{"id":17648,"date":"2024-09-11T09:06:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T08:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/?p=17648"},"modified":"2025-01-27T22:50:33","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T22:50:33","slug":"pg-sensitivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/pg-sensitivity\/","title":{"rendered":"Could PG in Your Vape Be the Culprit? Let\u2019s Talk About It"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ever found yourself vaping, thinking you&#8217;re just going to enjoy a relaxing session, and then\u2014bam!\u2014your throat\u2019s feeling scratchy, you\u2019ve got a weird cough, or maybe your skin starts acting up? You might be dealing with something a lot of vapers face without even realising it: sensitivity to Propylene Glycol (PG) in your e-liquid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So, What Exactly Is PG?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"342\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-formula.jpg?resize=696%2C342&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Pharmaceutical Grade Propylene Glycol\" class=\"wp-image-17649 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 696px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 696\/342;width:821px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-formula.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-formula.jpg?resize=300%2C148&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-formula.jpg?resize=768%2C378&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-formula.jpg?resize=854%2C420&amp;ssl=1 854w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-formula.jpg?resize=150%2C74&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-formula.jpg?resize=696%2C342&amp;ssl=1 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a synthetic liquid substance that\u2019s been used in everything from cosmetics to food, but in the world of vaping, it plays a pretty specific role. PG is thinner than VG, which means it vaporises more easily and delivers that sharp throat hit many people associate with smoking traditional cigarettes. It mimics the sensation of inhaling smoke, which is why a lot of new vapers prefer PG-heavy liquids when they first switch over from smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><br>Chemical Formula<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/thechemco.com\/chemical\/propylene-glycol\/\">chemical formula of Propylene Glycol<\/a> (PG) is C\u2083H\u2088O\u2082. It is also known as 1,2-propanediol, which indicates its structure as a diol, meaning it contains two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. Here&#8217;s a breakdown of its structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>C\u2083<\/strong>: Three carbon atoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>H\u2088<\/strong>: Eight hydrogen atoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>O\u2082<\/strong>: Two oxygen atoms, both part of hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached to the carbon chain.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its molecular structure allows it to mix well with water and other substances, which is why it&#8217;s commonly used in various products, including vape liquids, food, and cosmetics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Great Flavour Carrier<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PG\u2019s low viscosity also means it\u2019s excellent at carrying flavours. If you\u2019re into complex, layered vape flavours, PG is often the vehicle that delivers that richness directly to your taste buds. Whether it\u2019s a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/eliquids\/drinks\/coffee\">bold coffee note<\/a> or a delicate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/eliquids\/fruit\">fruit flavour<\/a>, PG ensures the taste stays true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this same quality can be a double-edged sword. PG tends to be more harsh on the throat for some people, especially in higher concentrations. Its ability to retain flavours also means it can sometimes amplify irritants, making those sensitive to it feel the discomfort almost immediately. It&#8217;s also more likely to dry out your mouth and throat, leading to that &#8220;cottonmouth&#8221; feeling some vapers know all too well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PG Sensitivity\u2014It\u2019s a Real Thing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"397\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivy-image.jpg?resize=696%2C397&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Propylene Glycol Sensitivity\" class=\"wp-image-17650 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 696px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 696\/397;width:825px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivy-image.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivy-image.jpg?resize=300%2C171&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivy-image.jpg?resize=768%2C439&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivy-image.jpg?resize=736%2C420&amp;ssl=1 736w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivy-image.jpg?resize=150%2C86&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivy-image.jpg?resize=696%2C397&amp;ssl=1 696w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a lot of people, PG is perfectly fine. But for others, it\u2019s not all smooth sailing. Sensitivity to PG often flies under the radar because it\u2019s not <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allergyuk.org\/about-allergy\/what-is-an-allergy\">as dramatic as an allergy<\/a>, but that doesn\u2019t make it any less frustrating. You might notice you\u2019re constantly clearing your throat after vaping, or maybe your chest feels tighter than usual. Some vapers report itchy, dry skin or breakouts after a session, especially around the mouth where the vapour comes in contact with their skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An important point to consider is that sensitivity can develop over time. You might have vaped for months or even years without any issues and then suddenly find that PG doesn\u2019t sit well with you anymore. This happens because the body can gradually become more reactive to certain substances after repeated exposure. Conversely, <a href=\"https:\/\/dermnetnz.org\/topics\/contact-allergy-to-propylene-glycol\">PG allergies<\/a>, though rarer, are much more severe. An allergic reaction can include breathing difficulties, hives, and intense skin reactions, and if you experience any of these, it\u2019s crucial to stop vaping immediately and seek medical advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most people, though, sensitivity looks more like a persistent irritation. It\u2019s subtle, but it can affect your overall vaping experience, turning what should be a relaxing, enjoyable activity into something uncomfortable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Does PG Sensitivity Feel Like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PG sensitivity can sneak up on you in all sorts of ways. For some, it\u2019s a minor irritation, while for others, it can turn vaping into an uncomfortable experience. The tricky part is that symptoms aren\u2019t always immediate, and they can vary depending on how much PG you\u2019re vaping or how your body reacts over time. But there are some telltale signs to watch out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Respiratory Symptoms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is probably where most vapers first notice something\u2019s off. PG has a way of drying things out\u2014especially your throat. You might feel like you need to sip water to stay constantly comfortable. That dryness can also lead to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/why-the-cough-and-sore-throat\/\">persistent, nagging cough<\/a> that doesn\u2019t seem to go away, even after you stop vaping. It\u2019s like having a scratch at the back of your throat that you can\u2019t quite reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common respiratory symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dry throat requiring constant hydration<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Persistent coughing that sticks around after vaping<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chest tightness or a feeling of restricted breathing<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For others, PG can make breathing feel tighter. Some vapers describe a sensation like their chest is being squeezed or a noticeable shortness of breath after a session. If you\u2019re prone to respiratory issues\u2014like asthma\u2014PG might trigger these symptoms more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skin Reactions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve ever had dry or irritated skin around your mouth after vaping, chances are PG might be to blame. PG can sometimes draw moisture away from the skin, leaving it dry and flaky\u2014especially in areas where vapour comes into direct contact with your face. More than just dryness, some people experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Itchy rashes around the mouth or face<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hives or bumps on the skin, especially for those with pre-existing skin condition<\/strong>s.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dryness or irritation on hands from handling e-liquids high in PG<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Interestingly, these reactions can also occur on your hands if you\u2019re handling e-liquids frequently. Even small amounts of PG exposure <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7085276\/\">can lead to these uncomfortable reactions<\/a> if your skin is sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Unwanted Surprises<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond respiratory and skin symptoms, PG sensitivity can throw other random curveballs your way. Ever get a vape session in, and suddenly, your sinuses feel congested or irritated? It\u2019s a common complaint; sinus irritation can leave you feeling stuffy for hours afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additional symptoms to look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Sinus irritation or congestion after vaping<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headaches that occur regularly after vape sessions.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dizziness or nausea, which can seem unrelated at first but often follow vaping with PG-heavy liquids<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br>These symptoms can range from mildly annoying to genuinely unpleasant, and they don\u2019t always show up immediately. Sometimes, they can hit you hours later, making it harder to connect them to your vape session. The key is noticing patterns\u2014if these issues seem to follow your vaping habits, it\u2019s time to explore whether PG is the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do You Know It\u2019s PG That\u2019s the Issue?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how do you figure out if PG is your nemesis? First off, start paying attention to when these symptoms pop up. Are you using the same e-liquid when they happen? Keep track of what\u2019s in your vape, especially if switching between brands or flavours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A simple test<\/strong>: Switch to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/vapers-pg-vg-ratio-guide\/#:~:text=Diving%20Deep%20into%20VG%20(Vegetable%20Glycerin)\">higher VG liquid<\/a> for a week or two and see if the symptoms ease up. PG is the common denominator in a lot of vape discomfort, and VG is generally smoother. If things improve, chances are you\u2019ve nailed the culprit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What\u2019s the Alternative? VG\u2019s Got Your Back<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"696\" height=\"398\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=696%2C398&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"High VG\" class=\"wp-image-17651 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 696px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 696\/398;width:836px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=1024%2C585&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=300%2C171&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=768%2C439&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=1536%2C878&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=735%2C420&amp;ssl=1 735w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=150%2C86&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=696%2C398&amp;ssl=1 696w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?resize=1068%2C610&amp;ssl=1 1068w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?w=1792&amp;ssl=1 1792w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/high-vg.webp?w=1392&amp;ssl=1 1392w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If PG isn\u2019t working for you, it doesn\u2019t mean you have to quit vaping or suffer through it. Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is your alternative. It\u2019s thicker and produces more vapour\u2014those big, dense clouds you see on Instagram? That\u2019s VG working its magic. It\u2019s also way gentler on the throat and skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But it\u2019s not all smooth sailing. VG doesn\u2019t carry flavours as intensely as PG, so you might find that your e-liquid tastes a bit muted. It\u2019s a trade-off: less irritation but possibly a lighter flavour profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to Make the Switch Easier<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t feel like you have to jump into 100% VG all at once, especially if you love that throat hit. Start by looking for e-liquids with a higher VG ratio\u2014like 70% VG and 30% PG. See how that feels. Gradually, you can move toward even higher VG content if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, remember to check the labels on your vape liquids. Some brands sneak PG into the flavourings even if they\u2019re marketed as \u201chigh VG,\u201d so you\u2019ll want to make sure you\u2019re getting as close to PG-free as possible if your body doesn\u2019t like it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When It\u2019s Time to Call in a Pro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your symptoms are hitting hard\u2014especially things like trouble breathing, intense chest tightness, or significant skin reactions\u2014don\u2019t just brush it off. Vaping should be an enjoyable experience, not something that messes with your health. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/service-search\/find-a-gp\">Visiting your doctor<\/a> or an allergist could help confirm what\u2019s happening. You might have an allergy or something unrelated to vaping altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding Your Perfect Vaping Balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vaping is all about finding what works for you. If PG isn\u2019t your thing, that\u2019s okay. The beauty of vaping is that it\u2019s customisable\u2014you\u2019ve got options. Take the time to experiment, find your sweet spot, and enjoy the ride\u2014vape on, but vape smart.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever found yourself vaping, thinking you&#8217;re just going to enjoy a relaxing session, and then\u2014bam!\u2014your throat\u2019s feeling scratchy, you\u2019ve got a weird cough, or maybe your skin starts acting up? You might be dealing with something a lot of vapers face without even realising it: sensitivity to Propylene Glycol (PG) in your e-liquid. So, What [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":17652,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[2],"tags":[339],"class_list":["post-17648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-general","tag-pg-sensitivity"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/pg-sensitivity.jpg?fit=1792%2C1024&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17648"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17648\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thevapeshop.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}