TL;DR: VG (vegetable glycerin) creates dense clouds and a smooth inhale; PG (propylene glycol) carries flavour and delivers throat hit. UK e-liquids blend the two, with 50/50 suited to pod kits and MTL, and 70/30 or higher VG suited to sub-ohm cloud kits. Choose the ratio to match your device, not the other way round.
TL;DR: VG (vegetable glycerin) creates dense clouds and a smooth inhale; PG (propylene glycol) carries flavour and delivers throat hit. Every UK e-liquid is a blend of the two, with 50/50 suited to pod kits and mouth-to-lung setups, and 70/30 or higher VG suited to sub-ohm cloud kits. Choose the ratio to match your device, not the other way round.
The two-letter labels stamped on the side of every UK e-liquid bottle, VG and PG, are the single most important spec on the product and the one most vapers ignore. Get the ratio wrong and a brand-new Elf Bar Elfa Pro will spit hot liquid into a vaper's mouth within three puffs; get it right and the same £4.99 pod lasts a fortnight. This guide walks through every ratio sold in the UK in 2026, matches each one to the device it belongs in, and settles the throat-hit versus cloud debate with data rather than forum folklore.
What VG and PG Actually Are
Vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) are the two food-grade carrier liquids that make up 80 to 95 percent of every bottle of UK e-liquid. The remaining 5 to 20 percent is flavouring, nicotine and distilled water. Neither VG nor PG is a "chemical additive" in the tabloid sense; both are pharmacopoeia-grade ingredients regulated under the UK MHRA's Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016.
Vegetable glycerin (VG) in plain English
VG is a thick, colourless, slightly sweet liquid extracted from vegetable oils, most commonly palm, soya or coconut. It has the viscosity of maple syrup, a mild sugary taste and a very high boiling point of around 290C. In vaping it is prized for producing dense, visible vapour, softening the inhale and adding a subtle sweetness that rounds off dessert and fruit flavours. Outside of vaping, VG appears in toothpaste, shampoo, cake icing and asthma inhalers.
Propylene glycol (PG) in plain English
PG is a thin, colourless, virtually tasteless synthetic liquid with the viscosity of water. It has a boiling point of 188C, evaporates quickly and, crucially, binds to flavour molecules more efficiently than VG. That is why a bottle labelled "flavour-forward" or "true-to-taste" is almost always high-PG. PG is also the ingredient that creates the sharp back-of-throat sensation smokers instinctively recognise. It has been used in theatrical fog machines, medical nebulisers and processed food (E1520) since the 1940s.
Why every e-liquid is a blend, not one or the other
A 100% VG liquid would be too thick to wick through a coil and would taste muted and cloying. A 100% PG liquid would produce almost no visible vapour, would taste harsh and would strip flavour molecules unevenly. Blending the two lets manufacturers dial in a bespoke performance profile for a given device class. The blend is expressed as a ratio, PG first or VG first depending on the brand, and it is the single most useful number on the label after nicotine strength.
The Five Ratios You Will See on UK Shelves
UK e-liquid is sold in five practical ratios: 50/50, 60/40 (VG-leaning), 70/30, 80/20 and max-VG (typically 85/15 or above). Each ratio maps onto a device category and a vaping style, and buying a mismatched ratio is the number-one cause of dry hits, burnt coils and disappointed vapers.
| Ratio (VG/PG) | Best for | Throat hit | Cloud size | Flavour clarity | Typical UK format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | Pod kits, MTL tanks, disposables replacements | Strong | Small | Very high | 10ml nic salt £3.99 to £4.99 |
| 60/40 | Refillable pod-mods, hybrid tanks | Medium | Medium | High | 10ml salt or 100ml shortfill |
| 70/30 | Sub-ohm tanks, mid-power kits | Mild | Large | Medium | 100ml shortfill £13.99 to £15.99 |
| 80/20 | Cloud kits, RDA drippers | Very mild | Very large | Medium | 100ml or 200ml shortfill |
| Max-VG (85/15+) | Rebuildable atomisers, sensitive vapers | Almost none | Enormous | Lower | Specialist shortfill |
Why 50/50 dominates 2026 UK shelves
Since the June 2025 disposable ban, the UK market has pivoted decisively toward refillable pod kits like the Elf Bar Elfa Pro, Lost Mary Tappo, SKE Crystal Plus, IVG 2400 Kit and Hayati Pro Mini. Every one of these devices uses tight 1.0-ohm to 1.2-ohm coils that only wick properly with 50/50 or 60/40 nic salt liquid. As a result, well over half of e-liquid sold in the UK today is 50/50, packaged in 10ml TPD-compliant bottles at 10mg or 20mg nicotine.
Why 70/30 shortfills still exist
Sub-ohm vapers, particularly ex-cloud-chasers and those coming off disposables who want the same puff volume they were used to on a Lost Mary BM6000, still buy 70/30 or 80/20 shortfills. These 100ml bottles retail for £13.99 to £15.99 and are designed to be paired with a separate 10ml or 20ml nic shot to bring them up to 3mg strength. The vapour they produce is unmistakably bigger than anything a pod kit can generate.
The Throat Hit Question, Solved
Throat hit, the sharp sensation at the back of the throat when inhaling, comes primarily from PG and nicotine. Increase either and throat hit rises. VG contributes almost nothing to throat hit and in high concentrations it actively suppresses the sensation, replacing it with a soft, syrupy inhale.
How much throat hit each ratio delivers
A 50/50 e-liquid at 20mg nic salt, such as the Elf Bar Elfa Pro Blueberry Sour Raspberry pod, delivers a firm, cigarette-like hit that ex-smokers recognise instantly. Drop to 70/30 at 10mg and the hit softens to a gentle warmth. At 80/20 or higher, most vapers report barely feeling the inhale, which is why cloud chasers can take enormous lung-fulls without coughing.
| Ratio | Nic strength | Throat hit (out of 10) | Closest cigarette equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | 20mg salt | 8 | Full-strength Marlboro Red |
| 50/50 | 10mg salt | 6 | Marlboro Gold |
| 60/40 | 10mg salt | 5 | Silk Cut Purple |
| 70/30 | 6mg freebase | 4 | Silk Cut Silver |
| 70/30 | 3mg freebase | 2 | Nothing comparable |
| 80/20 | 3mg freebase | 1 | Not applicable |
| Max-VG | 0mg | 0 | Not applicable |
Nic salts versus freebase and the throat-hit trick
Nic salt formulations, standard in every 10ml pod-kit bottle, chemically buffer the nicotine so it feels smoother at high strength. A 20mg nic salt delivers a satisfying hit without the throat-scorching harshness of a 20mg freebase liquid. This is why UK regulators allow 20mg nic salts to be sold in 10ml bottles under TPD, and why the vast majority of former disposable users have migrated to salt-based pod systems rather than freebase shortfills.
The Cloud Question, Solved
Cloud size is determined by VG content and coil power. Higher VG means denser, whiter, longer-lasting plumes because glycerin has a higher molecular weight and holds airborne moisture better. Higher wattage means more liquid vaporised per puff, which means bigger clouds.
Why VG produces more visible vapour
When VG heats past its boiling point, it forms a thick aerosol of tiny glycerin droplets suspended in air. These droplets scatter light effectively, which is what makes the cloud look dense and white. PG vapour is lighter, disperses faster and appears thinner. A 70/30 shortfill in a sub-ohm tank will produce a plume roughly three times the size of a 50/50 in the same tank.
The device matters as much as the juice
Pouring a 70/30 shortfill into an Elf Bar Elfa Pro will not produce big clouds; it will simply flood the coil, cause gurgling and eventually burn out the pod. Real cloud production requires a sub-ohm coil (below 1.0 ohm), typically running at 25W or higher. Kits capable of this include the Vaporesso Xros Pro at 40W, the Uwell Caliburn X at 25W and dedicated cloud rigs like the Voopoo Drag 4 which pushes 177W into a 0.15-ohm dual coil.
| Kit | Coil resistance | Wattage range | Recommended ratio | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elf Bar Elfa Pro | 1.0 ohm | Auto | 50/50 salt | £8.99 kit, £4.99 pod |
| Lost Mary Tappo | 0.8 ohm | Auto | 50/50 or 60/40 salt | £9.99 kit |
| SKE Crystal Plus | 1.0 ohm | Auto | 50/50 salt | £7.99 kit |
| Innokin Zenith 2 | 0.8 ohm MTL | 10-20W | 50/50 or 60/40 | £24.99 |
| Vaporesso Xros Pro | 0.4-0.6 ohm | Up to 40W | 60/40 or 70/30 | £34.99 |
| Uwell Caliburn X | 0.8 ohm | Up to 25W | 60/40 or 70/30 | £29.99 |
| Voopoo Drag 4 | 0.15 ohm | Up to 177W | 70/30 or 80/20 | £54.99 |
Flavour Delivery: PG Wins, Then VG Rounds It Off
PG is the superior flavour carrier because its low molecular weight and thin viscosity let it bind more tightly to flavour compounds and vaporise them evenly. A high-PG blend like 50/50 will taste noticeably sharper and more accurate than a 70/30, particularly for citrus, menthol and tobacco profiles.
Why menthol and tobacco lean high-PG
Menthol is a volatile compound that dissipates quickly in a thick VG carrier. In a 50/50 blend it delivers a crisp, cold hit that is almost impossible to replicate in an 80/20. Tobacco flavours behave similarly; the subtle notes of RY4 caramel tobacco, Virginia leaf or the Elf Bar Cream Tobacco pod need PG's clean canvas to come through. This is why virtually every disposable-replacement pod on the UK market is 50/50.
Why dessert and fruit blends can go higher-VG
Sweet dessert profiles like custard, doughnut, strawberry milkshake or the Nasty Juice Slow Blow benefit from VG's inherent sweetness. A 70/30 or 80/20 blend rounds off the sugar notes and produces the mouth-coating richness dessert vapers chase. Fruit shortfills like Doozy Vape Tropix or Dinner Lady Lemon Tart are typically sold at 70/30 for exactly this reason.
Coil Life and Wicking: The Hidden Cost of the Wrong Ratio
Using a ratio that does not match the device does not just produce a poor vape; it actively destroys hardware. A high-VG liquid in a pod kit will fail to wick through the tight cotton, causing dry hits, burnt cotton and permanently ruined pods within 20 puffs. A high-PG liquid in a sub-ohm coil will flood the wick, leak out of the airflow and taste watery.
The wicking science, in one paragraph
Cotton wicks work by capillary action, drawing liquid through microscopic channels between fibres. Thin liquids (high-PG) travel these channels quickly; thick liquids (high-VG) travel slowly. A 1.0-ohm pod coil has narrow wick channels sized for thin liquid; a 0.15-ohm sub-ohm coil has wide channels sized for thick liquid. Match the ratio to the channel and the coil lasts weeks; mismatch it and it lasts hours.
How to tell if a coil is wrong for a liquid
- Dry hits within 10 puffs: liquid too thick for the coil (VG too high).
- Gurgling and leaking: liquid too thin for the coil (PG too high).
- Muted flavour after a full pod: coil life exhausted, expected at around 5ml to 8ml of liquid.
- Burnt taste on first puff: pod was not left to soak for 5 minutes after filling.
- White residue on the coil window: normal VG residue, not a fault.
PG Sensitivity and Allergies
An estimated 3 to 5 percent of vapers experience some degree of PG sensitivity, presenting as a scratchy throat, dry mouth, mild rash or headaches. It is not a true allergy in the immunological sense but a genuine irritant response that resolves within days of switching to a max-VG blend.
Symptoms of PG sensitivity
- Persistent dry mouth despite drinking water.
- Sore throat that does not fade between vape sessions.
- Mild headache after prolonged vaping.
- Occasional rash on the hands or face.
- Nasal drip or mild sinus congestion.
What to do if PG is the problem
Switch to an 80/20 or max-VG shortfill for 48 hours and monitor symptoms. Brands with strong high-VG lines include IVG, Dinner Lady Max-VG, Nasty Juice and Riot Squad. If symptoms clear, PG was the culprit. If they persist, the flavourings or nicotine may be responsible and the NHS Stop Smoking Service is worth contacting for guidance. See the NHS vaping to stop smoking page for the current official guidance.
UK Regulations: What the Ratio Means Under TPD
UK e-liquid regulation, enforced by the MHRA under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, does not directly regulate the VG/PG ratio itself. It regulates nicotine strength (20mg cap), bottle size (10ml cap for nicotine-containing liquid), tank size (2ml cap) and ingredient disclosure. The ratio is left to the manufacturer, which is why UK shelves carry every blend from 100% VG to 30/70 VG/PG.
The June 2025 disposable ban and its aftermath
Single-use disposable vapes were banned across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on 1 June 2025. The ban wiped out roughly 40 percent of the UK vaping market overnight and forced millions of vapers onto refillable pod kits like the Elf Bar Elfa Pro and Lost Mary Tappo. The knock-on effect on VG/PG ratios was profound: demand for 50/50 nic salts exploded, and virtually every major brand launched a "disposable-flavour" 10ml salt range in 50/50 to serve the newly-refillable audience. Read the full gov.uk disposable ban statutory instrument for the legal detail.
The October 2026 HMRC e-liquid excise duty
From 1 October 2026, HMRC introduces a flat-rate excise duty of £2.20 per 10ml on all e-liquid sold in the UK, regardless of nicotine strength. A 10ml bottle currently retailing at £3.99 will therefore rise to £6.19 plus VAT, and a 100ml shortfill (with 10ml nic shot) will rise by £22 in duty alone. The duty applies to VG and PG equally; the ratio makes no difference to the liability. Vapers stockpiling in September 2026 is expected to be significant. HMRC's consultation document is available on gov.uk.
MHRA labelling requirements
Every UK-legal e-liquid bottle must display the ingredients list, the nicotine strength in mg/ml, the batch number, the manufacturer's contact details and a health warning covering 30 percent of the two largest surfaces. The VG/PG ratio is not legally required but virtually every brand prints it voluntarily because vapers demand it. Unbranded or ratio-less bottles are a red flag for illicit stock and should be reported to Trading Standards.
MTL vs DTL: The Ratio Follows the Inhale
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapers pull vapour into the mouth first, then inhale to the lungs, mimicking a cigarette. Direct-to-lung (DTL) vapers pull straight into the lungs in one motion, mimicking a deep breath. The two styles demand different hardware, different power levels and, crucially, different ratios.
MTL setups and their ratios
MTL is the default style for ex-smokers and disposable-replacement pod users. Kits include the Innokin Zenith 2 tank, Aspire Nautilus 3, Uwell Caliburn G3 and every Elf Bar Elfa Pro-style pod kit. Coils sit at 1.0 to 1.2 ohms, wattage at 10 to 15W. The correct ratio is 50/50 or 60/40 with nic salts at 10mg or 20mg. Anything higher-VG will not wick.
DTL setups and their ratios
DTL is the style for cloud chasers and hobbyists. Kits include the Voopoo Drag 4, Vaporesso Gen 200, Geekvape Aegis Legend 3, and RDA setups. Coils sit at 0.15 to 0.4 ohms, wattage at 40 to 100W. The correct ratio is 70/30 or 80/20 with freebase nicotine at 3mg or 6mg. Anything lower-VG will taste harsh and produce weak clouds.
Restricted DTL: the hybrid ground
Restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL) sits between the two, using coils around 0.6 ohms at 20 to 30W. Kits include the Vaporesso Xros Pro, Uwell Caliburn X and Innokin Kroma-A. The correct ratio is 60/40 or 70/30 with either salt or freebase at 10mg or 6mg respectively. This is the fastest-growing category in the UK post-disposable-ban.
Real UK Prices and Where the Ratios Sit
UK e-liquid pricing in 2026 tracks bottle size and format more than ratio, but knowing the typical price for each ratio helps vapers spot a bargain and avoid grey-market stock.
| Product | Format | Ratio | Nic strength | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elf Bar Elfa Pro Pods | 2 x 2ml pods | 50/50 | 20mg salt | £4.99 |
| Lost Mary Tappo Pods | 3 x 2ml pods | 50/50 | 20mg salt | £5.99 |
| Hayati Pro Ultra 25K Refill Pods | 2 x 2ml pods | 50/50 | 20mg salt | £5.99 |
| IVG Bar 600 Salt | 10ml | 50/50 | 10mg or 20mg | £3.99 |
| Crystal Bar 4000 Salt | 10ml | 50/50 | 20mg | £3.99 |
| Doozy Vape Salt | 10ml | 50/50 | 10mg or 20mg | £3.99 |
| Dinner Lady Shortfill | 50ml + 10ml nic shot | 70/30 | 3mg after mixing | £10.99 |
| Nasty Juice Shortfill | 50ml | 70/30 | 0mg (add nic shot) | £10.99 |
| Riot Squad Max VG | 100ml | 80/20 | 0mg | £14.99 |
| IVG Menthol Shortfill | 100ml | 70/30 | 0mg | £13.99 |
What the October 2026 excise duty will do to these prices
Every price in the table above will rise. A 10ml bottle will add £2.20 in duty plus 44p VAT, taking a £3.99 nic salt to £6.63. A 50ml shortfill plus a 10ml nic shot will add £13.20 plus VAT on the duty portion, taking a £10.99 Dinner Lady bottle to around £26.83. Vapers switching to bigger bottle formats will save on relative duty per ml, which is why 100ml shortfills are expected to gain share after October 2026.
Matching Ratio to Kit: The Decision Table
The correct ratio is dictated by the kit, not by personal preference. A vaper who insists on high-VG in a pod kit will burn through pods; a vaper who insists on 50/50 in a sub-ohm tank will get a weak, harsh vape. Use the table below as the definitive UK 2026 matching guide.
| Device type | Example kits | Correct ratio | Correct nic type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refillable pod kit | Elf Bar Elfa Pro, Lost Mary Tappo, SKE Crystal Plus | 50/50 | Nic salt 10mg or 20mg |
| MTL tank | Innokin Zenith 2, Aspire Nautilus 3 | 50/50 or 60/40 | Nic salt or freebase 10-18mg |
| Pod-mod (RDTL) | Vaporesso Xros Pro, Uwell Caliburn X | 60/40 or 70/30 | Nic salt 10mg |
| Sub-ohm tank | Voopoo Drag 4, Vaporesso Gen 200 | 70/30 or 80/20 | Freebase 3mg or 6mg |
| RDA/RTA (rebuildable) | Wotofo Profile, Geekvape Zeus X | 80/20 or max-VG | Freebase 0-3mg |
| Big-puff refillable | Hayati Pro Ultra 25K, Lost Mary BM6000 replacement | 50/50 | Nic salt 20mg |
What the Hayati Pro Ultra 25K teaches about ratio in 2026
The Hayati Pro Ultra 25K is the current benchmark refillable big-puff kit, replacing the banned disposables of the same brand. It uses a 2ml TPD-compliant pre-filled pod at 50/50 with 20mg nic salt, retailing at £10.99 for the kit and £5.99 for a replacement pod. Its popularity is proof that the 50/50 nic-salt combination is the ratio that ex-disposable users overwhelmingly prefer, and any brand launching a competing device is essentially forced to match it.
VG vs PG for Health: What the Evidence Actually Says
Both VG and PG are classified as generally recognised as safe (GRAS) for oral ingestion by the US FDA and are permitted food additives under EU and UK law. Their inhalation safety is a more nuanced question, and the honest answer is: significantly less harmful than tobacco smoke, but not risk-free.
The Public Health England / OHID position
The 2015 Public Health England review, updated multiple times through 2022 by the same agency (now the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities), concluded that vaping is around 95 percent less harmful than smoking. That figure remains the official UK government position in 2026. The review specifically examined VG and PG inhalation and found no evidence of significant harm at typical vaping concentrations, while acknowledging that long-term effects (20+ years) are not yet fully characterised. See the current gov.uk nicotine vaping evidence update.
Formaldehyde and the temperature question
Both VG and PG can degrade into formaldehyde and acetaldehyde at very high temperatures (over 300C), which is why dry hits taste burnt and are actively harmful. Modern coils in the Elf Bar Elfa Pro, Lost Mary Tappo and Vaporesso Xros Pro have temperature-limiting mesh designs that keep coil temperature well below the degradation threshold under normal use. Chain-vaping, dry firing and pushing coils past their rated wattage all raise the risk.
ONS smoking statistics and the vaping trade-off
According to the ONS adult smoking habits bulletin, UK adult smoking prevalence fell to 11.9 percent in 2023 from 20.2 percent in 2011, a decline widely attributed to the rise of vaping. Vaping prevalence sat at around 9.8 percent in the same period. The public-health calculus, endorsed by the NHS, the MHRA and Cancer Research UK, is unambiguous: for adult smokers, switching entirely to vaping (of any VG/PG ratio) is a substantial harm-reduction step.
Flavour Families and Which Ratio Suits Them
Not all flavours perform equally across ratios. Menthol, citrus and tobacco lean high-PG; dessert, cream and heavy fruit lean high-VG. Understanding this lets vapers pick a ratio that flatters the flavour rather than fighting it.
Menthol and ice
Menthol requires PG to deliver its characteristic cold snap. A 50/50 Ice Mint like the Elf Bar Elfa Pro Cool Mint pod is crisp and immediate; the same flavour at 80/20 tastes muted and slushy. Menthol vapers should stick to 50/50 or 60/40 regardless of device.
Citrus, apple and berry
Bright fruit profiles benefit from PG's flavour clarity but tolerate up to 70/30 comfortably. The IVG Bar 600 Apple Peach Salt (50/50) and the Doozy Vape Tropix shortfill (70/30) both deliver clean fruit notes; the shortfill just does it with more vapour and less throat hit.
Dessert, cream and custard
Sweet dessert flavours are where VG genuinely improves the experience. VG's inherent sweetness enhances vanilla, caramel and custard notes. A 70/30 or 80/20 Dinner Lady Lemon Tart or Nasty Juice Slow Blow is smoother and rounder than a 50/50 equivalent would be.
Tobacco and RY4
Tobacco flavours are subtle and easily overwhelmed by VG sweetness. Every serious tobacco liquid on the UK market, from the Elf Bar Cream Tobacco pod to Riot Squad's tobacco shortfill line, sits at 50/50 or 60/40. Never buy a high-VG tobacco.
Bakery, doughnut and cereal
Bakery profiles are the natural home of high-VG. The sugary, doughy notes need VG's mouth-feel to feel authentic. Dinner Lady Doughnut, IVG Vanilla Custard and the entire Nasty Juice Cush Man line are typically 70/30 shortfills.
Storage, Steeping and the Effect on Ratio
Both VG and PG are hygroscopic (they absorb moisture from the air), oxidise slowly and darken with age. Correct storage extends the usable life of a bottle from around 3 months (poorly stored) to 2 years (well stored) and preserves the intended ratio performance.
Storage rules that actually matter
- Store bottles upright in a cool, dark cupboard away from radiators and direct sunlight.
- Keep the cap tightly sealed; loose caps let PG evaporate faster than VG, shifting the ratio toward higher-VG over time.
- Do not store in the fridge; cold thickens VG and can cause the flavour to muddy on re-warming.
- Discard any bottle that has turned very dark brown or smells acrid; nicotine oxidation is the likely cause.
- Once opened, aim to use a 10ml salt bottle within 3 months and a 100ml shortfill within 6 months.
Does steeping change the ratio?
Steeping (letting a fresh shortfill sit for 7 to 21 days before use) does not measurably change the VG/PG ratio but does allow flavour compounds to blend and mellow. High-VG shortfills benefit more from steeping than 50/50 salts, which are formulated to be vape-ready.
Common Myths About VG and PG
Vaping forums are full of confident-sounding misinformation about VG and PG. The five most persistent myths are worth debunking directly.
Myth 1: "VG is natural, PG is synthetic and therefore worse"
VG is derived from vegetable oils but heavily processed through hydrolysis and distillation, so it is not "natural" in any meaningful sense. PG is synthesised from propylene oxide but has decades of safety data in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Neither is inherently superior; they perform different jobs.
Myth 2: "Higher VG means safer vaping"
There is no evidence that high-VG e-liquid is safer than 50/50. The main variables affecting vaping harm are nicotine strength, coil temperature and total vapour volume, not the ratio. A 50/50 in a low-power pod kit is arguably safer than a max-VG in a 200W cloud rig simply because the latter delivers more vapour per session.
Myth 3: "PG causes cancer"
No credible study has linked inhaled PG at vaping concentrations to cancer. The Committee on Toxicity, the MHRA and the WHO all classify PG as low-risk when inhaled at typical vaping levels. The confusion often stems from PG's presence in theatrical fog machines, where high-volume, long-duration occupational exposure has raised (unrelated) respiratory concerns.
Myth 4: "Sub-ohm vaping needs 100% VG"
Sub-ohm coils actually perform best at 70/30 or 80/20, not 100% VG. A 100% VG liquid is too thick to wick even the widest sub-ohm channels reliably and will cause intermittent dry hits. The tiny PG content in an 80/20 blend is what keeps the wicking consistent.
Myth 5: "You can mix any ratio with any device as long as the nic strength is right"
Categorically false. Ratio and device compatibility is non-negotiable. A 50/50 in a sub-ohm tank leaks and tastes weak; a 70/30 in a pod kit burns coils in hours. Match the ratio to the device or waste money on ruined hardware.
How to Read a UK E-Liquid Label in 10 Seconds
UK e-liquid labels are dense with information but only five data points matter for choosing the right bottle. Learn to scan these five and any bottle can be evaluated in under 10 seconds.
- Nicotine strength: printed in mg/ml. 20mg is the UK legal maximum. Pod-kit users want 10mg or 20mg salt; sub-ohm users want 3mg or 6mg freebase.
- VG/PG ratio: usually printed as "50VG/50PG" or "70/30". Match to device using the table above.
- Nic type: "nic salt" or "salt nicotine" for pod kits; nothing marked or "freebase" for sub-ohm.
- Bottle size: 10ml is the maximum for nicotine-containing liquid. 50ml or 100ml is a shortfill and will need a separate nic shot.
- Batch number and manufacturer: both must be present. If either is missing, the bottle is likely illicit and should not be bought.
Building a Personal Vape Setup Around the Right Ratio
Choosing a kit and a liquid together, rather than separately, avoids 90 percent of new-vaper frustration. The three-step framework below covers virtually every UK vaper's needs in 2026.
Step 1: Diagnose the inhale style
Ex-smokers, disposable graduates and anyone chasing a cigarette-like experience should choose MTL. Cloud chasers, hobbyists and experienced vapers who want maximum flavour throughput should choose DTL. Everyone else, particularly those coming off a Lost Mary BM6000 or a Hayati Pro Ultra 25K, should default to RDTL as the middle ground.
Step 2: Pick the kit
MTL: Elf Bar Elfa Pro or Lost Mary Tappo. RDTL: Vaporesso Xros Pro or Uwell Caliburn X. DTL: Voopoo Drag 4 or Vaporesso Gen 200. Budget matters here; the £8.99 Elfa Pro is a perfectly serviceable long-term device.
Step 3: Pick the ratio
Consult the matching table and buy accordingly. Never buy the liquid first and the kit second.
Nicotine Pouches: The Zero-Ratio Alternative
For UK adults who want nicotine without VG, PG or vapour of any kind, nicotine pouches (snus-style tobacco-free pouches) have exploded in popularity since the disposable ban. Brands like Zyn Cool Mint and Velo Freeze offer 4mg to 11mg pouches at around £5.50 per tin of 20, delivering nicotine through the gum with no aerosol at all. Many former dual-users are switching to pouches at work and vaping at home, sidestepping the VG/PG question entirely during the day.
Why pouches complement vaping rather than replace it
Pouches deliver a slower, longer nicotine release than vaping. A Zyn Cool Mint 6mg pouch lasts around 30 minutes and provides sustained satisfaction, whereas an Elf Bar Elfa Pro puff delivers a fast peak. Combining the two, pouches for meetings and vaping for breaks, has become a common UK pattern in 2026.
Related Products at Vape Daily
Whatever ratio suits the setup, Vape Daily stocks it. Browse the categories below.
- Vape Kits: refillable pod kits, MTL tanks, sub-ohm cloud kits from Elf Bar, Lost Mary, Vaporesso, Voopoo, Uwell and Innokin.
- E-Liquids: full range of 10ml nic salts (50/50) and 50ml/100ml shortfills (70/30) from Dinner Lady, Nasty Juice, IVG, Doozy and Riot Squad.
- Vape Pods: replacement pods for Elf Bar Elfa Pro, Lost Mary Tappo, Hayati Pro Ultra 25K, SKE Crystal Plus and every other major refillable system.
- Nicotine Pouches: Zyn, Velo, Nordic Spirit, Killa and Pablo in mint, berry, citrus and coffee.
Further Reading on Vape Daily
- Best vape kits for long battery life in 2026
- Nic salts vs freebase nicotine explained
- Best MTL tanks 2026
- The complete UK shortfill guide
- Disposable ban 2025: what actually changed for UK vapers
The Bottom Line
VG and PG are not competing ingredients; they are complementary tools. Every UK e-liquid uses both, and the ratio is a performance dial rather than a quality marker. Ex-smokers on pod kits should buy 50/50 nic salt at 10mg or 20mg. Restricted-DTL vapers on pod-mods should buy 60/40 or 70/30. Cloud chasers on sub-ohm rigs should buy 70/30 or 80/20 freebase shortfills. Match ratio to device, buy from a reputable UK retailer, and store bottles cool and dark. Every other decision, flavour, brand, kit colour, is downstream of getting that ratio right.
18+ age warning: This article is intended for UK adults aged 18 or over. Vaping products, e-liquids and nicotine pouches contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. If you do not smoke or vape, do not start. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a heart condition, consult a GP before using nicotine products. Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Keep all nicotine-containing products out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VG and PG in e-liquid?
VG (vegetable glycerin) is a thick, slightly sweet liquid derived from vegetable oils that produces dense vapour clouds and a smooth inhale. PG (propylene glycol) is a thinner, tasteless synthetic liquid that carries flavour more accurately and delivers a stronger throat hit that mimics the sensation of a cigarette. Every UK e-liquid is a blend of the two, with the ratio determining performance.
Which ratio is best for pod kits?
Pod kits like the Elf Bar Elfa Pro, Lost Mary Tappo and SKE Crystal Plus perform best with 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG nic salt e-liquid at 10mg or 20mg. The higher PG content keeps the liquid thin enough to wick through the small 1.0-ohm coils inside pod devices without causing dry hits or burnt coils.
What ratio gives the biggest clouds?
Ratios of 70/30 VG/PG or higher, typically labelled shortfill or high-VG e-liquid, produce the biggest clouds. Sub-ohm devices such as the Vaporesso Xros Pro, Uwell Caliburn X or dedicated cloud kits like the Voopoo Drag 4 vaporise the thick VG efficiently, generating dense plumes suited to direct-to-lung inhaling.
Does higher VG mean less throat hit?
Yes. VG is naturally smooth and slightly sweet, so a high-VG blend (70/30 or 80/20) produces a soft, mellow inhale with almost no throat sensation. PG is the ingredient that creates the sharp, cigarette-like throat hit, so lowering PG lowers throat hit, which is why cloud chasers prefer high-VG and ex-smokers often prefer 50/50.
Is PG safe to inhale?
Propylene glycol is classified by the UK MHRA as a permitted e-liquid ingredient and has been used in asthma inhalers, theatrical fog machines and food for decades. The Committee on Toxicity and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities have repeatedly concluded that inhaled PG at vaping concentrations is significantly less harmful than tobacco smoke, though not risk-free.
Can I be allergic to PG?
A small percentage of vapers (estimated at under 5%) experience PG sensitivity, presenting as a sore throat, dry mouth, headaches or a mild skin rash. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of switching to a PG-heavy liquid. Switching to a max-VG (80/20 or higher) shortfill usually resolves symptoms within 48 hours. Persistent symptoms warrant a GP consultation.
Is 50/50 the best all-round ratio?
For most UK vapers using pod kits, refillable pens or MTL tanks, 50/50 is the best all-round ratio because it balances throat hit, flavour clarity and coil compatibility. It works in virtually every device sold post-June 2025 disposable ban and is the standard ratio for 10ml nic salt bottles from brands like Elf Bar, Lost Mary and Hayati.
What ratio should MTL vapers use?
Mouth-to-lung vapers should use 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG e-liquid, matching the tight draw and 1.0-ohm-plus coils of MTL tanks like the Innokin Zenith 2 or Aspire Nautilus 3. Higher PG carries the flavour crisply and produces the cigarette-like throat hit ex-smokers rely on to stay off tobacco.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between VG and PG in e-liquid?
VG (vegetable glycerin) is a thick, slightly sweet liquid derived from vegetable oils that produces dense vapour clouds and a smooth inhale. PG (propylene glycol) is a thinner, tasteless synthetic liquid that carries flavour more accurately and delivers a stronger throat hit that mimics the sensation of a cigarette. Every UK e-liquid is a blend of the two, with the ratio determining performance.
Which ratio is best for pod kits?
Pod kits like the Elf Bar Elfa Pro, Lost Mary Tappo and SKE Crystal Plus perform best with 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG nic salt e-liquid at 10mg or 20mg. The higher PG content keeps the liquid thin enough to wick through the small 1.0-ohm coils inside pod devices without causing dry hits or burnt coils.
What ratio gives the biggest clouds?
Ratios of 70/30 VG/PG or higher, typically labelled shortfill or high-VG e-liquid, produce the biggest clouds. Sub-ohm devices such as the Vaporesso Xros Pro, Uwell Caliburn X or dedicated cloud kits like the Voopoo Drag 4 vaporise the thick VG efficiently, generating dense plumes suited to direct-to-lung inhaling.
Does higher VG mean less throat hit?
Yes. VG is naturally smooth and slightly sweet, so a high-VG blend (70/30 or 80/20) produces a soft, mellow inhale with almost no throat sensation. PG is the ingredient that creates the sharp, cigarette-like throat hit, so lowering PG lowers throat hit, which is why cloud chasers prefer high-VG and ex-smokers often prefer 50/50.
Is PG safe to inhale?
Propylene glycol is classified by the UK MHRA as a permitted e-liquid ingredient and has been used in asthma inhalers, theatrical fog machines and food for decades. The Committee on Toxicity and Public Health England (now OHID) have repeatedly concluded that inhaled PG at vaping concentrations is significantly less harmful than tobacco smoke, though not risk-free.
Can I be allergic to PG?
A small percentage of vapers (estimated at under 5%) experience PG sensitivity, presenting as a sore throat, dry mouth, headaches or a mild skin rash. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of switching to a PG-heavy liquid. Switching to a max-VG (80/20 or higher) shortfill usually resolves symptoms within 48 hours.
Is 50/50 the best all-round ratio?
For most UK vapers using pod kits, refillable pens or MTL tanks, 50/50 is the best all-round ratio because it balances throat hit, flavour clarity and coil compatibility. It works in virtually every device sold post-June 2025 disposable ban and is the standard ratio for 10ml nic salt bottles from brands like Elf Bar, Lost Mary and Hayati.
What ratio should MTL vapers use?
Mouth-to-lung vapers should use 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG e-liquid, matching the tight draw and 1.0-ohm-plus coils of MTL tanks like the Innokin Zenith 2 or Aspire Nautilus 3. Higher PG carries the flavour crisply and produces the cigarette-like throat hit ex-smokers rely on to stay off tobacco.
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