Modified on: 27/05/2024
What vegetable glycerine is and why it is essential in e-cigarette liquids
Vegetable glycerine for vaping is, together with propylene glycol, one of the primary ingredients of e-cigarette liquids.
Specifically, this product is combined with propylene glycol to make the so-called “neutral base”, to which the vapeo flavourings (and possibly nicotine) are added in order to obtain liquids that are pleasant to both taste and smell.
If you are approaching the world of electronic cigarettes, and before you start vaping, you will certainly want to know what vegetable glycerine is, where it comes from and why it is used in vape liquids. Indeed, awareness is very important when it comes to inhaling substances you have never heard of!
Yet, it is very difficult to find clear and detailed information about glycerine, as many new vapers remain in doubt for a long time.
We have therefore decided to devote an entire in-depth study to vegetable glycerine and its use in electronic cigarettes, in order to resolve your doubts once and for all and to provide you with a better understanding of the world of vaping.
Are you ready? Then get ready: in 2 minutes of reading, you will know everything, really everything, about this product!
Vegetable glycerine: what is it and what is it used for?
Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerol and abbreviated as VG (short for Vegetable glycerin), is a natural compound that is usually obtained by processing vegetable oils such as soy, coconut, or palm oil. It is transparent, has a viscous consistency and a mild, sweet taste.
It is made by heating vegetable fats with a high triglyceride content and is widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and, more recently, in the vaping industry.
Its highly moisturising, thickening, and sweetening properties make it the perfect product for:
- Replacing sugar in certain food products
- Beauty products, such as make-up, mousse, bath foam, aftershave, and deodorant
- Pet food
- Soaps and hand creams
- Baked goods, to increase their moisture content
- Thickening certain topical medicines and capsules
- Toothpaste and other dental care products
- Thickening and reducing the throat hit of e-cigarette liquids
Let’s delve even deeper into the world of vaping and look specifically at the relationship between vegetable glycerine and vaping.
Read also: Cheap electronic cigarette? Here’s the best one to start with
The functions of Vegetable Glycerine in vaping
Glycerol is one of the basic ingredients of the e-liquid base and is combined with Propylene Glycol, electronic cigarette flavourings, and nicotine to make up vape liquids.
But why did those who created the first e-cigarette liquids think of Vegetable Glycerine?
First and foremost, almost all of us ingest this product very often, as it is found in many foods, medicines, and food supplements. Therefore, it is safe for our bodies. It is also a plant-based product, making it ideal for vegetarian and vegan vapers.
Secondly, its humectant and thickening properties make Vegetable Glycerine perfect to give body to vapour, reduce the intensity of the throat hit, and sweeten even the most bitter or sour flavours.
You should be aware that VG is very dense and gives vapers a much milder HIT (throat hit) than PG (propylene glycol).
It is no coincidence that liquids for lung vapers (i.e. those who inhale a large amount of vapour directly into the lungs) have a VG/PG ratio with a predominance of Vegetable Glycerine.
Alternatively, they may contain only Glycerol. In this case, the vaper must be generous with the percentages of e-cigarette flavourings in the liquid, as VG carries the flavours to a much lesser extent than PG.
But does vaping only Vegetable Glycerine have any side effects?
Let us try to answer this question.
Is it possible to vape only Vegetable Glycerine?
Usually, the composition of electronic cigarette liquids is as follows:
- Vegetable Glycerine (VG)
- Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Concentrated flavours for electronic cigarettes
- Liquid nicotine
Some people, perhaps because they are allergic to propylene glycol or because they prefer full-bodied liquid and vapour, decide to use liquids only with vegetable glycerine (plus possibly flavourings and nicotine).
This practice is perfectly feasible with electronic cigarettes for lung shots, with very large holes that allow the passage and vaporisation of extremely dense liquids, but, it is harmful to electronic cigarettes dedicated to cheek shots.
In terms of health, it is important to know that the risk of allergy to vegetable glycerine is very low, so that liquids that only contains VG are the ideal alternative for people who are allergic to PG (or easily irritated by this substance).
Read also: Cheek shot atomizer: what it means and which one to choose
In conclusion
With this article, we hope we have answered all your questions about Vegetable Glycerine & Vaping… But if you need any further information, you can either read more about it in this blog or contact our customer service team, who are available on all channels!
And, if the time has come for you to buy your first electronic cigarette and/or vape products, visit our Terpy.shop online shop now! We are waiting for you!