Allergies and sensitivities are the worst! Just one ingredient can be the culprit however, if it’s because of Propylene Glycol, there is a safe alternative.
What is Propylene Glycol? (aka PG)
A non-toxic organic compound which is colourless, almost odourless and has a very faint sweet taste. PG has so many uses and is a common ingredient for its ability to be an emulsifier, preservative and a moisture-preserver. You can find PG in consumables such as shampoo, conditioner, lipsticks, deodorants and loads of processed foods. Being food grade, it’s used in vaping with an extra bonus of giving a similar throat sensation to smoking a cigarette.
With it being in so many products, you would know if you either have a sensitivity to it or an allergy.
Sensitivity or Allergy?
There are differences between sensitivity and allergies and it’s important to know what they are. An allergic reaction is where your body finds a chemical or substance a threat to the immune system causing it to react violently. Sensitivity on the other hand doesn’t involve the immune system, instead can cause discomfort or other issues. For example, people who are lactose intolerant can get bloating or excessive toilet visits, where as people who are allergic to bee stings can find themselves needing medical attention.
Sensitivities could include:
Cough
Sore or Dry Throat
Pimples
Headaches
Itching
Major Allergic reactions could include:
Severe Sore Throat
Rashes
Burning or Stinging Sensation
Chest Tightness
Numbness in the face
Tongue/face swelling
The Alternative?
Aqueous Glycerine (aka AG)
If you have an allergy or are sensitivity to Propylene Glycol Aqueous Glycerine is a great alternative. It is made from Vegetable Glycerine which has been diluted to make it a thinner viscosity similar too PG. As its thinner it should still be mixed with VG so it has the same consistency of a VG/PG mix.
Dehydration
Keep hydrated when vaping as some of the minor sensitivities you may be experiencing like headaches, could be because of dehydration. Vaping causes dehydration of both sinus and throat so it’s important to keep up your fluids when vaping.
