eLiquid-ology: Propylene Glycol & Vegetable Glycerin

If you are considering the switch to electronic cigarettes or are new to vaping you may still be wondering exactly what it is that makes up that cloud of vapor that you blow out. Anything is better than that awful tobacco smoke right? In this article we are going to explore exactly what it is that makes up the eliquid that you use in your ecig and we’ll even let you in on what VOLCANO’s chosen formulation is and why we chose it.

eLiquid is composed of these basic ingredients:

• Propylene Glycol (PG) or Vegetable Glycerin base (VG) (or a combination of both)
• Nicotine
• Water
• Flavorings

The base, which is the carrier, is what holds the nicotine and flavor of the eliquid — it's also what creates those full billows of vapor. Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin are both non-toxic organic compounds and are both on the GRAS list from the FDA.

Because of this and also due to the versatility of both compounds, they are commonly used as food additives, humectants in a variety of household products, and are also used pharmaceutically. Learn more about PG >

Propylene Glycol Based:

Because PG has a fairly thin consistency, eliquid composed of PG is much more fluidic than VG. Because of its thinner viscosity, the wick inside the cartomizer more easily absorbs it. The low viscosity of PG eliquid also means that it will not gunk up the heating element of your ecig as fast as if you were to use the much thicker VG eliquid. 

PG itself is an odorless and tasteless compound, so it will not affect the flavor of your eliquid at all. Another characteristic of PG is that it produces a stronger throat hit; it is quite similar to what you feel when smoking a traditional cigarette.     

Vegetable Glycerin Based:

Vegetable glycerin is a much thicker liquid than propylene glycol. By itself VG is sweet tasting (often used as a low-calorie sweetener), which affects the eliquid by making it much sweeter. As mentioned above, because of the thicker viscosity of VG, it can muck up some heating elements much faster than PG dominant based liquid. The upside of VG is that it produces very thick clouds of vapor, but it does give less of a throat hit compared to PG.

VOLCANO’s Formulation

Our eliquid we believe is the perfect balance of both worlds. We have chosen a 70% PG to 30% VG formulation. This formula gives our eliquid full flavor, what is on the label is truly what you will taste.

Its consistency also works perfectly with our heating elements and it will not gunk up the works. Our formula even gives great throat hit for those who yearn for the feeling from their old combustible cigarette, while still allowing for the satisfying plumes of thick vapor.