthma inhalers. It’s versatile and widely used, though a small number of people may experience mild irritation when using PG-heavy e-liquids. In such cases, it might be worth switching to an option with lower PG content. PG is also known for its antibacterial properties.
Kardinal’s High PG Recommendation
Kardinal’s nicotine salt e-liquids are formulated with higher PG levels to deliver that crisp, satisfying throat hit. They work perfectly with beginner-friendly devices such as the Kardinal Stick.
What is VG (Vegetable Glycerine)?
VG is a clear, viscous, and sweet-tasting liquid derived from vegetables. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, such as cough syrups and creams, as well as in toothpaste and foods. VG plays a key role in vapour production, producing large amounts of vapour when heated, and is essential for creating dense, thick clouds.
Unlike PG, VG imparts almost no throat hit, offering a smoother vaping experience. With its syrup-like consistency, VG is thicker than PG and is better suited for sub-ohm (DTL) devices, with e-liquids containing over 50% VG. E-liquids with 70% or more VG are often labelled as “high VG”. VG also adds a natural sweetness to e-liquids.
Kardinal’s High VG Recommendation
If you’re into cloud chasing, Kardinal’s high-VG e-liquids are your go-to. They deliver rich vapour and are perfect for sub-ohm and powerful pod mod devices.
PG/VG Ratios & Their Effects on Vaping
The ratio of PG to VG in your e-liquid is more than just a number. It represents the proportions of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerine (VG) in e-liquids, influencing flavour, throat hit, vapour production, and device compatibility.
Here’s a breakdown of common ratios:
- 50/50 ratio: A well-balanced blend that is suitable for most devices, delivering good flavour, vapour production, and a moderate throat hit.
- High PG ratios: Ideal for MTL vaping, providing a stronger throat hit and intense flavour delivery. Best for low-wattage pod systems.
- High VG ratios: Best for DTL vaping, creating thicker clouds with a smoother feel. Suited for sub-ohm devices and high-powered mods.
How PG/VG Affect Vaping
The PG/VG ratio directly influences your vaping experience, affecting throat hit, vapour production, and device compatibility. Here’s how they impact different aspects of vaping:
- MTL vaping: MTL vaping generally uses higher PG e-liquids to achieve a more cigarette-like experience.
- DTL vaping: DTL vaping typically uses higher VG e-liquids to produce large, dense vapour clouds.
- Device compatibility: It is important to use the correct PG/VG ratio for your vaping device, because using the wrong ratio may result in a harsh, burnt-tasting vape.
- Beginner Devices: Higher PG content liquids are often recommended for beginners using basic vape kits because PG is thinner and easier to vaporise.
Finding Your Ideal PG and VG
PG provides a sharper throat hit and enhances flavour, making it perfect for MTL vaping and beginner devices. VG, on the other hand, produces thicker vapour clouds with a smoother inhale, making it ideal for DTL vapers using high-powered setups.
Ultimately, your vaping style and device will help you decide what ratio works best. Kardinal’s premium e-liquids are carefully blended to match your preferences, giving you the balance you need for a consistently satisfying vape.
Explore the full range of vape devices and e-liquids at Kardinal, a leading vape brand in Malaysia, to find the perfect match for your vaping style.
FAQs About PG & VG in Vaping
1. Is PG safe to inhale?
Yes, PG is widely used in food and medical products. Kardinal’s e-liquids comply with safety standards, ensuring high-quality ingredients.
2. Does VG affect flavour?
VG has a slight sweetness that can enhance certain e-liquids, but PG is the primary carrier of flavour.
3. Can I use high-VG e-liquid in an MTL device?
It’s not recommended. MTL devices are designed for thinner e-liquids with higher PG content. Using high-VG e-liquid may clog the coil and reduce performance.
4. Do PG or VG cause allergies?
Some people may experience mild throat irritation with high PG content. If this occurs, switching to a higher VG e-liquid may help.
5. Which Kardinal e-liquid is best for me?
Kardinal offers both high-PG nicotine salts and high-VG freebase e-liquids. Your best choice depends on your device and how you like to vape.