E-liquid, the heart of vaping, blends propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavorings to shape your experience. As someone who’s tinkered with juices from Vapepenzone NZ, I’ve gone from harsh hits to smooth clouds through trial and error. This guide unpacks these ingredients, their roles, and how they mix for that perfect puff—grounded in my own use and backed by solid facts. It’s here to explain, inform, and help you vape better.
Propylene Glycol (PG): The Throat Hit Hero
PG is a thin, odorless liquid that carries flavor and delivers that kick you feel in your throat—mimicking a cigarette’s bite. Early on, I grabbed a high-PG juice (70/30) from Vapepenzone NZ. It was sharp, almost too much—like smoking menthols again. PG’s low viscosity means it wicks fast, perfect for smaller devices like pods.
Too much PG, though, can dry your mouth. I learned to balance it after a week of cottonmouth—50/50 became my go-to. Studies, like a 2018 report from the Journal of Analytical Toxicology, confirm PG’s safe for inhalation in moderation, but it’s not for cloud chasers—VG takes that crown.
Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Cloud King
VG, thicker and slightly sweet, is the cloud maker. My first high-VG juice (30/70) turned my mod into a fog machine—impressive, but the flavor dulled. It’s gentler on the throat, ideal for sub-ohm vapers who prioritize vapor over bite. I use it in my 5ml tank for lazy weekend sessions; the density feels luxurious.
The trade-off? VG clogs coils faster—I swapped mine weekly instead of biweekly. It’s plant-based and food-grade, deemed safe by the FDA, but high-VG mixes need powerful devices. My pod struggled with it—stick to pens or mods here.
Nicotine: Strength and Sensation
Nicotine’s the buzz factor, optional but key for ex-smokers like me. It comes as freebase (harsh, slow-acting) or nic salts (smooth, fast). I started with 20mg/ml freebase—too strong, left me jittery. Switching to 5mg/ml nic salts smoothed it out; the hit felt natural, not overpowering.
Levels range from 0mg/ml to 50mg/ml—pods handle higher doses, mods lower. A 2022 UK study from Addiction journal found nic salts aid quitting smoking better due to their smoother delivery. My lesson? Start low, adjust up—nicotine’s potency sneaks up fast.
Flavorings: The Taste Makers
Flavorings—food-grade extracts—define your vape’s soul. From mango to tobacco, they’re the fun part. I tried a dessert blend once—vanilla custard—and it was heaven until the coil gunked up fast. Sweet flavors burn hotter, shortening coil life; my 1.0-ohm coil lasted 10 days instead of 20.
There’s science here: a 2019 Flavour Chemistry study noted complex blends (fruits, creams) shine with balanced PG/VG. Simple flavors (menthol) pop with high PG. I mix it up—fruity for day, tobacco for night—keeping coils fresh longer.
My Journey: Finding the Mix
When I started vaping, I grabbed whatever was cheap—high-PG, high-nic mess. Coughing fits and dry throat followed. Then, I tested a 50/50 juice with 5mg/ml nic salts—game-changer. My RELX pod loved it: smooth, flavorful, no leaks. For my mod, 70% VG and 3mg/ml nicotine became the weekend vibe—clouds without compromise.
Experimentation taught me: high PG in a mod chokes; high VG in a pod clogs. Match juice to gear—my burnt hits proved it.
How They Shape Your Vape

• PG: Boosts flavor, adds throat hit—great for ex-smokers, less for clouds.

• VG: Thickens vapor, softens hits—cloud lovers rejoice, flavor takes a backseat.

• Nicotine: Tunes strength—salts for pods, freebase for mods.

• Flavor: Sets mood—simple for longevity, complex for indulgence.

A 2021 Vaping Science review found 50/50 mixes satisfy most users—versatile and balanced. I agree; it’s my daily driver.
Advantages of Getting It RightNailing the mix cuts waste—my coils last longer with balanced juice. Flavor pops—mango’s crisp, not muted. Nicotine’s just right—no jitters. Public Health England’s 2015 report calls vaping 95% less harmful than smoking when used smart—juice matters here.
Challenges and FixesHigh PG dries you out—hydrate, lower it. VG clogs—clean often, use power devices. Nicotine overkill? Drop it—I did, no regrets. Sweet flavors gunk coils—rinse tanks weekly. I’ve burned through juice and coils ignoring this—learn from me.
Tips for the Perfect BlendStart 50/50—works everywhere. Pods? 5-10mg/ml nic salts. Mods? 3-6mg/ml freebase, 70% VG. Test flavors—fruity for pods, creamy for mods. I cut nicotine by half tweaking ratios—find your sweet spot.
Real Example: My SetupMy pod runs 50/50, 5mg/ml nic salt, mango—crisp, daily ease. My mod’s 70/30 VG/PG, 3mg/ml freebase, tobacco—rich, cloudy nights. Both took tweaking; no one-size-fits-all.
Mix It Your WayE-liquid’s PG, VG, nicotine, and flavor dance together—my journey proves it’s personal. Safety note: Vaping’s safer than smoking but not risk-free—nicotine’s addictive, long-term effects unclear. In New Zealand, it’s legal for 18+ under the Smokefree Environments Act, so follow local laws and age limits. Play with ratios, taste the difference—your perfect vape’s waiting.