Nic Salt or Freebase Nicotine

Many factors can be adjusted to achieve the ideal vaping experience, with nicotine being a key consideration when switching from cigarettes.

It is vital to recognize that individuals vary, and monitoring your body is key to determining the effectiveness of a specific style or strength of nicotine. However, consulting common guidelines is a helpful starting point.

Many transitioning smokers wonder if they should use nicotine in their vape at all. Eliminating nicotine is the goal for most new vapers, but moving away from harmful cigarette combustion is the key health benefit of quitting. Using the right amount of nicotine initially makes this transition easier.

Vaping involves two distinct nicotine categories, each crafted differently and delivering unique inhalation effects.

Freebase nicotine is the basic form of nicotine in vaping and was the original choice when vaping gained popularity. It is made by combining ammonia with pure nicotine to enhance absorption by the body. Freebase nicotine remains a popular option for vaping.

Freebase nicotine enters the bloodstream more slowly through vapor compared to cigarettes, extending the delivery time of the dose.

The pH level of freebase nicotine creates a noticeable throat sensation in higher concentrations, which some find enjoyable. Adjustment may be needed initially, but most adapt quickly once they find the right strength.

Nicotine salt (sometimes referred to as salt nicotine, “nic salt” or “salt nic”) is a recent innovation in the vaping industry, also found naturally in the tobacco plant. Salts come in various formulations, made by adding organic acids to freebase nicotine, altering inhalation properties.

The most common forms of nicotine salt are nicotine salicylate and nicotine benzoate. Nicotine benzoate was the first nicotine salt to be introduced to the vaping industry, providing more rapid delivery to the blood stream and a greatly reduced throat sensation when compared with freebase nicotine. Nicotine salicylate is gaining popularity and many users find that it produces even less of a throat sensation than nicotine benzoate.

These attributes enable nicotine salts to effectively reduce cravings quickly and mimic the nicotine delivery of a cigarette. The reduced throat irritation allows for higher concentrations of nicotine salt to offer a smoother experience for users sensitive to vaping. Additionally, nicotine salt boasts increased chemical stability, leading to an extended shelf life.

Which is the right nicotine strength for me?

Nicotine strength in e-liquid is often indicated in mg/ml or as a percentage. For instance, 3mg/ml is deemed a low strength and could also be shown as 0.3%.

Consider your device and smoking habits when choosing a nicotine strength.

Devices set up for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping produce minimal vapor and are designed for higher strength nicotine e-liquids. Models like the Vaporesso Xros Pro, VooPoo G2, Vaporesso Xros Cube, and eLeaf iSolo 2 are examples of MTL devices.

Devices intended for direct-to-lung vaping (DL or RDL) generate more vapor, designed for use with higher nicotine e-liquids. Examples include the Vaporesso Luxe XR and TECC Arc Impact.

After considering your device, evaluate your smoking habits truthfully for the best chance of success.

The following is a rough guide to start with.

These figures are just estimates and individual needs vary. If the vapor is too harsh or causes nausea, adjust your nicotine level until it satisfies cravings and feels comfortable. If you vape often without satisfaction, try increasing the nicotine level.

To identify your optimal nicotine type and strength, trial and error is key. Heavy smokers might find satisfaction in lower nicotine levels, while light smokers may need higher strength. The priority is quitting smoking, with the right nicotine supporting your goal.