E-Liquids 101: PG/VG Ratios, Nic Salts, and What They Mean for You

October 29, 2025

Discover how PG/VG ratios and nic salts shape your vape. Learn the difference, find your ideal e-liquid, and shop top sellers at Vape Suite UK.

E-Liquids 101: PG/VG Ratios, Nic Salts, and What They Mean for You

In vaping, no other factor can influence your experience more than e-liquid. From the smoothness of the throat hit, how thick for vapour it produces, and the flavour potency, each puff you take is a result of about three components: e-liquid, PG, VG, and the form of nicotine. Whether you are a novice trying your first bottle or you are advanced vaper configuring your setup, if you don't know the aspects we wrote about in your blog, you truly will never be able to see what it can be.

What Is E-Liquid Made Of?

At its core, e-liquid (or vape juice) is a simple blend of four main ingredients:

Propylene Glycol (PG)
Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Nicotine (either freebase or nic salts)
Flavouring

All of these factors are critical in determining the feel and flavor of your vape liquid. PG and VG provide the density and viscosity of the liquid, nicotine provides the hit, and flavorings provide the taste you enjoy. Finding the balance is key, and that is determined by PG/VG ratios.

As an anecdote, one of the best-selling nic salts for Al Fakher Nic Salts and RTB Liq Nic Salt use a balanced formulation to provide a bold taste while also being smooth on the inhale, which is desirable for users of pod kits and users moving from smoking.

PG vs VG: How Are They Different?

Propylene Glycol (PG) is a sheer base and full of flavour that delivers a throat hit that gives you that true, “cigarette-like” taste. High-PG blends are typically best for mouth-to-lung (MTL) users with compact pod systems.

On the other hand, Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is thicker, has a mild sweetness and produces dense vapour clouds that feel silky. If smooth, mouthful inhales and thick vapour clouds are what you want, choose a 70/30 liquid.

One of our top sellers, Hayati Pro Max 100ML 70/30, perfectly captures this balance. It's designed for sub-ohm vapers who love high VG juice that delivers massive vapour and rich, layered flavours with every puff.

Quick breakdown:

More PG = Sharper flavour + stronger throat hit
More VG = Smoother vape + bigger clouds

Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine: Which Is Right for You?

The type of nicotine is equally as important as the ratio of PG/VG. Traditional freebase nicotine has a little more hit in your throat but absorbs slower, and while it is tolerable, nic salts (nicotine salts) are a smoother and more effective feel for those who want their instant nic satisfaction.

If you want a cleaner, smoother hit of nic, nic salts like Ice Mint by Smoknic or Double Menthol by Smoknic are the answer. Nic salts are made for vapers who want refreshing, icy hits, without the flavour hit you can get with regular freebase nic. Nic salts are ideal for everyday vaping in small vape kits, perfect for a cool, refreshing inhale.

If you like a fruit flavour, you should consider Blackcurrant by Smoknic, Blackberry by Smoknic or Juicy Mango by Smoknic these fruit flavours provide a bold and juicy fruit flavour experience while enjoying your e-cigarette. Nic salts prove that even full flavoured flavours as listed above can be very enjoyable even in high nicotine levels.

If you are using high VG freebase e-liquids for sub-ohm kits (if you plan on trying high VG) you should try something deeper and richer such as, 888 Poker Sweet Jack Blacks, this flavour is complex, sweet, and a fan favourite among cloud chasers that use high VG.

Selecting the Right E-Liquid for Your Device

Finding the best e-liquid will depend on your device, vaping style, and nicotine preference.

For pod kits and MTL vapes, choose 50/50 nic salts - Al Fakher Nic Salts, RTB Liq or Smoknic all have ranges to suit your preferences.
For sub-ohm devices, you should be using high-VG juices - Hayati Pro Max 70/30 is the best option for massive vapour production.
If you're looking for a strong nicotine hit, try 20mg nic salts, Double Menthol or Juicy Mango by Smoknic are both good options.
If you are looking for bold flavour and big clouds, you would be better off with freebase 70/30 shortfills like 888 Poker Sweet Jack Blacks.

Most importantly, always make sure your vape juice is TPD compliant and legal for use in the UK, especially if buying online. The VapeSuite stock only authentic brands that are regulated and high quality brands vaped by UK Vapers.

In Conclusion

Your e-liquid is the essence of your vape, and by understanding the PG/VG ratios, the types of nicotine additives and flavour profiles, it can become easier for you to determine the "sweet spot" between flavour, clouds and satisfaction.

Here at Vape Suite, we stock everything from refreshing menthol nic salts such as Ice Mint by Smoknic to an intense high-VG like Hayati Pro Max 100ML 70/30, each with the intention to offer you a balanced experience, no matter your style.

Browse our complete range of e-liquids and see for yourself why vapers around the UK are choosing Vape Suite as their destination for nic salts, shortfills and classic vape juice.