VG (Vegetable Glycerin) – What It Is & Why It Matters in Vape Juice

Definition

VG (Vegetable Glycerin) is a thick, naturally sweet liquid derived from plant oils such as soy, coconut or palm. In vaping, it serves as the primary base ingredient in e-liquid, creating dense, smooth vapour clouds and carrying nicotine or flavour concentrates. Vapers often choose high-VG blends for sub-ohm tanks and Power Mode devices because it delivers a mild Hit“>throat hit and maximises visual vapour production. Being hypoallergenic, VG is the go-to option for users sensitive to Glycol)”>PG (Propylene Glycol) while still ensuring satisfying flavour and extended Puff Count.

Technical Details

Vegetable Glycerin has a viscosity of roughly 1.412 Pa·s at 20 °C, making it far thicker than PG. Standard e-liquids list VG content as a percentage (e.g., 70/30 VG/PG). High-VG juices (≥70 %) perform best above 40 W and in rebuildable or mesh coils above 0.3 Ω. Cold temperatures or high-altitude storage can crystallise or separate VG; gentle warming restores homogeneity. USP-grade (United States Pharmacopeia) or EP-grade VG guarantees ≥99.5 % purity, free from diethylene glycol or allergens. Some brands offer organic or palm-free VG for eco-conscious vapers. Most Pod System cartridges prefer 50/50 or 60/40 blends to avoid wicking issues.

Usage & Tips

  • Wicking: High-VG liquids need larger wicking ports; if you experience dry hits, switch to lower-VG or re-wick with more absorbent cotton.
  • Coil life: VG’s sweetness can caramelise on coils; clean or replace coils every 3–5 days to maintain flavour.
  • Storage: Keep bottles in a cool, dark cupboard; VG absorbs water from the air and can thin over time.
  • Safety: Although non-toxic, VG is a laxative in large amounts; avoid ingestion and wash spills with warm water.

History & Context

Vegetable Glycerin entered the vaping scene in 2004 alongside the first commercial e-cigarettes. Early Chinese labs mixed it with PG to balance throat hit and vapour. As sub-ohm devices gained popularity around 2013, high-VG blends became the cloud-chaser standard, prompting coil manufacturers to redesign wicking channels and airflow. Today, VG remains a staple in both DIY mixing and pre-mixed e-liquids across Australia and worldwide.

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