What Is Nicotine Salt? Nicotine Salts 101
Welcome to our nicotine salts 101 guide. Nicotine salt is created when a nicotine base and a weak acid are added together. This lowers the pH level of the e-liquid and removes the sensation of irritation in the chest and lungs. Nicotine salts amplify the level and rate of nicotine delivery when vaped. It is currently the closest in terms of speed of nicotine absorption in the body as traditional cigarettes, which means it is an ideal product when first transitioning to vaping.
Lowering the pH also makes it possible to provide a higher level of nicotine without raising the irritation levels. You will likely notice that vaping 20mg in a nicotine salt e-liquid is vastly different from vaping a freebase version with the same nicotine concentration. Nicotine salts are less harsh and less bitter than traditional smoking and are much more tolerable to vapers even when the nicotine concentration is high. The ability to tolerate higher levels of concentration also makes it much more appealing to new vapers and makes the process of switching over much more appealing and effective.
What Is Freebase Nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the original e-liquid that has been around for nearly 20 years since the beginning of vaping – and nic salts is a ‘relatively newly designed e-liquid discovered/created a few years ago. Freebase nicotine does not contain any additives or acid that would lower its pH level. This higher pH level means the irritation to your throat will be harsher and more noticeable. Freebase nicotine provides a much stronger throat hit which may appeal to many people. As this form of nicotine tends to feel harsher when vaped, the nicotine concentration within the liquid often needs to be lower in order to be tolerable to the user. Freebase nicotine allows for a higher flavour concentration as this version does not dilute the taste nearly as much as the nicotine salt versions of e-liquid.
What E-liquid is Best for Me?
What is best is going to come down to personal preference as well as the user’s history with nicotine consumption.
Nicotine salts will often work very well for people first transitioning from smoking to vaping. The smoother feel of vaping a nicotine salt e-liquid makes it much more appealing to people trying to replace similar nicotine levels to smoking with a less harmful alternative. You may notice that nicotine salt e-liquids come in smaller sizes than their freebase counterparts since less liquid is needed to achieve the same result to the vaper.
Freebase nicotine is excellent for people who prefer to vape frequently throughout the day. You are able to vape much more often while still consuming less nicotine than traditional smoking or vaping a nicotine salt e-liquid. People looking to lower their nicotine intake should strongly consider this option since it tends to come in many more concentrations that may be more fitting to more people. Freebase nicotine e-liquids are able to maintain a higher flavour concentration when manufactured. People looking for a strong flavour that has not been subdued with nicotine salt will be much more likely to enjoy this form of e-liquid.
Which Devices Work Best With Nic Salts?
Not all devices are ideal for both forms of nicotine. We strongly recommend against using nicotine salt e-liquids in any type of high-powered sub-ohm devices. Using these types of vapes will deliver much more nicotine to your body than people are accustomed to and can cause nausea and an overall negative vaping experience.
Nicotine salt e-liquids are recommended to be used in most Pod System units. These types of units tend to have lower wattage levels and are ideal for e-liquids with a higher nicotine concentration. Pod units are usually smaller and less expensive than Sub-ohm Vapes which is another appealing feature to people looking to transition away from traditional smoking towards vaping.
It is always better to ask questions upfront and be assured you are making the right decision before spending your money on a vape or e-liquid that may not be right for you. Vaping is designed to be a pleasant and healthier option to traditional smoking. Anything you can do to ensure your first time vaping is enjoyable will increase your chances of a successful transition.
Hope our nicotine salts 101 guide helped you. If you have any questions about nicotine salts or need help choosing what will work best, please reach out. Call us at 1-844-286-VAPE, or use our live help chat.
