High PG e liquid is e-liquid with more propylene glycol (PG) than vegetable glycerine (VG), such as 70PG/30VG. It is thinner and suits mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits, while high VG suits direct-to-lung (DTL) devices. A 50/50 blend sits between the two, common in pod systems.
- High PG e-liquid, such as 70PG/30VG, is thinner and generally gives a more noticeable throat hit.
- High VG e-liquid is thicker and generally gives denser vapour, so it suits direct-to-lung devices.
- A 50/50 e-liquid, such as Nicorefill nic salts at 50PG/50VG, sits between the two and is common in pod systems.
- The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 limit nicotine-containing refill bottles to 10ml and nicotine strength to 20mg/ml, whatever the ratio.
What is the difference between high PG and high VG?
High PG and high VG e-liquids differ mainly in thickness, throat hit, vapour and the devices they suit. The table below sets out the general pattern, with 50/50 shown in the middle. Treat it as general guidance, because the device maker’s advice always comes first.
| Feature | High PG (e.g. 70PG/30VG) | 50/50 | High VG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratio | More PG than VG | Equal PG and VG | More VG than PG |
| Thickness | Thinner | In between | Thicker |
| Throat hit | More noticeable | Balanced | Softer |
| Vapour | Lighter | Moderate | Denser |
| Typical device | MTL starter and pod kits | Pod systems, low-wattage MTL | DTL devices with large airflow |
| Example | iBreathe High PG E-Liquids | Nicorefill nic salts | Varies by brand |
What is high PG e liquid?
High PG e liquid is e-liquid where propylene glycol (PG) makes up the larger share of the base, as in 70PG/30VG. The ratio is written PG first, then vegetable glycerine (VG), so 70PG/30VG means 70 parts PG to 30 parts VG. PG is the thinner ingredient, so high PG liquid is runnier and tends to give a more noticeable throat hit.
iBreathe High PG E-Liquids are 10ml bottles at 70PG/30VG. Listed products such as iBreathe UK Tobacco (10ml, 70PG/30VG) use freebase nicotine, the traditional form of nicotine in e-liquid, in 6mg, 12mg and 18mg strengths.
UK law caps nicotine e-liquid at 20mg/ml and nicotine-containing refill bottles at 10ml under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. Those limits apply whichever ratio you choose.
What does high VG mean in e-liquid?
High VG e-liquid means the base contains more vegetable glycerine than propylene glycol, for example 70VG/30PG. VG is thicker, so high VG liquid is generally softer on the throat and produces denser vapour.
High VG liquid is typically paired with direct-to-lung (DTL) devices, where you inhale straight into the lungs. These are often sub-ohm kits, which use low-resistance coils and larger airflow. Always check the device manual for the ratio it recommends.
Whatever the brand, check the ratio stated on the product page before you choose.
Which is better for pod kits and starter kits?
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits, including many pod kits and starter kits, generally suit high PG or 50/50 e-liquid. MTL means drawing vapour into the mouth first, then inhaling. The device maker’s recommended ratio should always decide the choice.
iBreathe stocks starter vape kits, so check each kit’s listing for its recommended liquid. For pod systems, 50/50 is a common format. Nic salt is short for nicotine salt, a form of nicotine often used in pod devices.
Nicorefill nic salts, for example, are listed at 50PG/50VG in 10mg and 20mg strengths. Elux Legend nic salts are described as a 50/50 blend suited to low-wattage MTL devices and pod systems. You can compare 50/50 nic salt e-liquids in one place.
- MTL starter kit: high PG or 50/50, as the maker advises.
- Pod system using nic salts: 50/50, as the pod maker advises.
- DTL device with large airflow: high VG, as the maker advises.
Which is better for throat hit, flavour and vapour?
Throat hit, flavour and vapour all shift with the PG/VG ratio, though personal preference matters as much as the ratio itself. As general guidance, higher PG gives a more noticeable throat hit and lighter vapour. Higher VG gives denser vapour and a softer feel.
Flavour is personal. Common flavour profiles include tobacco, fresh menthol and light fruit.
A refillable vape kit lets you use different e-liquids in one device, as long as you stay within the maker’s recommended ratio.
Can you switch between high PG and high VG?
You can switch between high PG and high VG e-liquid only if the device is designed for the ratio you choose. Changing ratio changes throat hit, vapour and feel. Thick liquid may not soak into a coil built for thin liquid, which may cause a burnt taste, and thin liquid may feel harsh or leak in a device built for thick liquid.
Check the manual and the coil or pod specification before you switch. Tank and pod size also matters: TRPR 2016 limits tanks and pods to 2ml and nicotine-containing refill bottles to 10ml. Our iBreathe e-liquid FAQs give a wider overview of iBreathe e-liquids.
Frequently asked questions
What does 70PG/30VG mean?
70PG/30VG means the base is 70 parts propylene glycol to 30 parts vegetable glycerine. It is a high PG ratio, thinner than a high VG blend. iBreathe High PG E-Liquids use this ratio in 10ml bottles, and it is generally matched to mouth-to-lung devices.
Is high PG or high VG better for a beginner?
Neither is better in general; the right choice follows the device. A beginner using a mouth-to-lung starter kit or pod kit usually suits high PG or 50/50 e-liquid, while a direct-to-lung device suits high VG. Check the manual, and ask the maker or retailer if the guidance is unclear.
What is a 50/50 e-liquid?
A 50/50 e-liquid has equal parts propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. It sits between high PG and high VG for thickness, throat hit and vapour. Nicorefill nic salts are listed at 50PG/50VG in 10mg and 20mg strengths, and are a common format for pod systems.
Can I use high VG e-liquid in a pod kit?
Only if the pod kit’s maker says so. Many pod kits are built for thinner 50/50 or high PG liquid, and thick high VG liquid may not wick properly through the coil. Follow the manual or pod specification, and do not guess. Prefilled pods cannot be refilled at all.
What is the maximum bottle size and nicotine strength for e-liquid in the UK?
The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 limit nicotine e-liquid to 20mg/ml and nicotine-containing refill bottles to 10ml. Tanks and pods are limited to 2ml. These limits apply to products sold in the UK, which must also be notified to the MHRA.
Verdict: which ratio is right for you?
High PG liquid is the usual match for mouth-to-lung starter and pod kits, high VG suits direct-to-lung devices, and 50/50 sits in between. Choose by device first, then by the throat hit and vapour you prefer.
Nicotine-containing vapes and e-liquids sold in the UK must be notified to the MHRA, according to its guidance on e-cigarette regulations. The MHRA’s advice for retailers and producers explains how to check notified products.
Ratios and strengths for each e-liquid are listed in our e-liquids range. iBreathe products are for adults aged 18 or over.
