How PG and VG Influence Throat Hit and Inhale Sensation?

When it comes to vaping, one of the most important factors that shapes your overall experience is how the vape feels—specifically, the throat hit and the inhale sensation. Whether you’re a fan of that sharp, cigarette-like hit or prefer a smoother, cloud-filled puff, the key ingredients responsible for these sensations are PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin).

But what exactly are PG and VG? And how do they influence how your vape feels when you inhale it?

In this blog, we’ll break down the roles of PG and VG in e-liquids and how they directly affect throat hit, smoothness, and overall vaping comfort.

1. What Are PG and VG?

PG and VG are the two base liquids used in almost all vape juices. They serve as the carriers for nicotine and flavorings, and their ratio determines how the vape performs in various ways.

PG (Propylene Glycol):

• A thin, clear liquid

• Tasteless and odorless

• Used in many food and pharmaceutical products

• Has a stronger throat hit

• Carries flavors more effectively

VG (Vegetable Glycerin):

• A thicker, slightly sweet liquid

• Derived from vegetable oils

• Produces dense vapor clouds

• Provides a smoother inhale

• Slightly mutes flavor intensity compared to PG

Most e-liquids are labeled with a PG/VG ratio, like 50/50, 70/30, or 30/70, which refers to the percentage of each ingredient in the mix.

2. Throat Hit: What It Is and How PG/VG Affects It

Throat hit refers to the sensation you feel at the back of your throat when you inhale vapor. It mimics the sharpness or “kick” of smoking a traditional cigarette — something many former smokers crave.

 High PG = Stronger Throat Hit

PG is known for delivering a pronounced, crisp throat hit. If you use an e-liquid with higher PG, such as a 70/30 PG/VG ratio, you’ll feel a more noticeable impact in your throat — which is ideal for:

• Former smokers

• MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapers

• Those who use high-nicotine or salt-nic e-liquids

High VG = Smoother Throat Sensation

VG provides a smoother, gentler inhale with minimal throat irritation. A high VG ratio (like 70/30 VG/PG) will feel soft on the throat, which appeals to:

• Cloud chasers

• DTL (direct-to-lung) vapers

• Users sensitive to throat hit or PG

3. Inhale Sensation: The Feel of the Vape

Beyond the throat hit, the inhale sensation includes the overall feel of the vapor in your mouth, lungs, and airways. This is where the viscosity and vapor production of VG really stand out.

• PG Provides a Lighter, Cleaner Inhale

Because PG is thinner and produces less vapor, the inhale feels lighter and more direct. This works well with smaller pod systems or low-wattage devices where too much vapor would be overwhelming.

• VG Delivers a Thick, Cloudy Inhale

VG is thicker and produces denser clouds, making the vapor feel more “present” and satisfying in the mouth and lungs. It gives a soft, full inhale, which some users describe as creamy or cushioned.

4. Additional Factors That Influence Throat and Inhale Feel

While PG and VG are the main players, other elements also contribute to throat hit and inhale sensation:

• Nicotine Strength: Higher nicotine creates a stronger throat hit, especially in combination with PG.

• Coil Type: Mesh coils offer smoother vapor, while traditional coils may feel harsher.

• Device Power: Higher wattage creates warmer, denser vapor, enhancing the inhale experience.

• Flavoring: Some flavors like menthol or citrus naturally increase throat sensation.

5. How to Choose the Right PG/VG Ratio for You

It all comes down to your personal preference and vaping style:

Choose Higher PG if you:

• Want a cigarette-like throat hit

• Use small pod or MTL devices

• Prefer sharper flavors

 Choose Higher VG if you:

• Want smoother, cloud-heavy inhales

• Use high-power sub-ohm devices

• Are sensitive to throat irritation

PG and VG aren’t just background ingredients in vape juice — they’re the foundation of your entire vaping experience. From the throat hit you feel to the way vapor rolls into your lungs, these two elements shape how every puff feels.

For light, flavor-focused users, higher PG might provide the satisfaction they’re after. For those chasing smoothness and dense clouds, higher VG is the way to go.

Understanding the balance between PG and VG helps you customize your vape setup to match your comfort, sensation, and style — ensuring every inhale hits just the way you like it.