If you’ve ever picked up a bottle of vape e-liquid and stared at a string of numbers like “50/50” or “70VG/30PG,” you’re not alone. Most people searching for vape e-liquid online don’t immediately know what those ratios mean or why they matter. Once you understand what vape e-liquid is made of, choosing the right one becomes much simpler.

In this guide, we’ll explain what is in vape juice, break down the role of PG and VG, and help you find the best vape liquid for your device and taste.

What Is Vape E-Liquid?

Vape e-liquid, sometimes called e-juice, is the liquid used in vaping devices to produce flavored vapor. Every bottle is built from a handful of core ingredients that work together to create flavor, vapor density, and overall sensation. Brands available through Artisan Vapor, such as Cloud Nurdz, Pod Salt Fusions, and the Dr Vapes Panther Series, all rely on the same foundational formula, even though their flavor profiles and ratios differ.

Understanding these basics helps you make more informed choices, whether you’re picking your first bottle or switching up with a new flavor. Once you know what goes into the mix, reading a label becomes far less intimidating.

What Is in Vape Juice? Core Ingredients Explained

So, what is in vape juice exactly? Every standard vape e-liquid consists of four main components, each playing a distinct role in shaping your experience.

1. Propylene Glycol (PG)

PG is a thin, clear, nearly odorless liquid that carries flavor efficiently and contributes to the gentle throat hit many vapers look for. Because it has a lower viscosity than its counterparts, e-liquids with more PG tend to produce a lighter, less visible vapor cloud while still delivering crisp, noticeable flavor.

2. Vegetable Glycerin (VG)

VG has a thicker texture and carries a faint, natural sweetness. It’s primarily responsible for producing the dense vapor clouds many vapers enjoy. Higher-VG e-liquids are generally smoother on the throat, which is why sub-ohm and cloud-focused vapers favor them.

3. Nicotine

Nicotine can be included in different strengths and in two main forms: freebase or nicotine salt. Freebase formulas typically pair with higher PG ratios for a more traditional throat hit, while nic-salt options such as Pod Salt Fusions deliver a smoother, low-power vaping experience that suits pod systems particularly well.

4. Flavoring

Flavor concentrates usually make up 10% to 30% of an e-liquid recipe and give each bottle its distinct taste, from tangy fruit blends to rich, dessert-inspired profiles. This part of the formula also gives each brand its signature identity.

Ingredient	Function	Texture
PG	Flavor carrier, throat hit	Thin
VG	Vapor production, smoothness	Thick
Nicotine	Satisfaction, strength	Varies
Flavoring	Taste	Varies

PG vs VG: What’s the Real Difference?

The two main base liquids in any vape e-liquid, PG and VG, shape your vaping experience, from throat hit strength to vapor cloud size. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to make the differences easier to picture:

Factor	High PG	High VG
Throat Hit	Stronger	Milder
Flavor	More pronounced	Slightly softer
Vapor Production	Lower	Higher
Best For	MTL devices	Sub-ohm devices

Most bottles list their PG/VG ratio clearly on the front or back label, so you always know exactly what you’re getting before you buy, with no guesswork.

Understanding PG/VG Ratios

Once you know what each ingredient contributes, the ratio printed on your vape e-liquid bottle makes much more sense.

High PG (60% or more): Delivers a strong throat hit and bold, clear flavor with relatively modest vapor output. Best suited to mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping.
50/50 Balanced: A versatile middle ground offering moderate throat hit, flavor, and vapor; a popular starting point for many vapers and a safe choice if you’re unsure where to begin.
High VG (70% or more): Produces a smooth inhale and noticeably bigger clouds, with a slightly softer flavor profile. Ideal for sub-ohm and direct-to-lung (DTL) setups.

Many freebase options available through Artisan Vapor, including the Dr Vapes Panther Series, use higher VG ratios to support sub-ohm devices and generous cloud production.

Best PG/VG Ratio by Device Type

The right PG/VG ratio depends largely on the device you’re using, since coil resistance plays a big role in how well a vape e-liquid performs.

Pod kits and MTL devices (1.0Ω or higher): Pair best with 50/50 vape e-liquid or nic-salt formulas, such as Pod Salt Fusions or VGOD Mix Salts, both available at Artisan Vapor.
Sub-ohm tanks and mods (below 1.0Ω): Perform best with high-VG vape e-liquids such as Dr Vapes Panther Series or Cloud Nurdz, both designed for bigger vapor and a smoother draw.

Matching your device to the right ratio improves wicking, delivers more consistent flavor, and extends coil life.

Freebase vs Nicotine Salt: A Quick Comparison

Beyond PG and VG, the type of nicotine used also shapes how an e-liquid feels on the inhale. Freebase nicotine is the traditional form and is usually paired with higher-PG, lower-strength formulas designed for sub-ohm and DTL setups. Nicotine salt, by contrast, is gentler on the throat, even at higher strengths, making it a natural fit for pod systems and low-power MTL devices.

Type	Throat Feel	Common Strength Range	Best Devices
Freebase	Noticeable hit	0–20mg	Sub-ohm, DTL
Nic Salt	Smooth, subtle	20–50mg	Pod kits, MTL

Artisan Vapor stocks both formats, including freebase options like the Dr Vapes Panther Series and nic-salt favorites such as Pod Salt Fusions and VGOD Mix Salts, so you can pick the format that matches your device without compromising on flavor.

How to Choose the Best Vape Liquid for You

With so many options on the shelf, finding the best vape liquid really comes down to a few simple, personal preferences:

If you want a strong throat hit and bold flavor: choose a higher-PG vape e-liquid.
If you prefer big clouds and a smooth inhale: go for a high-VG option instead.
If you’re using a pod system: nic-salt e-liquids like Pod Salt Fusions offer a convenient, flavor-forward choice.
If you enjoy exploring different tastes, Artisan Vapor’s range, from Cloud Nurdz to the in-house Artisan Classic Line, offers plenty of variety.

There’s no single “correct” answer; the best vape liquid matches your device, flavor preference, and the vaping experience you want.

Bottle Sizes and Shortfills

E-liquid doesn’t only come in one format; bottle sizes vary depending on whether nicotine is already included. Shortfill bottles, like the Dr Vapes Panther Series in 120ml or Drip Down in 100ml, are filled slightly below capacity so you can add a nicotine shot yourself, giving you control over the final strength. Smaller 30ml bottles, often used for nic-salt formulas such as Pod Salt Fusions, usually come nicotine-ready and don’t require any mixing.

Choosing the right size depends on how often you vape and whether you prefer a ready-to-use bottle or the flexibility of adjusting nicotine strength yourself.

A Note on Ingredients and Quality

PG and VG are widely used ingredients found in many everyday foods and personal care products, which is part of why they’re standard across vape e-liquid formulations worldwide. When shopping for vape e-liquid, choose reputable retailers like Artisan Vapor that stock authentic, properly labeled bottles from established brands rather than unverified sources.

Also check the batch number and expiry date on the bottle, and keep your e-liquid away from heat or direct sunlight to help preserve its flavor and consistency over time. As with any nicotine-containing product, vape e-liquid is intended for adult use only, and bottles should always be stored safely, out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is vape e-liquid made of?
Vape e-liquid typically contains PG, VG, flavoring, and, optionally, nicotine in freebase or salt form.

What is in vape juice besides PG and VG?
Most vape juice also contains flavor concentrates and, in many cases, nicotine, depending on the strength you choose.

What is the best PG/VG ratio for beginners?
A 50/50 vape e-liquid is a popular, balanced starting point that works well across most pod and MTL devices.

Can I use high-VG e-liquid in any device?
High-VG e-liquid performs best in sub-ohm devices designed for thicker liquids; using it in MTL pods may affect wicking and flavor delivery.

Does flavor change with different PG/VG ratios?
Yes, because PG carries flavor more efficiently, higher-PG blends often taste slightly sharper, while high-VG blends can taste smoother and less intense.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the basics of PG and VG makes choosing your next bottle of vape e-liquid far less overwhelming. Whether you prefer a high-PG vape e-liquid for bold flavor or a high-VG blend for smooth, cloud-heavy vaping, Artisan Vapor’s extensive collection, including Cloud Nurdz, Pod Salt Fusions, VGOD Mix Salts, and the Dr Vapes Panther Series, offers options for every preference. Take a little time to match your e-liquid to your device, and you’ll get a more consistent, enjoyable experience with every bottle you pick up.