E-liquids: the 4 best alternatives to propylene glycol

More and more of you are paying attention to the composition of your e-liquids in order to move toward a healthier, more organic vape that is more respectful of your health. In this article, we take stock of propylene glycol and its alternatives to help you make your choice!

In this article:

• Vegetable glycerin
• Vegetable mono propylene glycol
• Végétol®
• Olivéine®

E-liquid composition

In its original recipe, a classic e-liquid is composed of:

• of propylene glycol, expressed as a PG ratio;
• of vegetable glycerin, expressed as a VG ratio;
• of flavors or "taste": classic blonde, red fruits, mint, strawberry, etc.;
• of nicotine (optional) at an appropriate dosage expressed in mg/ml.

Among these products, propylene glycol (PG) raises doubts about its safety when consumed, heated and vaped on a daily basis in an e-cigarette. It is its thermal stability that is called into question. Let's take a closer look at this product and its best alternatives so you can finally vape with complete peace of mind.

What is propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol (PG) is a chemical compound commonly used in sectors such as the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. This product serves as a humectant, solvent and texturizing agent. It can be found in many everyday foods and products.

In the world of e-cigarettes, PG is an essential ingredient. It thins the e-liquid, allows for better flavor restitution and promotes the throat hit, that sought-after sensation for former tobacco smokers, especially during their cessation period.

Why vape an alternative to propylene glycol?

Despite its advantages, some people prefer to turn to alternative solutions to PG for various reasons:

• Sensitivities and allergies: some users experience irritation, dryness of the airways or allergic reactions;

• Preference for more natural solutions: PG is of synthetic origin, which may encourage vapers to look for compounds of plant origin, ideally organic;

• A smoother vape: alternatives to PG often offer a lighter throat sensation and a greater volume of vapor.

Fortunately, several solutions exist to replace propylene glycol while still enjoying an optimal vaping experience.

4 alternatives to propylene glycol

1 - Vegetable glycerin (VG)

Vegetable glycerin is already present in most e-liquids, often in combination with propylene glycol. It is possible to choose 100% vegetable glycerin e-liquids to avoid propylene glycol entirely. However, be careful to use a suitable e-cigarette: vegetable glycerin, being much less fluid than propylene glycol, balances it out. You will therefore need to use sub-ohm e-cigarettes (direct lung inhale) with coils that have wide liquid inlets.

Not well suited for smokers undergoing tobacco cessation, 100% VG is best directed toward people who practice power vaping, looking for ever more vapor, without nicotine.

Advantages:

• Abundant vapor production

• Soft and sweet flavors

• Less throat irritation

Disadvantages:

• Less throat hit

• Carries flavors less effectively and alters the taste (sweeter)

• More viscous e-liquid, requiring special equipment

• Not suitable for smokers undergoing tobacco cessation

2 - Vegetable mono propylene glycol (VMPG)

Vegetable mono propylene glycol (VMPG) is a more natural version of traditional propylene glycol. Derived from vegetable oils, it retains properties similar to those of propylene glycol while being better tolerated by vapers who are sensitive to irritation.

VMPG stands out for its intermediate fluidity between PG and VG, which allows it to offer satisfactory flavor restitution while ensuring a good volume of vapor. It is less irritating than classic PG and provides a softer throat hit. 

Advantages:

• Less irritating than PG

• Good flavor restitution

• Throat hit present but softer

Disadvantages:

• More fluid than vegetable glycerin, but less so than propylene glycol

3 - Végétol®

Végétol® is an innovative, 100% natural ingredient made in France by Laboratoire Xérès. It is derived from plant biomass through an environmentally friendly extraction process. Unlike PG, a Végétol® e-liquid does not cause irritation and is perfectly suited to sensitive or allergic vapers. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to faithfully reproduce the aromas of e-liquids and to offer a smooth and consistent vaping experience.

Due to its specific chemical structure, Végétol® allows for better absorption of nicotine by the body, making it very effective for former smokers seeking a successful transition to vaping. In addition, it has excellent thermal stability, which reduces the risk of degradation during heating.

Finally, it is more fluid than PG, making it the best alternative for mouth-to-lung (MTL) e-cigarettes and therefore the most compatible with high nicotine dosages, ensuring a successful tobacco cessation!

Advantages:

• 100% natural and allergen-free

• Optimal nicotine delivery and throat hit

• Excellent thermal stability

• Compatible with most vaping devices

Disadvantages:

• Still limited availability in stores

• Slightly more fluid than PG, sometimes requiring equipment adjustment

4 - Olivéïne®

Olivéïne® is a revolutionary alternative to Propylene Glycol, developed from olive oil in France by Laboratoire Xérès. This natural ingredient stands out for its high tolerance for the airways and its smoothness on the palate, offering an irritation-free vaping experience. Its manufacturing process is based on the use of ingredients of plant origin, ensuring a product that is respectful of the environment and the health of vapers.

One of the major assets of Olivéïne® is its excellent biodegradability, making it a sustainable solution for vapers who are mindful of their ecological footprint. It also offers optimal flavor restitution without any alteration of the aroma taste.

Advantages:

• 100% natural and derived from olive oil

• Gentle on the airways and non-irritating

• Excellent biodegradability and low environmental impact

• Very good aroma restitution

Disadvantages:

• Few e-liquids containing Olivéïne® available on the market

Our selection of plant-based e-liquids

Le Pure - Végétol Pure

The best-seller with no PG and no flavors!

Le Pure is a 100% Végétol® e-liquid that is also flavor-free to satisfy purists! It is one of the best-selling e-liquids in our catalog and comes in 0, 3, 6 or 12 mg/ml of nicotine!

View Le Pure

Want to find out more? Head over to our catalog to discover all plant-based products!

Let's go!

Vape serenely and at the best price with Le Vapoteur Discount

At Le Vapoteur Discount, we are committed to offering you quality e-liquids, suitable for all vaper and smoker profiles, including those looking for alternatives to propylene glycol at the best price. Our catalog includes a wide range of healthy products, guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable vaping experience with nicotine salt such as the Minimal e-liquid range.

Whether you are intolerant to PG or simply looking for a smoother vape, you will find the ideal e-liquid with us. Feel free to explore our selection of plant-based e-liquids and ask our customer service team for advice — they will guide you in your choice! We'd love to hear your thoughts!