PG (Propylene Glycol) & VG (Vegetable Glycerin) in E-Liquids: What's the Difference?

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is an oily liquid with a sweet taste.⁴

Health Canada regulates the use of ingredients in vaping liquids. Under the Vaping Products Reporting Regulations, manufacturers and importers must provide information on vaping product ingredients for review³.

However, as with any vaping product, it's important to only buy e-liquids from reputable sources and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

The law also states that e-liquids, even without nicotine, must display the names of ingredients without abbreviation. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin must be listed in full in the ingredients – PG (for propylene glycol) and VG (for vegetable glycerin) are not allowed.²

E-liquids can have varying ratios of PG to VG (propylene glycol to vegetable glycerin). These ratios are typically shown as a percentage, such as 70:30 PG to VG (70% propylene glycol to 30% vegetable glycerin) or 50:50 PG to VG. 

50:50 e-liquids contain an equal ratio of 50% propylene glycol to 50% vegetable glycerin. These e-liquids offer a balance between the properties of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), providing a moderate vapour production.

You can shop Vuse vape pods in a range of flavours and assorted nicotine strengths, including mint, fruit, tobacco and berry flavours. Nicotine-free Vuse pods are also available for consumers who want to vape without nicotine.

References:

1. Health Canada.  (2018).  About vaping.  Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html.  Accessed: 30/10/2024
2. Health Canada.  (2020).  Industry Guide to Vaping Products Subject to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.  Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/reports-publications/industry-professionals/vaping-products-canada-consumer-product-safety-act/document.html. Accessed: 30/10/2024
3. Health Canada.  (2018).  Vaping Product Regulation.  Available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping/product-safety-regulation.html.  Accessed: 30/10/2024
4. Eaton, D.L., Kwan, L.Y. and Stratton, K.  (2018).  Toxicology of E-Cigarette Constituents.  Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507184/.  Accessed: 30/10/2024