Nicotine salt, often abbreviated as nic salt, is not actually salt and doesn’t have a salty taste. It’s the most basic and pure form of nicotine found in tobacco leaves, having a salt-like composition. In its unmodified form, nicotine salts would need very high temperatures to vaporize effectively when added to the PG/VG in e-liquids. To optimize it for vaping, a chemical modification involving benzoic acid is necessary
Pax Labs innovated nicotine salt use in e-cigarettes like Juul by adding benzoic acid. This allowed nicotine salts to vaporize at lower temperatures and also lowered their pH, making the nicotine smoother and easier to absorb in the lungs. Nicotine salt e-liquids contain additional compounds that replicate the sensation of smoking, providing a consistent and fast nicotine hit to quickly satisfy cravings
WHAT ARE FREEBASE NICOTINE?
Freebase nicotine, the purest form of nicotine, has been standard in cigarettes since the 1960s when Phillip Morris of Marlboro enhanced its potency with ammonia, resulting in faster absorption in the lungs and brain and stronger addiction. Typically used in lower concentrations in e-liquids, like 3mg, it’s mixed with vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) to carry the nicotine during vaping. This combination delivers a potent hit, which can be overwhelming at high strengths or for new vapers
NOW WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Although it might not be apparent, there are significant differences between the two. Here’s a quick overview of what you should know
|
DIFFERENCES |
NICOTINE SALT |
FREEBASE NICOTINE |
|---|---|---|
|
Nicotine Form |
Organic |
Pure |
|
Throat Hit |
Smooth and mellow |
Strong, harsh when inhaled |
|
Absorption Rate |
Even |
Rapid |
|
Concentration |
High |
Low |
|
Device Power |
Low |
High |
Form, Throat Hit, and Absorption Rate
Nicotine salt, in its organic form, is enhanced with Benzoic Acid, leading to a more even absorption rate in the body. This results in a smoother vaping experience that’s gentler on the throat compared to freebase nicotine
Freebase nicotine, in its purest form, offers a stronger throat hit and allows for faster nicotine absorption. This makes it ideal for sub-ohming, which emphasizes bold flavors and large vapor clouds
Concentration and Power
Due to their mildness, nic salts are typically used in higher concentrations with pod-based devices like vape pens, which operate at lower power
Freebase nicotine’s purity means it’s found in lower concentrations and is best suited for high-powered vaping devices, which resemble large power banks
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
The advantages of nic salts are clear: they offer long-lasting effects, serve as an effective bridge from smoking to vaping, and provide a quick nicotine hit, leading to less frequent vaping. Nicotine salts, along with starter kits and pod devices, also produce smaller vapor clouds compared to other e-liquids and vape kits.
However, like any innovation, nicotine salt e-juices come with their own set of pros and cons. Here’s a brief overview of their benefits and drawbacks
Advantages
- Much higher nicotine strengths can be comfortably vaped
- More satisfying for heavier smokers
- Work more effectively with lower-powered devices
- Cheaper in the long-run because you use less juice
- Arguably less impact on the flavor of the juice than freebase nicotine
Disadvantages
- They aren’t ideal for higher-power devices
- Less choice in e-liquid flavors at present
- Too much nicotine for some vapers
- Benefits limited in some areas: e.g. the EU’s TPD limits nicotine strength to 20 mg/ml
IS NICOTINE SALT E-LIQUID RIGHT FOR YOU?
The key question is whether nicotine salt e-liquid is the right choice for you. Ultimately, this decision depends on your personal preferences in vaping. To determine if it’s a good fit, consider if the following statements resonate with your vaping needs
- New vapers who are struggling to get the required nicotine fix from freebase e-liquid.
- Experienced vapers who are looking for a smoother vape.
- Vapers looking to get stronger nicotine hits from less vape liquid.
- Stealth vapers who don’t want to produce large clouds to get their required amount of nicotine.
Nicotine salts offer specific benefits for some vapers and devices. If these advantages align with your needs, consider trying them. Otherwise, sticking with your current setup is likely sufficient
CONCLUSION
Nicotine salts are the latest trend in vaping, with many top brands offering their own versions in various flavors. If you’re moving from smoking to vaping, seeking a stronger nicotine impact, or want improved flavor, consider trying nicotine salts
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