Modified on: 06/12/2022
How the composition of e-cigarette liquids affects density
Do you want to know everything about the of e cigarette liquid in order to choose the right one for your needs?
It is a question that many people, that are switching from traditional cigarettes to the e-cig, ask themselves. The vape experience mainly depends on the density of the e liquid, so this aspect is really important to understand which products to buy.
Don’t worry: at the end of this article you will have no doubts about the density of vaping liquids and you will know exactly which type to choose.
Read also: World Vaping Day: May 30th is the world day of the electronic cigarette
What does the density of liquids for electronic cigarettes depend on?
An e-liquid can be more or less dense according to its composition and, specifically, to the percentages of the substances that compose it.
But, what are these substances?
The base liquid ecig is made with vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG), which are viscous compounds, almost transparent and with a neutral taste. It is no coincidence that the base composed only of PG VG is also known as a neutral base.
To these ingredients are then added the vaping flavours to give it a pleasant taste and possibly liquid nicotine to avoid tobacco abstinence.
The density of e cigarette liquids is conditioned by vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. On the other hand, flavours and nicotine are not particularly involved in this sense.
You must know that the vaping experience is conditioned by the VG / PG ratio. Furthermore, this ratio must adapt perfectly to your way of vaping: there are different electronic cigarettes to MTL (mouth-to-lung) or DL (direct lung) vape, and the liquid must adapt perfectly to the atomizer.
So let’s see what vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol are and how they affect the density of liquids.
Vegetable glycerin: what it is and how it affects the density of vaping liquids
Vegetable glycerin is a product derived from vegetable oils, including soy, coconut and palm oils. It is a thick, odorless and slightly sweet syrup and it is used in many sectors, including cosmetics, food and, precisely, vaping.
If you love cloud chasing, and if you want to create very dense vapor clouds, then your best choice is to use a liquid with a high percentage of VG (e.g. 70 Vg and 30 PG). In fact, vegetable glycerin is denser than propylene glycol, so it can give a great consistency to the steam.
An e-liquid with a high percentage of vegetable glycerin is more suitable for direct lung vape (or lung shot) and electronic cigarettes with very large holes. The reason is precisely the high density of the product, which must be able to pass through the various holes of the e-cigarette with ease.
If you are wondering: << But what does 70 VG 30 PG mean? >>, let’s quickly resolve your doubt. It means that the e liquid base and ready liquids are composed of 70% vegetable glycerin and 30% propylene glycol.
In addition there are a few drops of one or more flavours and possibly liquid nicotine in the case of e cigarette nicotine liquid.
Let’s now see what propylene glycol is.
Read also: Where to buy electronic cigarette flavours? 5 reasons to choose Terpy!
What is propylene glycol and how does it affect the density of the e-liquids?
Propylene Glycol (PG) is a liquid, odorless and tasteless compound used primarily as an additive and preservative in food, cosmetics and medicines.
It is a very useful substance for carrying e cigarette flavours. It also gives fluidity to vaping liquids, as it is a highly moisturizing agent.
Consequently, liquids with higher percentages of propylene glycol are less dense than e-liquids with large amounts of vegetable glycerin. A VG/PG ratio of 50/50 or with higher percentages of PG is perfect for those who prefer MTL vape and are not interested in Cloud Chasing.
Of course, vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol are substances that have a different composition and consequently pros and cons.
Pros and cons of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol
Liquids with higher amounts of vegetable glycerin are perfect for those who:
- are interested in Cloud Chasing,
- do not like the HIT, or throat hit,
- have an electronic cigarette with atomizer suitable for Cloud Chasing, or with an internal large diameter that permits the passage of a very dense liquid.
Among the best disadvantages of vaping liquids with high percentages of vegetable glycerin, we find the following:
- less intense taste than liquids 50/50 or with higher quantities of propylene glycol (this problem is easily solved by using greater quantities of flavours when preparing e-liquid at home),
- greater accumulation of dirt around the resistance, which requires very frequent changes, due to the high density of vegetable glycerin.
Here are the main advantages of liquids with higher amounts of propylene glycol:
- excellent taste, as the PG binds very well to the molecules of the flavours for electronic cigarettes,
- less dirt accumulated on the resistances, therefore the frequency of cleaning and changing the resistors much lower than liquids with high VG.
There are also some cons of higher PG liquids:
- vapor clouds much less dense than liquids with high percentages of vegetable glycerin,
- liquid leaking from electronic cigarettes not suitable for MTL vape,
- HIT (or throat hit ) very strong. Some people see it as an advantage, but for many others, it can definitely cause throat discomfort and irritation.
If you are starting to use the e cigarette and you still need to understand which features you like most about vaping liquids, we recommend choosing a VG/PG ratio of 50/50.
Now that you know everything about the density of liquids, don’t wait any longer: buy the best products for vaping on Terpy now!
