Propylene Glycol explained

Propylene glycol (or PG) is a term that you will have probably heard of if you are a vaper. It’s used for a variety of purposes, including in e-liquids! In this article, we will explain exactly what PG is, what it’s used for, and whether it’s really safe.

What is Propylene Glycol?

Propylene glycol is a viscous, colourless liquid. It’s pretty much odourless but has a slightly sweet flavour. PG is able to dissolve certain substances very well and can retain moisture very well, making it great as an additive to certain products. 

In basic terms, PG is a synthetic liquid additive that is used in various different products to provide different beneficial effects. Let’s cover these uses more below.

What is Propylene Glycol used for?

The list of propylene glycol uses is actually fairly long. Most commonly, it’s used as an additive to food products. For example, it can be used to extend the shelf life of foods by protecting against deterioration from oxygen exposure. It can also prevent foods from drying out, and prevent ingredients from separating. 

Propylene glycol can also be used in cosmetics, injectable medications, topical creams, and other personal hygiene products. 

Lastly - and this is the reason we know about propylene glycol - it is used in e-liquids for vaping. PG is paired with vegetable glycerin (VG) to form the base of all e-liquids. The PG works well as an emulsifier to keep the ingredients of the e-liquid mixed together. Plus, it works well as a product that can be vapourised and inhaled. The VG acts as a thickening agent - if an e-liquid has more VG in it, then it will produce more vapour and more intense flavour. 

Is Propylene Glycol safe?

Some people worry about PG because it’s an ingredient that is used in antifreeze, which if consumed, is a highly toxic product. Consequently, this association leads some people to believe that PG is, in itself, a toxic product, but that is simply not the case.

What are the side effects of inhaling propylene glycol?
These are non-existent. Of course - like most things - you can’t consume it in huge, toxic quantities, but this is extremely unlikely. 

So, is propylene glycol safe to consume?
Yes - it’s used as a food additive in many, many products, so you probably already consume it on a daily basis.

Is propylene glycol safe to vape?
Yes, to be clear, it is considered extremely safe, non-toxic, and has no cancer-causing properties, unlike tobacco! 

Where to buy propylene glycol
The best propylene glycol for vaping will come from a reputable vape retailer, like us Vape Simple - all of our e-liquids contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin and flavouring.

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