Introduction
Nicotine salts, most commonly known as nic salts have continued to rise in popularity over recent years. Many vapers have already made the switch from traditional freebase nicotine, with many starting their vaping journey without even knowing anything different to nicotine salt. Although they are now the most popular e-liquid on the market [1], many don't understand exactly what nicotine salt is, or why it's used in e-liquid in the first place.
In this in-depth article, we cover everything you need to know about nic salts including their ingredients, differences to freebase nicotine, how to use them, and what vape kits, coils, and wattage you should be pairing with nicotine salts for the best vaping experience possible. After reading this article you will have a much greater understanding of this form of e-liquid and how best to use it on your smoke-free vaping journey.
Summary: Nicotine salt e-liquids deliver stronger nicotine flavours without the harsh throat hit. Best paired with lower-powered pod kits, these liquids offer a great alternative to freebase nicotine and disposable vapes. Growing in popularity since their release, salts are now the most popular e-liquid amongst vapers in the UK thanks to catering for both those quitting smoking or experienced vapers.
What is nicotine salt?
Nicotine salt is a type of nicotine which is naturally found within the tobacco leaf itself. Unlike traditional freebase nicotine, which has been chemically altered to create a more alkaline pH, nic salts are able to maintain their natural structure of nicotine [2]. Because of this, you'll find that this form of nicotine offers many benefits including smoother inhaling and faster nicotine absorption which we'll discuss in more detail further on in this article.
Because these e-liquids contain nicotine, you'll only legally find these liquids in 10ml bottles to ensure they follow the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR) compliance [3]. We believe it's important to highlight this as any e-liquid available in a larger quantity than 10ml is not TPD compliant and we strongly advise avoiding them as if they are breaking one regulation, other regulations such as chemicals used within them could cause harm.
What is nic salt vape juice?
As you may already know, nic salt vape juice is an e-liquid that uses nicotine salts instead of freebase nicotine. Most commonly available in stronger strengths of 10mg and 20mg, this form of e-liquid is also becoming readily available in 5mg. With the ability to deliver a stronger nicotine hit without the harsh throat hit, nicotine salts are an ideal alternative for those looking to transition away from traditional cigarettes [4] with adequate nicotine to satisfy cravings throughout the day.
Why are nic salts popular?
Nic salt e-liquids have continued to rise in popularity since the first editions released by Vampire Vape back in 2015 [5]. Offering stronger and faster-absorbing nicotine, these liquids are ideal for those making the switch to vaping from smoking cigarettes with vape starter kits whilst being an ideal alternative to traditional nicotine.
The continued growth and rise of disposable vapes over the last few years has also accelerated the rise in nicotine salts thanks to the introduction of bar salts which offer stronger concentrated nic salts to replicate the flavours found in disposables. As the UK Government move towards a ban on single-use vape products [6] many experienced vapers are now moving towards pod kits and nic salts as a cost-effective alternative for when disposables become restricted.
Benefits of nicotine salt e-liquids
Nicotine salt liquids provide a wide range of benefits when compared to traditional freebase nicotine. From a smoother throat hit and faster absorption to higher concentrates, we cover the main positives that nic salts provide in further context below:
Smooth Throat Hit
Because nic salt e-liquids contain benzoic acid to reduce the pH levels, these liquids will provide a smoother throat hit [7] which means you can manage much higher nicotine strengths to satisfy your cravings without the harsh throat hit found in higher strength freebase nicotine vape juices.
Fast Absorption
Nicotine salts act much more quickly than freebase nicotine [8] which replicates the nicotine rush found in smoking cigarettes. Because this form of e-liquid is absorbed and eliminated from your system rapidly, you can satisfy nicotine cravings more effectively without having to vape as frequently as freebase nicotine.
Higher Concentration
Nicotine salt e-liquids, especially bar salts offer a much higher flavour concentration to deliver similar flavours you'd be used to with disposable vapes. This is ideal if you're looking for more flavour out of your vape, although some may find flavours overwhelming at times depending on the brand and flavour selected.
Less E-Liquid Required
With a higher nicotine strength and flavour, you may find yourself vaping less e-liquid with nic salts compared to other formats. Designed for lower-powered pod kits, nicotine salts will also last longer than the likes of shortfill e-liquids as less is required to vape.
Cost Effective
Thanks to offering strong flavour and nicotine hits with lower-powered devices, nic salts deliver a cost-effective solution for the majority of vapers. In addition, bar salts are designed to offer the same great flavours found in disposable vapes at a fraction of the price in the long run.
What ingredients are in nic salts?
Although nic salts are similar to freebase nicotine, their ingredients differ to offer a smoother experience, faster absorption, and more intense flavours. Below are the key ingredients that make up nicotine salt e-liquids.
Benzoic Acid
Benzoic acid is one of the key ingredients in nicotine salts. This ingredient helps reduce the pH levels of the liquid, in turn making it less alkaline. This acid is what enables nicotine salts to provide a smoother throat hit and enhances the speed of nicotine absorption. [9]
Nicotine Salt
Unlike freebase nicotine, which is chemically altered to increase alkalinity, nicotine salt remains in its more natural state, allowing for higher nicotine strengths without the harsh throat hit. This results in a vaping experience that closely mimics the nicotine absorption of smoking traditional cigarettes.
Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG)
Like all freebase e-liquids, nic salts contain a PG/VG base most commonly mixed in a 50/50 ratio. Propylene Glycol (PG) is responsible for carrying the flavour and providing the throat hit, while Vegetable Glycerin (VG) adds vapour production. The 50/50 balance makes nic salt e-liquids perfect for use in low-powered pod systems that prioritize flavour and nicotine delivery over large cloud production.
Flavourings
Nicotine salt e-liquids also contain flavourings, which can vary depending on the brand and the specific product. These flavourings are food-grade additives that provide a wide range of taste experiences, from fruity and dessert flavours to tobacco and menthol varieties.
In nic salts, flavourings are often more concentrated to deliver a stronger, richer flavour profile that pairs well with the nicotine's smooth delivery.
Difference between nic salts and freebase e-liquid
The first most noticeable difference between nic salts and freebase e-liquid is the strengths they are available in. For the majority, freebase liquids are available in 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg strengths, whereas nic salts are readily available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg nicotine strengths.
As covered previously, nicotine salts welcome a range of benefits including less throat hit, faster nicotine delivery, and higher concentration for much stronger flavours. On the other hand, freebase nicotine e-liquids are ideal in lower strengths for those looking for a more subtle flavour, or those looking for a much harsher throat hit in higher freebase nicotine strengths.
Both freebase and salts tend to be mixed with a 50/50 PG/VG ratio which means they are both best paired with lower-powered pod kits for the best Mouth To Lung (MTL) inhale vaping experience.
What are the best freebase e-liquids?
Below we highlight the best-selling and highest reviewed 10ml freebase e-liquids brands currently available including our house own brand, Vampire Vape, Juice N Power, and Tootin Juice.
What is the difference between nic salts and bar salts?
As we've briefly covered already, bar salts originated from nic salts as a way to match the same flavours found in disposable vapes. Generally, the components of the two are similar, however, you'll find that bar salts have a higher flavour concentrate. Bar salts are readily available from disposable vape manufacturers including Elf Bar, Lost Mary, and Elux, with many e-liquid manufacturers now creating best-selling flavours to match, including Bottled Mary, Bar Juice, and Seriously.
What are the best bar salt e-liquids?
Bar salts are increasingly becoming popular, especially as many move towards alternatives to disposable vapes. Below we cover the most popular bar salt e-liquids currently available at Royal Flush Vape from leading manufacturers such as Bar Juice, The Bar Stuff and Bar Drop.
Are nic salts better than freebase?
Although nicotine salts have risen significantly in popularity, there is still a demand for freebase e-liquids, even though it is much smaller these days. We must highlight that both types of nicotine have their benefits and cater to different preferences.
As we've previously discussed, nic salts provide a smoother throat hit, and faster nicotine absorption, whilst being better suited for higher nicotine strengths, making them a great option for those transitioning from smoking. However, freebase nicotine may be better for vapers who prefer a harsher throat hit, lower nicotine levels, or who enjoy the flexibility of sub-ohm vaping with more cloud production. Ultimately, the choice between nic salts and freebase depends on personal preferences and vaping goals.
Are nic salts good for beginner vapers?
Thanks to their higher nicotine strengths and faster absorption, nic salts are ideal for beginner vapers looking to switch from smoking cigarettes. Combined with a smoother throat hit, they provide a more satisfying nicotine delivery that closely mimics the sensation of smoking. This makes the transition to vaping easier for those who are used to the quick nicotine hit from cigarettes. The smoothness and quick absorption also reduce the frequency of vaping, helping new vapers avoid overuse.
Nic salts vs nic shots
We've noticed that there is often confusion between nic salts and nic shots, but they are two completely different products. Nic salts are a type of e-liquid that already contains nicotine and flavourings combined, typically available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths.
On the other hand, nic shots are concentrated nicotine additives (usually freebase nicotine) that are designed to be added to nicotine-free shortfill e-liquids. While nic salts provide a smoother, quicker nicotine hit, nic shots allow users to customise the nicotine strength in their e-liquid.
Do nic salts have more flavour?
Most commonly, nic salt vape liquids contain a much higher flavour concentrate than traditional freebase nicotine e-liquids. This results in a more intense and flavorful vaping experience overall. E-liquids created by leading disposable vape brands such as Elf Bar and Elux often deliver strong, consistent flavours to match the disposable vape experience.
Why choose nic salts?
If you're looking for a stronger nicotine hit without a harsh throat hit that delivers a powerful flavour combination, then nic salts may be the ideal e-liquid for you. They are perfect for vapers seeking a smooth, fast-acting nicotine experience, especially for those transitioning from cigarettes. With the added benefits of lower-powered pod systems and cost-effectiveness, nic salts offer a versatile and satisfying solution for both beginners and experienced vapers whilst being an ideal alternative to disposable vapes.
How to use nic salts
Nicotine salt e-liquids are vaped similarly to other e-liquids, but they are best used in lower-powered devices, such as pod kits designed for Mouth to Lung (MTL) vaping. To maximise their effectiveness, it's important to pair nic salts with devices that operate at lower wattages, typically between 10W and 20W, although we discuss this further in the article.
Unlike higher-VG e-liquids, nic salts are ideal for discreet vaping, offering satisfying nicotine delivery without producing large clouds. Each device has its own design, however, nicotine salts require you to fill the pod and set the device to the appropriate wattage to begin vaping.
Can you use nic salts in any vape?
The short answer is yes, but it is strongly advised against using nicotine salt e-liquids with higher-powered vape kits and devices such as sub-ohm vapes. Nic salts are best suited for lower-powered pod kits that deliver a smoother Mouth To Lung (MTL) inhale.
High-powered sub-ohm devices are designed for Direct To Lung (DTL) vaping, which generate larger clouds and use freebase nicotine at lower strengths or without nicotine at all. Using nic salts in these higher-powered devices can lead to an overly strong nicotine hit, which may cause discomfort or harshness in the throat.
What mg nic salt should I use?
When deciding which nicotine strength to use it ultimately depends on your current preference which can reflect on your previous or current smoking habits. Nic salts are typically available in strengths of 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg to cater for a range of preferences:
- 5mg: Ideal for light smokers or those transitioning to vaping and looking for a lower nicotine dose.
- 10mg: Suitable for moderate smokers or vapers who want a smooth balance between nicotine satisfaction and throat hit.
- 20mg: Best for heavy smokers or those looking for the strongest nicotine hit available without the harshness that would be found in 18mg freebase nicotine e-liquids.
By selecting the correct nicotine strength, you will receive the best nicotine satisfaction for the greatest vaping experience to help you remain smoke-free. Regardless of your chosen strength, nicotine salts are an ideal way to consume nicotine quickly whilst enjoying a smooth vape.
Are nic salts stronger?
Nicotine salts are generally considered stronger than freebase nicotine, even though similar strengths are available in either form. The reason behind this is that nic salts deliver nicotine more efficiently to your bloodstream, along with stronger concentrations.
Although you will notice a stronger nicotine hit with salts, the chemical composition can deliver higher strengths without a harsh throat hit generally associated with freebase nicotine. This makes salts an ideal choice for those looking for stronger nicotine levels with a smoother inhaling experience.
Is 5mg nic salt strong?
5mg nic salts are currently the lowest salt strengths available making them ideal for light smokers or casual vapers who want a mild nicotine hit. This strength is also great for those looking to lower their nicotine consumption from higher salt strengths. Although not as strong as 10mg or 20mg, 5mg still offers a smooth experience which delivers nicotine throughout the day.
Is 10mg nic salt strong?
10mg nic salts are one of the best-selling nicotine strengths currently on the market and are considered to be a medium strength which is perfect for moderate smokers or those who want a more noticeable but not overwhelming nicotine hit. Providing enough strength to curb cravings without being too intense, 10mgs are a balanced choice for many vapers.
Is 20mg nic salt strong?
20mg is the maximum strength e-liquid which is compliant with TPD regulations and is designed for heavy smokers or those needing a much stronger nicotine hit. This strength closely matches disposable vapes with many manufacturers using this strength in their devices. Although it is the highest concentration and nicotine possible, the nic salt formula still offers a smoother throat hit compared to freebase nicotine of similar strength.
What vape kit for nic salts?
Selecting the best type of vape kit will optimise your vaping experience. We strongly advise pairing nic salts with lower-powered pod kits which are designed for Mouth To Lung (MTL) vaping, similar to the draw and inhale from a cigarette. Pod kits are the most popular option for this type of e-liquid. Being compact in size and simple to use with built-in batteries and easy-to-navigate displays, these devices make an ideal starter kit to use with salts.
What are the best vape kits for nic salts?
As we've discussed, pod kits are the best devices to pair with nicotine salts thanks to offering a lower power whilst being matched with higher resistance coils to create a smooth Mouth To Lung (MTL) vape with adequate nicotine hit.
Below we highlight the best pods to pair with salts with the highest rated, budget friendly and most compact designs available to select between to optimise your vaping experience.
What coil for nic salts?
Vape kits which are compatible with a higher resistance coil are better for nicotine salts. Higher resistance coils (above 1.0ohm) provide a tighter draw and lower vapour production making them ideal for a smooth and strong nicotine hit.
However, with this said many new pod kits are optimised with 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm coils built into pods which are designed for use with freebase and nic salt e-liquids. We would advise against pairing low-resistance coils (below 0.6ohm) with nicotine salts.
What ohm for nic salts?
As covered above, the best coil resistance for nic salts is between 0.6ohm and 1.2ohm, although coils with a higher resistance coil over 1.2ohm are still beneficial to vaping nicotine salts. These coils are designed for Mouth To Lung (MTL) vaping which will deliver a smooth and satisfying nicotine hit from nic salts without being too overwhelming.
Can I use 0.4ohm coil for nic salts?
Using 0.4ohm coils with nic salts is not recommended. Coils with a much lower resistance are designed for sub-ohm vaping and Direct To Lung (DTL) hits, producing large clouds of vapour and using high wattages, which are not suitable for nic salts. Using a 0.4-ohm coil with nic salts could lead to an overwhelming nicotine hit and discomfort.
Is 0.4ohm coil good for nic salts?
No, 0.4ohm coils are not ideal for nic salts. With a much lower resistance, these coils result in higher wattages and excessive vapour which can intensify the nicotine delivery to an uncomfortable level.
Can I use 0.6ohm coil for nic salts?
Yes, a 0.6ohm coil can be used with nic salts. Although lower than 1.0ohm, many pod kits use 0.6ohm coils that are optimised for both nic salts and freebase e-liquids, providing a satisfying MTL experience.
Is 0.6ohm coil good for nic salts?
Yes, 0.6ohm coils are a good option for nic salts when paired with lower-wattage devices. They offer a smooth and flavourful experience without being too harsh or overwhelming.
Can I use 0.8ohm coil for nic salts?
Yes, 0.8ohm coils are suitable for nic salts. They provide an excellent balance between flavour and nicotine delivery, offering a smooth MTL experience with adequate nicotine absorption.
Is 0.8ohm coil good for nic salts?
Yes, 0.8ohm coils are well-suited to nic salts, providing a satisfying draw with good flavour and vapour production, making them popular for MTL vaping.
Can I use 1.2ohm coil for nic salts?
Yes, a 1.2ohm coil is a great choice for nic salts. Coils with this higher resistance deliver a tight draw and smooth nicotine delivery, ideal for MTL vaping.
Is 1.2ohm coil good for nic salts?
Yes, 1.2ohm coils are excellent for nic salts. They provide a smooth vaping experience and are perfect for those looking for a strong nicotine hit without large vapour production.
What wattage is best for nic salts?
Nicotine salts are best paired with lower-powered devices that operate between 10W and 20W. Lower wattages allow for a smoother throat hit and consistent nicotine delivery, making these settings ideal for nic salts. High wattages can cause nic salts to deliver too much nicotine at once, leading to discomfort.
Should I use nic salts?
If you're a smoker looking to transition to vaping, or finding that freebase nicotine is too harsh or not satisfying your cravings then nic salts may be a great option for you. Nic salts also offer a budget-friendly alternative to disposable vapes which makes them a great choice for those wanting to transition away from disposables. For heavy smokers or those looking for a smoother experience, nic salts provide a highly effective and enjoyable solution.
What are the best nic salts?
With a growing collection of nic salts available, including bar salts there's literally hundreds of flavours and brands to select between. We've reviewed our best-selling salts available and highlighted them below to select between for the best start to vaping nicotine salts.
Where to buy nic salts?
Thankfully nicotine salts are widely available in physical stores and websites throughout the UK. However, with Royal Flush Vape you can select between hundreds of premium quality salts that are available in our 4 for £10 multi-buy offer. Even better, we pair all of our pod kits designed for nic salts with a free e-liquid bottle to get you starting on a fresh and exciting new device.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nicotine salts have transformed the vaping industry by providing a smoother, faster-absorbing alternative to freebase nicotine and disposable vapes. They offer numerous benefits, including a more satisfying nicotine hit without harsh throat irritation, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced vapers.
With their cost-effectiveness, paired with compact pod kits, nic salts have become the preferred option for many, especially those transitioning from smoking to vaping. Whether you're seeking a discreet vaping experience or looking to cut back on cigarette use, nicotine salts provide a practical, enjoyable solution tailored to your needs.
Please be sure to check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below which offers in-depth answers to common queries with nicotine salts to help you top up your knowledge for a complete understanding of this type of e-liquid.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Yes, you can mix nic salts with freebase nicotine, but the combination may alter the throat hit and nicotine absorption. Nicotine salts provide a smoother experience, while freebase nicotine offers a harsher hit. Mixing them could balance these effects, but be mindful of how it changes the vaping experience.
Yes, Elf Bars typically contain nicotine salts, which are known for providing a smoother hit and more rapid nicotine absorption. This makes them ideal for individuals who are new to vaping or those who prefer a less intense throat hit compared to freebase nicotine.
Yes, nic salts can be used without any dilution or added ingredients. They come pre-mixed for ease of use and are designed to be vaped straight from the bottle, providing a hassle-free vaping experience, especially for those using low-power pod systems.
No, nic salts do not cause coils to burn out more quickly when used with low-wattage devices designed for them. However, using nic salts in high-powered devices can lead to faster coil degradation, which is why they’re best suited for pod-style systems.
Nicotine salts do not deliver a "harder hit" than freebase nicotine but are more efficient at delivering nicotine. They provide a smoother throat hit and faster absorption, while freebase nicotine tends to offer a harsher experience due to its chemical structure.
Nic salts are known for their smoothness and faster nicotine absorption, while freebase nicotine offers a harsher hit with slower absorption. These differences make nic salts ideal for lower-wattage devices, whereas freebase works better in high-power mods for cloud production.
No, nicotine salts do not require any form of dilution and are ready for immediate use. They’re specifically formulated to be used in low-power devices, such as pod systems, making them convenient for vapers who want an easy, no-fuss experience.
Nicotine salts provide a smoother vaping experience with quicker nicotine absorption, closely mimicking the sensation of smoking. This makes them more appealing to smokers looking to switch to vaping compared to freebase nicotine, which has a harsher throat hit.
No, not all vaping devices use nicotine salts. Many vapes, especially sub-ohm devices designed for larger vapor production and higher wattages, use freebase nicotine, which provides a different throat hit and experience compared to nicotine salts.
Nicotine salts don’t inherently damage coils, but using them in high-wattage devices or with coils that aren’t designed for them can lead to faster coil degradation. For optimal performance, stick to pod-style systems with lower power settings and appropriate coil resistance.
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