What vaping represents today is a paradigmatic shift in the history of consumption patterns, from being a minor option for smokers, to becoming a global cultural and economic phenomenon. The reason behind this exponential expansion lies in the ever-more sophisticated nature of the devices, and the vast number of different types of e-liquids available.
For the curious new consumer, and for those who have already become seasoned vapers, this article divides up the basic elements of each vape product: vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavorings, and nicotine, and describes the function of each element, its risks, and how they affect your overall vaping experience.
The Foundation: VG and PG Explained
Each bottle of e-liquid is made with a combination of two main solvents: vegetable glycerin (VG), and propylene glycol (PG). The ratio of VG to PG is the first item to evaluate since it directly affects the vaping experience.
VG is a viscous, slightly sweet liquid derived from plant oils. The primary function of VG is to create large amounts of vapor when heated. The greater the proportion of VG within an e-liquid, the larger and thicker the clouds will be that are produced when vaping. VG creates a smooth inhalation sensation, and has a minimal throat hit (the sensation felt when vapor touches the back of the throat).
PG is a clear, odorless liquid. PG is the best solvent to carry flavors in an e-liquid, creating distinct and sharp taste sensations. PG is also responsible for the "throat hit," which is the feeling of scratching at the back of the throat experienced by many ex-smokers as it is similar to the sensation of burning cigarette smoke.
Finding the correct VG/PG ratio is typically a trade-off between vapor production, flavor, and throat hit. Below is a list of some of the most commonly used ratios along with suggested uses and devices:
I began with a 50:50 VG/PG ratio and a basic pod system after quitting smoking. The strong throat hit was important to satisfy the physical craving. Once my dependence had decreased to the point where the habit became more about the routine than the nicotine, I transitioned to a 70:30 VG-dominant ratio in a sub-ohm mod. The difference was substantial: there were massive clouds of vapor that I could easily take deep breaths from, but the subtle berry flavors that I loved disappeared in favor of a very sweet vanilla-like flavor. The experience taught me that the type of device and the type of liquid must match; putting a thick, high-VG juice into a small pod would result in the coil burning, whereas a thin, high-PG juice in a large tank would result in leaking and a harsh sensation.
The Addictive Agent: Nicotine in Modern Vaping
Nicotine is the active psychoactive ingredient in most vaping products, and is the primary substance causing addiction. However, the manner in which nicotine is delivered has undergone a revolution. Modern vaping devices, including disposables and pods, deliver nicotine much more effectively than older models.
One of the key changes in vaping has been the development of nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine, which is the traditional form of nicotine, becomes harsh when inhaled at high concentrations. Nicotine salts, which contain an acid added to the freebase nicotine, produce a milder sensation when inhaled, thereby permitting higher nicotine concentrations (such as 5% or 50mg/mL) without the unpleasant throat hit. The smoothness of nicotine salts makes them potentially dangerous for inexperienced consumers, as it can hide the actual amount of nicotine consumed.
The strength of nicotine in vaping products is essential to controlling nicotine intake. Strengths are represented either in terms of milligrams of nicotine per milliliter (mg/mL) or percentage (%). Converting percentages to milligrams per milliliter is easy: a 2% strength is equal to 20 mg/mL.
Here is a table comparing the nicotine content of several popular disposable vaping devices:
| Device / Brand (Example) | Nicotine Strength | Equivalent Cigarettes (Approx.)** |
|---|---|---|
| Elf Bar 600 / Lost Mary BM600 | 20 mg/mL (2%) | ~ 40-50 cigarettes |
| JUUL Pod | 59 mg/mL (5.9%) | ~ 1 pack of cigarettes |
| Vuse Alto Pod | 50 mg/mL (5%) | ~ 1 pack of cigarettes |
| Logic Pro (EU Market) | 20 mg/mL (2%) - Max legal | ~ 40-50 cigarettes |
Note: The "cigarette equivalent" is a rough estimate of nicotine delivery and does not represent a true health equivalency. It ignores the thousands of additional chemicals present in cigarette smoke.
The Data on Addiction and Harm Reduction
The delivery of nicotine in high concentrations through vaping presents a serious risk of addiction, especially among youth, whose brains are still developing. At the same time, for adult smokers, vaping products can be a valuable aid to help smokers quit combustible cigarettes. A randomized controlled study demonstrated that 28.4% of e-cigarette users continued to abstain from smoking for six months continuously, versus 9.6% in a control group that did not use e-cigarettes.
According to the CDC, e-cigarettes are not completely safe but may be helpful to adult smokers that use them as a full replacement for all combustible tobacco products. Dual use (using both cigarettes and vaping products) does not provide sufficient harm reduction benefits and may increase exposure to a wide variety of toxins.
Making Informed Choices: A Practical Framework
Vaping occupies a precarious place between harm reduction and possible risk. Although understanding the basic chemical composition of VG, PG, flavorings, and nicotine will not eliminate the dangers of vaping, it can empower you to make intentional choices concerning what you breathe in, and why.