When it comes to vaping, there is no shortage of myths and confusion surrounding the ingredients used in e-liquids. One such ingredient that often raises eyebrows is vegetable glycerine. What exactly is this mysterious substance? Well, vegetable glycerine, also known as glycerol, is a clear and odourless liquid derived from plant-based oils. It plays a crucial role in the world of DIY e-liquid, serving as one of the key components in creating that smooth and satisfying vapour. In this blog, we take a closer look at what it is and its main uses.
The role of Vegetable Glycerine in vaping
One of its key roles in vaping is its ability to produce thick clouds of vapour. When heated, VG turns into a dense mist that resembles smoke, enhancing the overall experience for vapers.
In addition to creating impressive vapour production, it also adds sweetness and smoothness to e-liquids. Many vapers appreciate the subtle hint of sweetness that VG brings to their favourite flavours. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more indulgent vaping experience.
Vegetable glycerine also acts as a humectant by attracting moisture from the environment. This helps prevent dryness in the throat often associated with regular smoking or some other forms of nicotine intake. Vapers find this particularly beneficial when trying to transition from traditional cigarettes and may have experienced discomfort due to tobacco's drying effects.
Alternatives to Vegetable Glycerine in vaping
Propylene glycol is a widely used alternative in vaping. It is a clear, odourless liquid that has a slightly sweet taste. Many vapers prefer propylene glycol for several reasons. Firstly, it has a thinner consistency, which allows for better absorption by the wicking material and faster vapourisation. This results in quicker delivery of nicotine and flavours.
Propylene glycol produces less vapour, making it an excellent option for discreet or low-profile vaping. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where you don't want large clouds of vapour drawing attention to yourself. Additionally, propylene glycol provides a stronger throat hit, giving vapers a more satisfying sensation similar to smoking traditional cigarettes.
Exploring both options allows vapers to tailor their vape liquids according to their preferences and enjoy the diverse characteristics each ingredient brings forward.
Other uses for vegetable glycerine in everyday life
It is a versatile and widely used compound that has found its way into various industries beyond vaping. One of its prominent applications can be seen in the food industry, where it serves as a useful ingredient in many products. Its hygroscopic properties help retain moisture, making it an excellent softening agent for baked goods. Additionally, it acts as a natural sweetener and can enhance the texture of ice creams and sorbets while preventing crystallisation.
In the cosmetics industry, its humectant properties make it valuable for skincare products. It attracts and retains moisture on the skin's surface, thus providing hydration and promoting smoother skin. Its non-toxic nature makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive or allergic skin conditions. It is also used as a base for various personal care items like soaps, lotions, and shampoos due to its ability to blend well with other ingredients without causing separation or inconsistency.
The pharmaceutical industry also benefits from the diverse qualities of vegetable glycerine. Due to its moisturising effects, it is an essential component of cough syrups and expectorants aimed at soothing dry throats and relieving respiratory congestion. Its ability to prevent dehydration makes it useful in medications that require extended shelf life without compromising their effectiveness. As an extractant and solvent, it helps extract active compounds from herbs or medicinal plants during the manufacturing process.
Is vegetable glycerine safe to consume?
As it is derived from plants such as palm oil or soy, it is commonly used in a wide range of consumer products including food, cosmetics, and even pharmaceuticals. One of its main functions is to act as a humectant, which means it helps to retain moisture in products.
When it comes to safety, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified it as Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS). This means that it can be safely consumed by humans without any significant side effects. In fact, it has been used for many years as an ingredient in various foods and beverages.
As for vaping, it has become a popular ingredient in e-liquids due to its ability to produce dense vapour clouds. Studies have shown that inhaling vegetable glycerine alone does not pose any major health risks. Attention should be paid to the additional ingredients mixed with it to ensure they are pure and high-quality. Opt for products that do not contain pentanedione, acetoin, cinnamaldehyde, diacetyl, vanillin, or THC.
Where to buy vegetable glycerine for mixing your own e-liquids
If you are looking to buy vegetable glycerine for mixing your own e-liquids, we stock a variety of options including 480ml, 960ml, or 5l bottles.
How much does it cost?
The cost can vary depending on the quantity and purity desired. For those seeking pure, unflavoured VG without nicotine, a 480ml bottle can be purchased for £11.99. However, if you are looking to buy in bulk, a 5l bottle is available for £34.99, providing a more cost-effective option.
Alternatively, we offer custom-mixed e-liquid bases between 5% - 95% vegetable glycerine. We also offer the option of an e-liquid base with nicotine or nic salts. Buy vegetable glycerine online today for fast UK delivery.