Understanding Nicotine Salts: A Comprehensive Guide

Nicotine salts, more commonly known for short as ‘nic salts’, continue to dominate the vape market. Their appeal lies in the ability as an e-liquid type to offer a smoother vape hit and satisfaction than traditional e-liquids. And with the increase in demand for hundreds of popular disposable vapes often made with nic salts, only expanded the popularity of this e-liquid type.

If you're new to vaping, you might be curious what nicotine salts are and how they are different from the original e-liquids first made with freebase nicotine. This comprehensive guide will explore the key features of nicotine salts, their benefits, and how to use them effectively.

What Are Nicotine Salts?

Nic salts are combined with an acid, usually benzoic acid after being extracted from the tobacco plant. This chemical reaction creates a more stable form of nicotine, which can be vaporised at lower temperatures, making it smoother to inhale.

The process of creating nicotine salts involves altering the pH level of nicotine, which results in a more beneficial and less harsh on-the-throat product for many users. Adding this carboxylic acid restores balance to the body. Benzoic acid reduces the PH level in your nic salts e-liquid, while freebase e-liquids have a higher alkaline level.

The body needs to get as close as possible to the natural level, between 7.35 and 7.45 PH. Nicotine via nic salts works faster through the bloodstream to give you the necessary hit you’re used to from cigarettes. Also, it’s less harsh on the throat for a better overall experience.

Nic Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine

Understanding the difference between nic salts and freebase nicotine is important when deciding whether to go with classic freebase or shiny newer nic salts. Freebase nicotine, found in most e-liquids, is the purest form of nicotine and provides a stronger throat hit. It needs a higher temperature to vaporise, which is great for those who seek a similar sensation to smoking.

In contrast, nic salts have a wide range of alternative benefits that can make the transition from smoking to vaping just as smooth and offer something entirely new to previous vaping habits with e-liquids.

Benefits of Nicotine Salts

Nicotine salts have gained popularity due to key advantages, appealing to many who have moved over from cigarettes by starting the journey with a disposable vape. Their unique chemical mixture can increase the vaping experience by allowing a higher strength which does not need to be vaped as frequently.

The smooth texture, faster delivery into the bloodstream and relatively low price appeals to many looking to put down cigarettes for good. Here is a full rundown of the main benefits nic salts offer:

1. Smoother Nicotine Delivery

Let us highlight the most important benefit straight away – nic salts are oh so smooth on the throat. Thanks to the addition of benzoic acid, this in scientific terms reduces the alkalinity of nicotine, hence the less harsh feeling on the throat.

By offering a more pleasant experience, nicotine salts can help users maintain their vaping habits, which is crucial for those looking to reduce or eliminate their dependence on tobacco products that are highly damaging to personal health.

2. Faster Absorption Than Freebase Nicotine E-Liquids

Nicotine salts are absorbed into the bloodstream quicker than freebase nicotine, which is certainly a bonus when you need a quick break away from the office desk! This gives vapers the satisfaction they seek and safer with a vape for nicotine than a cigarette because you do not need to light up and use the whole product in one go.

The quick absorption does not just satisfy cravings but means reaching less for the vape too!

3. Higher Nicotine Content

If you are a previous heavy smoker and 18mg is not cutting it, this may be because the effect of a freebase nicotine is not as impactful, and takes longer to absorb. In contrast, because of benzoic acid, you can have a higher concentration level without needing to puff as often, meaning the level of nicotine you require.

Nicotine salts come in varying strengths, allowing users to find the level to match their needs fast. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those in the early stages of quitting smoking, as they can gradually decrease nicotine levels over time while still maintaining satisfaction.

4. Cost-Effective Option

At less than £4 per 10ml bottle, a nic salt vape juice from the likes of Elf Bar or Vaporesso means high quality e-liquid to match disposables and more for your money than a pack of cigarettes, which is more than £12 these days! It should last a daily vaper roughly one week, or five refills of a standard 2ml tank, which typically takes a day of regular puffs to get through! Great value and a smooth delivery with excellent flavour is just what you need to switch from smoking.

Choosing the Right Device

Not all vaping devices are perfectly paired with nic salts. It's important to find a device offering a low wattage when using nicotine salts that marries up with your requirements. Pod systems and low-wattage devices are typically recommended for nic salts because they are often low powered and minimalistic in nature. They provide less puffs and intensity, meaning it is ideal to pair with nic salts.

Best Coil for Nic Salts

When it comes to coils, the higher the resistance the better (preferably above 1.0 ohm) are a suitable match with a pod kit that is tailor-made for nic salts. These coils work well with the low wattage output of pod systems and help maintain the smoothness of the vape.

Because nic salts are thin in consistency, a lower resistance coil will burn through the nic salt e-liquid too quickly and not reach the correct power output to provide a satisfactory experience.

This attention to detail can make all the difference in the world to help a smoker adjust by quitting their tobacco habit and not feel tempted to relapse.

Selecting the Right Nicotine Strength

Nicotine salts come in various strengths, typically ranging from 5mg to 20mg. It's crucial to select a strength that matches your nicotine needs. For heavy smokers, a higher nicotine concentration may be necessary for quick and steady absorption, while lighter smokers or vapers might prefer a lower concentration to ensure a smooth and consistent lower delivery.

This flexibility allows users to tailor their experience to their specific preferences and goals. Choosing the right nicotine strength is a key factor in achieving satisfaction and effectiveness.

Nic Salts vs. Freebase E-Liquid: Which Is Better?

The debate between nic salts and traditional e-liquids often boils down to personal preference and individual needs. Understanding these differences can help users make informed decisions about which product aligns best with their vaping goals and willingness to remove tobacco from their lives and reduce their nicotine levels.

Nic salts and traditional e-liquids serve different purposes and can complement one another depending on the situation. Below we compare which is the best based on the stage you are at in the nicotine cessation journey.

Beginner Vapers

Nic salts can be a great starting point for beginners due to their smoothness and ease of use. They mimic the nicotine absorption of cigarettes, which can be helpful for those transitioning from smoking.

For beginners, the simplicity and effectiveness of nicotine salts can be particularly appealing. By offering a straightforward and satisfying experience, nic salts can encourage consistency, which is crucial for those looking to quit smoking.

Intermediate to Advanced Vapers

For seasoned vapers, the versatility and potential for creativity with traditional e-liquids can be a significant draw. The insanely rich flavours and higher cloud output provided by freebase nicotine thanks to higher levels of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) can boost the overall vape experience.

This level of adaptability can be enticing for those who are keen to explore new opportunities, customising the vape experience they have heard or seen can be done with a more advanced vape kit.

Safety Tips for Using Nicotine Salts

Safety should always be a priority when using any vaping products. Here are some tips to ensure you're using nicotine salts safely:

1. Store in a cool and dry place.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly between puffs to avoid dry mouth or throat irritation.
3. Do not vape too high a power with nic salts. Keep the wattage low and gradually build to the desired low effect for maximum impact.
4. Stick to a strength that matches your previous smoking habits.

Conclusion

Nic salts have a target market and continue to interest so many vapers in the UK with their bold flavour, smooth delivery and affordable cost per 10ml. Now that you know the difference between nic salts and traditional freebase e-liquids, which is right for you?

Remember, the key to transitioning from smoking to vaping successfully lies in gaining the correct knowledge to find something that suits what you need to drop your nicotine levels and eventually remove all temptations from your life.

The benefits of nicotine salts are clear and can offer another option for vapers, who may not be getting on as well with freebase nicotine vape juice as they would like. At Pure E-Liquids, we would love to hear whether nic salts are right for you and which flavour or brand can best suit your preferences. Feel free to reach out to make the best decision for your requirements by speaking to one of our friendly customer service team.