The Petit Vapoteur blog

Is vegetable glycerin really dangerous?

04/4/2025 / Ohm sweet Ohm

Vegetable Glycerin: What is it?

In the vaping world, we often hear about vegetable glycerin (VG), but what exactly is it? Vegetable glycerin, also known as glycerin or glycerol, is a thick, colourless, odourless, and sweet-tasting liquid of plant origin. It is mainly obtained from vegetable oils such as palm, soy, or coconut oil. Highly valued for its multiple properties, vegetable glycerin is a common ingredient in various fields. In cosmetics, it is used for its hydrating virtues, acting as a humectant that attracts water and helps keep the skin soft and supple. It is also found in haircare products. Furthermore, it is widely used in pharmaceuticals as an excipient in medicine formulations, and in the food industry, where it serves as a preservative or an additive to improve the texture and sweetness of products. Finally, vegetable glycerin finds applications in the manufacture of cleaning products and in the vaping industry for vapour production in e-cigarettes. Its versatility and safe characteristics make it an essential ingredient across many sectors.

The composition of vegetable glycerin

Properties of vegetable glycerin

Glycérine végétale | Blog Le Petit Vapoteur

Glycerin is an organic compound that consists primarily of glycerol. Glycerol is a molecule known for its strong capacity to attract and retain water. Its properties are numerous, here are a few:

Moisturising and hydrating: vegetable glycerin has the ability to attract moisture from the environment.
High viscosity: as vapers well know, vegetable glycerin is a thick liquid.
Non-toxic and safe: being of plant origin, vegetable glycerin is generally considered safe for use on the skin and in food products, with low toxicity.
etc...

Differences compared to propylene glycol

If you are a vaper, you know that an e-liquid for e-cigarettes contains both vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). Propylene glycol is a liquid with properties close to those of vegetable glycerin. However, there are differences between the two—what are they?

First of all, it is worth noting that propylene glycol is less thick than vegetable glycerin, meaning it is more fluid. This makes it useful for adjusting the viscosity level of an e-liquid, for instance. Additionally, its taste is neutral, and it is less effective at attracting moisture than vegetable glycerin. However, it is ideal for vapour production and thus proves to be a major ally for vaping. Its origin is also different from vegetable glycerin; most of the time, it is a petroleum derivative, although some versions are plant-based too.

Uses of vegetable glycerin

utilisation de la glycérine végétale | Blog Le Petit Vapoteur

In cosmetic products

As previously mentioned, vegetable glycerin is widely used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products thanks to its hydrating properties. It can be found, for example, in face and body creams and lotions. Vegetable glycerin helps improve the texture of cosmetic products, and it is also used for hair hydration.

In e-cigarettes

Let's get back to what matters to us as vapers. Vegetable glycerin plays an essential role in e-liquids for e-cigarettes. It is used in e-liquids because it enables vapour production. When paired with propylene glycol, its viscosity allows e-liquids to remain stable and blend better with other components, such as flavourings or nicotine. It ensures a consistent result with excellent flavour delivery. Vegetable glycerin also helps balance the throat hit effect during vapour inhalation. The higher the PG / VG ratio is in favour of VG, the smoother the sensation in the throat will be. Conversely, the lower this ratio, the stronger the throat irritation sensation will be. To master this ratio, you can also use our DIY calculator to make your own e-liquid.

Can vegetable glycerin pose a danger?

La glycérine végétale un danger ? Blog Le Petit Vapoteur

Health effects

Vegetable glycerin is considered safe by health authorities and poses no real danger to health. This is why it is widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products, as well as extensively in the e-cigarette e-liquid industry. However, although the risks associated with exposure to vegetable glycerin are low, there are some potential hazards to keep in mind, particularly when it is used in specific contexts such as vaporisation.

When vaping an e-liquid made with vegetable glycerin, the primary hazard is its degradation. Indeed, when vegetable glycerin is heated to an excessively high temperature, it can break down into acrolein. This is a chemical compound that can be irritating to the respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure can have an impact on your lungs. That is why we always advise reading the guidelines available on our product sheets. Depending on the hardware (clearomiser, coils, etc.), there are specific PG/VG ratios as well as power settings to adhere to, which will protect you from potential risks.

Another potential hazard is an allergic reaction. Although rare, some individuals can develop reactions to vegetable glycerin. These reactions can manifest as itching, skin rashes, or, in the case of vaping, respiratory reactions such as breathing difficulties, coughing, or sneezing.

You now know everything about vegetable glycerin, its use, and its potential hazards. Let's remember that overall, vegetable glycerin is relatively safe for health when used appropriately. However, it can present risks, notably for the respiratory tract and digestion. This is why it is important to follow the guidelines for use.

Arthur

Products link

Shop's favorite 100% Plant-based 9,90 €
1L Base 50/50 - Born To Diy
With the 1L Base 0mg Born To DIY Le Petit Vapoteur , manufactures this e-liquid available for all. The ...

4.89/5 25511 Reviews
Volume 1 L

Nicotine rate 0 mg
100% Plant-based 9,90 €
1L Base 0mg 30/70 - Born To Diy
With the 1L Base 0mg Born To DIY Le Petit Vapoteur , manufactures this e-liquid available for all. The ...

4.86/5 8293 Reviews
Volume 1 L

Nicotine rate 0 mg
100% Plant-based 9,90 €
1L Base 70/30 - Born To Diy
With the 1L Base 0mg Born To DIY Le Petit Vapoteur , manufactures this e-liquid available for all. The ...

4.85/5 3431 Reviews
Volume 1 L

Nicotine rate 0 mg
100% Plant-based 9,90 €
Full VG Born To Diy 1 Litre Base
A Born to DIY Base 100% VG. 1L Format without Nicotine

4.86/5 1505 Reviews
Volume 1 L

Nicotine rate 0 mg