The seemingly-confusing world of e-liquids can be quite daunting for the novice vapour. With talk of PG / VG ratios, MG content and ‘cloud production’, it’s easy to become intimidated when sifting through the jargon. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide which should help to simplify the commonly-used terminology, and take the headache out of choosing the ideal liquid for your specific needs.

Understanding PG and VG

The base of all e-liquids is comprised of VG – Vegetable Glycerine, and PG – Propylene Glycol. Both substances are considered extremely safe and non-toxic, and are commonly used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

PG (Propylene Glycol) is an odourless, colourless liquid which is thin in consistency. Its presence in e-liquid provides the ‘throat hit’ which is often likened to the sensation of smoking. Users find this desirable as it allows them to continue enjoying the feeling of tobacco with none of the harmful chemicals or additives.

VG (Vegetable Glycerine) is a derivative of vegetable oil, and is also recognised as a safe substance for ingestion. It is used to thicken the consistency of e-liquid, which in turn creates the dense vapour clouds associated with sub ohm vaping.

Classic E-Liquid

‘Classic’ is the term given to e-liquids which contain a higher level of PG than VG, making them thinner in consistency when compared to sub ohm liquids. Generally, these liquids contain a PG ratio of 70% or higher.
The presence of PG provides the ‘throat hit’ often likened to the sensation of smoking, and is therefore the preferred choice of users looking to quit tobacco.

Classic e-liquid is best suited for use with low-wattage starter kits such as the FUSE.

50 / 50 E-Liquid

50/50 e-liquid contains a 50% Vegetable Glycerine, 50% Propylene Glycol ratio, which allows for an extremely versatile vape. These liquids can be used in both classic and sub-ohm devices, and are designed to replicate a MTL (mouth to lung) hit, whilst also being suitable for DL (direct lung) inhalation.

Because 50/50 liquids contain an equal blend of each substance, they provide an ideal balance between flavour delivery and vapour production. A great choice for the novice vaper.

Sub Ohm E-Liquid

Sub ohm e-liquid is often referred to as ‘max VG’, which means that it has a high VG content and contains more VG than PG. Any e-liquid with a VG content of 50% or higher is generally considered a sub ohm liquid.
Because VG provides thickness, these e-liquids are suited for high-wattage devices which are designed to produce a lot of vapour.

This style of vaping is known as sub ohm, and tends to be more of a hobbyist practise than a means to smoking cessation.