Skip to content
Sub-Total: $0.00
What Is Propylene Glycol (PG)?
So, what is Propylene Glycol? Let’s take a look at two different trains of thought. First of all, we’ll take a look at propylene glycol (PG) itself. Secondly, we’ll take a look at propylene glycol in the world of vaping, in which it is frequently referred to as PG.
What Is Propylene Glycol (PG)
Propylene glycol has a taste that is faintly sweet, it’s almost odorless, and is a colorless, viscous liquid. It is classed chemically as a diol and exists as a synthetic organic compound. If you’re into chemistry and the periodic table, here is its formula: C3H8O2. Propylene glycol mixes nicely with chloroform, acetone, water, and a wide range of other solvents. In applications dealing with low temperature heat exchange, it is used as a process fluid. It is commonly found in food processing, as well.
Propylene Glycol (PG) in Vaping
E-juices, e-liquids, e-fluids – whatever you prefer to call the liquid with which you vape – typically contain a mix of VG and PG (vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol). PG is used in vape juices because of its nature – it is tasteless, odorless, and colorless (as mentioned above). This lets the flavor of the e-juice shine through and doesn’t dilute the liquid nicotine. It is non-toxic as well. Compared to VG (vegetable glycerin) it is relatively thin. E-juices that contain PG are easily used in atomizers, cartomizers, and mods because it encourages proper vaporization. From manufacturer to manufacturer, ratios of VG and PG vary. Ratios also differ from e-juice to e-juice, even within a singular manufacturer.
Vape juice with high PG give the vaper a very distinct, back-of-the-throat sensation known as a “throat hit”. For those giving up cigarettes, this is a bonus. It reminds them of when they smoked real cigarettes. The sensation will be greater, the higher percentage of PG that is contained within the e-liquid.
Whereas E-juices made with VG provide a thick, smooth hit. Learn What is Vegetable Glycerin (GC) here.
Propylene Glycol (PG) Q&A
- Is it safe to vape propylene glycol? Yes, it is recognized, generally, as safe.
- What types of products contain propylene glycol? It is used as a direct additive and can show up in anything from salad dressings, packaged frostings, and flavored iced tea to cosmetics, drugs, flavorings, and others.
- Doesn’t anti-freeze contain propylene glycol? When ethylene glycol is not appropriate, propylene glycol is used in anti-freeze solutions because it is less toxic.
- Does propylene glycol cause cancer? Currently, it has not been classified for carcinogenicity. (This is according to the EPA, the IARC and the DHHS.)
Propylene Glycol (PG) Vaping Side Effects
As already stated, propylene glycol has been deemed safe for ingestion, generally speaking, by the US FDA when used in products such as medical applications and foods. In testing, inhalation (different from indigestion) when used in amounts that equal 700 times what would ordinarily be absorbed, affects were extremely minimal. In short, you would have to inhale an extraordinarily larger dose of propylene glycol than you will ever find in any e-juice currently (or ever) on the market in order to experience its side effects. For the record, however, allergies to propylene glycol have been reported and minimal side effects can include throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and others.