What to Do If You’re Sensitive to VG or PG

Vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) form the base of almost every vape juice on the market. For most vapers, both ingredients are well tolerated and cause no issues at all. However, a smaller group of users experience irritation, discomfort, or unusual reactions when vaping certain PG/VG ratios, especially after changing liquids, devices, or nicotine strengths.

If vaping leaves you with a dry throat, persistent cough, chest heaviness, or general discomfort, it may not be the device or flavour at fault. This guide explains how to recognise potential VG or PG sensitivity and how to adjust your vape juice, nicotine strength, and device setup to stay comfortable. Understanding choosing vape juice based on PG/VG ratios is often the first step toward resolving the issue.

TL;DR

Some vapers are sensitive to VG or PG, which can cause irritation, dryness, coughing, or chest discomfort. PG sensitivity usually causes throat dryness, while VG sensitivity may feel heavier in the chest. Adjusting PG/VG ratios, switching to MTL devices, reducing vapour volume, and fine-tuning nicotine strength can significantly improve comfort. If symptoms persist, stop vaping and seek professional advice.

What Are VG and PG in Vape Juice?

VG and PG are used in vape juice to carry flavour and nicotine while producing vapour. VG (vegetable glycerin) is thicker, slightly sweet, and responsible for smooth inhales and dense vapour clouds. High-VG liquids are common in sub-ohm vaping and are often marketed as “smooth” or “cloud-focused.”

PG (propylene glycol) is thinner and more efficient at carrying flavour and nicotine. It provides a sharper throat hit and is commonly used in 50/50 liquids, nicotine salts, and MTL vaping. The balance between VG and PG affects everything from vapour volume and throat sensation to how much liquid you inhale per puff.

Signs You Might Be Sensitive to VG or PG

Sensitivity doesn’t always mean a severe reaction. In many cases, symptoms are mild but persistent. Common signs include a dry or scratchy throat, coughing during or after vaping, headaches, or irritation around the mouth and throat. These symptoms often appear shortly after vaping and ease when you stop.

PG sensitivity typically presents as throat dryness, irritation, or a sore feeling, especially at higher nicotine strengths. This happens because PG is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture away from tissues.

VG sensitivity is less common but may cause chest heaviness, congestion, or a feeling of mucus build-up, particularly with high-VG liquids and sub-ohm devices. If symptoms reduce when switching liquids, VG or PG is a likely factor rather than the device itself.

How to Tell Whether It’s VG or PG Causing the Issue

The most reliable method is controlled testing. Change only one variable at a time. Start by switching PG/VG ratios while keeping the same flavour, nicotine strength, and device. This isolates the base liquid as the potential cause.

Avoid changing flavour profiles or nicotine levels at the same time, as both can influence throat hit and perceived irritation. Menthols, citrus flavours, and higher nicotine strengths can mask or exaggerate symptoms.

Keeping brief notes on what ratios you’ve tried, how long you used them, and how your body reacted can make patterns clearer, especially if symptoms are subtle rather than immediate.

What to Do If You’re Sensitive to PG

If PG appears to be the trigger, moving to high-VG or max-VG liquids is often effective. These liquids feel smoother on the throat and reduce the dryness commonly linked to PG. You can explore suitable options in Vape Direct’s range of high-VG vape juice.

Lowering nicotine strength can also help, as PG intensifies throat hit. Combining high-VG liquid with smoother airflow and moderate wattage often provides a noticeable improvement in comfort without sacrificing satisfaction.

What to Do If You’re Sensitive to VG

If high-VG liquids make you feel congested or heavy-chested, consider switching to higher-PG or balanced 50/50 e-liquids. These produce less vapour per puff and may feel lighter on the lungs.

Pairing these liquids with lower-wattage MTL devices further limits vapour volume, reducing how much VG you inhale while still delivering flavour and nicotine effectively.

Device and Nicotine Adjustments That Can Help

Device choice has a major impact on sensitivity. Sub-ohm kits produce large vapour clouds, increasing exposure to VG or PG regardless of ratio.

For sensitive users, MTL vape kits are often the most comfortable option. They operate at lower power, produce less vapour, and allow slower, controlled inhalation.

Nicotine strength also matters. If nicotine is too low, you may chain vape without realising, increasing overall exposure. Adjusting to a satisfying nicotine level can reduce puff frequency and irritation.

When to Stop Vaping and Seek Advice

If symptoms persist despite changing ratios, devices, and nicotine levels, it’s sensible to pause vaping temporarily. Ongoing discomfort should never be ignored.

If reactions are severe, prolonged, or worsening, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Comfort and safety should always take priority over continuing to vape.

FAQs

Is VG or PG allergy common?
True allergies are rare, but sensitivity or intolerance is more common and usually manageable with adjustments.

Can dehydration make PG irritation worse?
Yes. PG can dry the throat, so staying well hydrated often reduces symptoms significantly.

Are nicotine salts better for sensitive users?
They can be, especially for PG-sensitive users, as they allow lower vapour volume with adequate nicotine delivery.

Should I stop vaping completely if I feel irritation?
Temporarily stopping is sensible if symptoms persist. If issues continue after adjustments, seek professional advice.

Conclusion

Being sensitive to VG or PG doesn’t mean vaping isn’t an option for you. In most cases, it’s about finding the right balance between liquid ratio, device type, and nicotine strength. Small, thoughtful changes often make a big difference.

Explore Vape Direct’s range of vape juices and devices to build a setup that feels comfortable, controlled, and tailored to your needs, without unnecessary irritation