E-liquids (also called vape juice) come in thousands of flavors and formulations. Understanding the basics — from PG/VG ratios to nicotine types — will help you find your perfect vape and get the most out of every puff. Whether you are new to vaping or looking to fine-tune your setup, this guide covers everything you need to know.
I come from a wellness research background, so when I first got into vaping a few years ago, I spent way too long reading PubMed abstracts before I ever bought a bottle of juice. That deep-dive into the chemistry actually turned out to be useful, though — understanding what’s in your e-liquid matters a lot more than most people realize. The difference between a satisfying vape and one that irritates your throat often comes down to the ratio of two ingredients most vapers can’t even name.
PG vs VG: What Is the Difference?
E-liquids contain two base ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). Every e-liquid uses some combination of these two, and the ratio between them has a major impact on your vaping experience.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Thinner consistency — wicks faster and works well in smaller coils and pod systems
- Stronger throat hit — mimics the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette
- Carries flavor better — PG is essentially flavorless, so it lets the added flavorings shine through more clearly
- Produces less visible vapor — a good choice if you prefer discreet vaping
- Easier on coils — because it is thinner, PG causes less gunk buildup on your coils, which can extend coil life
One thing to be aware of: a small percentage of people have a sensitivity or mild allergy to PG. Symptoms can include a sore or dry throat, increased thirst, or minor skin irritation. If you notice these, try switching to a higher-VG e-liquid.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
- Thicker consistency — produces denser, more visible vapor clouds
- Smoother throat hit — gentler on the throat, even at higher wattages
- Slightly sweet taste — VG has a natural mild sweetness that can complement dessert and fruit flavors
- Slower wicking — the thicker liquid takes longer to saturate your coil’s cotton, which means you may need to wait a few extra seconds between puffs to avoid dry hits
- More coil buildup — VG tends to caramelize on coils faster than PG, so you may need to change coils more frequently with high-VG juices
Common PG/VG Ratios
- 50/50 (PG/VG) — Balanced flavor and vapor production. The go-to ratio for pod systems, MTL (mouth-to-lung) tanks, and anyone who wants a bit of everything. Works with almost any device.
- 70/30 VG/PG — More vapor, less throat hit. The most popular ratio for sub-ohm tanks and starter kits designed for direct-lung vaping. A great all-around choice for most vapers.
- 80/20 or Max VG — Maximum cloud production with a very smooth draw. Ideal for drippers (RDAs) and high-wattage builds. Flavor can be slightly muted compared to higher-PG blends, and you will need larger wicking ports to handle the thick liquid.
How to Choose the Right PG/VG Ratio for Your Device
Not every e-liquid works well in every device. Matching your PG/VG ratio to your hardware avoids common problems like leaking, dry hits, and weak flavor.
Pod Systems and MTL Devices
Pod systems use small coils with narrow wicking channels. A 50/50 or 60/40 VG/PG ratio works best here. Anything thicker than 60% VG may not wick fast enough, leading to dry hits and burnt coil taste. These devices are designed for a tighter draw that mimics smoking, so the stronger throat hit from higher PG is actually a plus.
Sub-Ohm Tanks
Sub-ohm coils (below 1.0 ohm) run at higher wattage and have larger wicking ports that can handle thicker liquids. A 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG ratio is ideal. Using a 50/50 juice in a sub-ohm tank can cause leaking because the thinner liquid flows through the larger wicking holes too easily.
RDAs and RDTAs (Rebuildable Atomizers)
Rebuildable atomizers give you the most control over wicking, so they can handle Max VG liquids without issue. If you are into cloud chasing or competition vaping, Max VG is the standard. Browse our atomizer collection for rebuildable options.
When I was researching PG sensitivity rates, I found a 2019 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health that put the prevalence of PG-related throat irritation at roughly 10-15% of users. That tracks with what I’ve seen firsthand — about one in eight people I’ve talked to experienced some dryness or mild irritation when starting out with higher-PG liquids. The fix is almost always simple: switch to 70/30 VG-dominant and the issue resolves within a day. Knowing the science behind your juice takes the guesswork out of troubleshooting.
Nicotine Strengths Explained
Nicotine strength is measured in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL). The right level depends on how much you used to smoke, what device you are using, and your personal preference.
- 0mg — No nicotine at all. For vapers who enjoy the flavor and ritual but do not want nicotine.
- 3mg — Light nicotine. The standard for sub-ohm and direct-lung vaping, since these devices produce a lot of vapor and deliver nicotine efficiently.
- 6mg — Medium nicotine. A versatile level that works for both sub-ohm and higher-resistance setups. Good for moderate smokers transitioning to vaping.
- 12mg — Strong. Best suited for MTL devices and pod systems with higher-resistance coils. Former pack-a-day smokers often start here.
- 18-24mg — Very strong. Uncommon in freebase form today. Mostly used in older-style devices with very low vapor output.
Freebase Nicotine vs Nicotine Salts
There are two forms of nicotine used in e-liquids, and they feel quite different:
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form. It delivers a noticeable throat hit that increases with the nicotine level. At concentrations above 12mg, freebase nicotine can feel harsh and unpleasant. It is available in strengths from 0mg to 24mg and is the standard for sub-ohm and direct-lung vaping.
Nicotine salts (nic salts) use a modified form of nicotine combined with benzoic acid, which lowers the pH and makes the nicotine smoother to inhale. This allows for much higher concentrations — typically 20mg to 50mg — without the harshness. Nic salts also absorb into the bloodstream faster, providing satisfaction more quickly. They are designed specifically for low-wattage pod systems and MTL devices. See our top nicotine salt e-liquid picks for specific recommendations. The Vaporesso XROS series is one of the most popular pod systems for nic salts. Do not use high-strength nic salts in a sub-ohm device — the amount of nicotine delivered would be dangerously high.
How to Step Down Your Nicotine Level
Many vapers gradually reduce their nicotine intake over time. A common path looks like this:
- Start at whatever level satisfies your cravings (often 12mg for MTL or 6mg for sub-ohm)
- After a few weeks or months, drop down one level (for example, from 6mg to 3mg)
- Stay at the new level until it feels comfortable — there is no rush
- Eventually, you can reach 0mg if that is your goal
Tip: when stepping down, you might vape a bit more frequently at first. That is completely normal and will settle down as you adjust.
Choosing Flavors
For a deeper dive into selecting the perfect vape juice, see our complete guide on how to choose the best e-juice.
Start with flavors you already enjoy in food and drinks. Fruit, menthol, and dessert flavors are popular starting points. Tobacco flavors are available for those who want something closer to the cigarette experience. Do not be afraid to experiment — many vapers discover unexpected favorites.
Keep in mind that flavor perception can change depending on your PG/VG ratio, wattage, and even the coil you use. If a flavor seems weak, try increasing your wattage slightly or switching to a higher-PG blend.
Browse our E-Juice Collection to explore hundreds of flavors from top brands.
E-Liquid Steeping: What It Is and Why It Matters
Steeping is the process of letting your e-liquid age after it is mixed. Think of it like letting a fine wine breathe. During steeping, the flavor molecules blend more thoroughly with the PG/VG base, and some of the harsher volatile compounds evaporate off.
How to steep your e-liquid:
- Remove the cap and let the bottle breathe for a few hours (called “breathing”)
- Replace the cap and store the bottle in a cool, dark place
- Shake the bottle once a day
- Most e-liquids benefit from 1 to 2 weeks of steeping, though some complex dessert and tobacco flavors improve over 3 to 4 weeks
Not every juice needs steeping. Fruit and menthol flavors are often fine right out of the bottle. Creamy, custard, and bakery flavors tend to improve the most with time. If you buy from a reputable brand, the juice has likely already been steeped before shipping.
E-Liquid Safety and Storage
E-liquid contains nicotine (in most cases), which is toxic if swallowed, especially for children and pets. Proper handling and storage are important.
Storage Tips
- Keep out of reach of children and pets — always. Use child-resistant caps and store bottles in a locked cabinet or high shelf.
- Store in a cool, dark place — heat and sunlight break down nicotine and degrade flavors. A drawer or cabinet away from windows is ideal.
- Keep bottles sealed — exposure to air oxidizes the nicotine (turning it darker) and can weaken flavors over time.
- Check for expiration — e-liquid does not spoil like food, but it does degrade. Most e-liquids are good for 1 to 2 years from the manufacture date. Signs of expired juice include significant color change, a peppery or harsh taste, or separation that does not resolve with shaking.
Handling
- Wash your hands if you spill e-liquid on your skin — nicotine absorbs through the skin
- If someone swallows e-liquid, contact Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the US)
- Do not mix e-liquids with other substances
I’ll leave you with this: the single best thing I did when I started was keeping a simple notes app log of every juice I tried — the PG/VG ratio, nicotine strength, device I used it in, and a quick one-line reaction. After about 20 entries, I could see clear patterns in what I liked and what didn’t work. It sounds a bit nerdy, but it saved me from re-buying juices that didn’t suit me and helped me zero in on the exact profiles that work for my body. Data beats guessing every time.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Vape?
Now that you understand the fundamentals of e-liquids, you are ready to make informed choices. Start with our E-Juice Collection to find your flavor, pair it with the right device from our Starter Kits, and do not forget to check out our atomizers if you want to experiment with rebuildable setups. If you prefer the convenience of a pre-filled device, our best disposable vapes of 2026 roundup has you covered.
Related Reading
Related Buying Guides
- Best Vape Juice & E-Liquid Flavors 2026 — our top-rated e-liquids across all PG/VG ratios
- Best Vape Tanks 2026 — match your tank to your preferred PG/VG blend
- Best Vape Starter Kits 2026 — starter kits that work great with any e-liquid
