VG and PG in Vaping: What You Need to Know

If you’ve spent any time in the vape world, you’ve probably noticed “VG” and “PG” on e-liquid labels. They can look a bit technical, but they’re simply the two main base ingredients in most vape juices. VG (vegetable glycerin) and PG (propylene glycol) affect how thick the liquid is, how it tastes, how strong the throat hit feels, and how the oil behaves during filling and use. If you’re filling cartridges, formulating oils, or buying hardware, understanding VG vs. PG (or, better yet, the liquid’s viscosity) will help you pick the right cartridge and avoid problems like leaks, clogs, or poor flavor. This short guide walks through the practical differences and how to choose the best option for your setup.

VG: Vegetable Glycerin

VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is a plant-based liquid that’s thick and a little sweet. In vaping, VG is what gives you those big, fluffy clouds and a smooth inhale.

• It’s thicker than PG, so it works best in bigger devices.

• If you’re into cloud chasing, you’ll want a higher VG blend.

• It smooths out the throat hit, making each puff easier on the lungs.

 Think of VG as the “cloud maker.”

PG: Propylene Glycol

PG (Propylene Glycol) is the opposite — it’s thin, flavorless, and not sweet at all. But don’t underestimate it — PG is what carries the flavor and gives you that sharp throat hit a lot of ex-smokers look for.

• It’s runnier than VG, so it soaks into wicks and coils easily.

• It makes flavors pop more.

• It delivers that stronger, cigarette-like throat hit.

PG is the “flavor booster.”

VG vs. PG – The Balance

Most e-liquids are a mix of VG and PG. A 70/30 blend (VG/PG) is common for smooth clouds, while a 50/50 blend gives you a stronger flavor and sharper hit. It’s all about what you prefer — smoother and cloudier, or sharper and more flavorful.

What VG/PG Ratio Should I Use?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer — it really depends on the kind of vaping experience you’re after. Here are a few common scenarios:

Throat Hit – If you enjoy a sharp, cigarette-like hit, go with a higher PG vape. Many ex-smokers prefer this, since PG (along with nicotine) gives more of that “kick” at the back of the throat. PG also carries flavor a bit better, so the taste may feel more pronounced.

Smoothness – If you prefer a smoother draw, a higher VG fluid is the way to go. It gives a thicker mouthfeel and softer hit, though the flavor can be slightly muted. You can make up for this by using more power to produce more vapor — just be mindful not to exceed your device’s wattage limits.

Stealth Vaping – Want to keep it lowkey? High PG produces less visible vapor, making it better for discrete use. That said, always follow local rules and common courtesy — vaping in waiting rooms, on public transport, or in other restricted areas isn’t appropriate.

Cloudchasing – If your goal is massive clouds (some people even compete in it), then you’ll want high VG — the higher, the better. VG is what fuels those dense, show-stopping clouds.

Filling tips for E-liquid.

E-liquid disposables use cotton to hold the nicotine (or non-nicotine) liquid, so correct filling technique is critical. Follow these steps:

• Confirm needle and depth — use a needle >40 mm and set insertion depth to 38–40 mm.
• Set dispense speed — keep it ≤ 4 mL/s; slow down further for thicker, high-VG blends. Too fast will cause leaks because the cotton won’t have time to absorb the liquid.
• Position the tank — place the tank perfectly vertical in the fixture/jig and support the mouthpiece so it cannot tilt during filling.
• Use the correct fill port — position the needle over the designated fill port (per Rocket instructions). Do not insert the needle into vents or airpath holes.
• Dispense to target volume — fill slowly to the specified volume and stop slightly below the top to maintain headspace.
• Settle time — wait a few seconds after filling to allow trapped air to escape before capping.
• Clean immediately — wipe any external residue with an IPA wipe (do not use water).
• Inspect the silicone seal — ensure the square silicone seal (if present) sits flat, then seat the mouthpiece straight down; do not twist or use excessive force.
• Cap quickly — secure the mouthpiece within one minute of filling, using the validated seating torque or press spec.
• Initial QC — place filled units upright into a leak-check tray for visual inspection.

Follow these steps to minimize leaks, clogs and rejects during production.

Why It Matters for Devices

Not every vape device works with every liquid. High-VG juices are thicker, so they need more power and cotton wicking to vaporize properly. High-PG juices are thinner and work better in smaller coils.

That’s why we designed our new Rocket device specifically with a cotton core for VG/PG liquids. It’s different from our cannabis-focused hardware — built for nicotine-style vaping, with a huge 14ml tank, 650mAh rechargeable battery, and a large digital screen that shows puff count and battery life.

🔥 Meet Rocket: Built for VG/PG Liquids

The Rocket Empty Disposable Vape is unbranded and ships empty, ready for you to fill locally. It’s perfect for businesses looking for a premium device built for VG/PG e-liquids.

👉 Pre-orders are now open — orders ship in 40 days.

Be among the first to bring Rocket to your customers. Contact us today for wholesale pricing and customization options.