A Guide to Nic Salts
Nicotine Salts - or Nic Salts as they're more commonly known - are one of the vaping world's most common forms of e-liquid. They provide excellent flavour, quick nicotine delivery, and a smooth throat hit, making them a favourite amongst vapers.
But what exactly are they? And what are the differences between them and other e-liquids? Well, fear not; we'll answer all those questions and more throughout this blog.
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Nic Salts are a type of e-liquid used in vape kits to deliver nicotine and flavour quickly and efficiently. They're created by taking freebase nicotine and adding an acid to it—typically, that would be benzoic acid. This forms a salt, which is the basis of nic salts. It also balances out the pH value of freebase nicotine, which initially had a pH value of 9, making it very alkaline and harsh.
Adding the acid helps to neutralise the freebase nicotine, bring it closer to the middle of the pH spectrum (7), and create a more balanced solution. This, in turn, reduces the harshness of the throat hit and allows for a more neutral flavour.
On a molecular level, nic salts are much more stable than freebase nicotine, meaning you can keep them for longer periods without breaking down or oxidising - which is good news for us vapers! Also, because of the slightly different chemical makeup of nic salts, they absorb into the body differently, too - something we'll look at next.
The Pros and Cons of Nic Salts
Strength - provide higher nicotine strengths without compromising smoothness
Smoothness - Nic Salts allow for a gentle throat hit even at high nicotine levels.
Quick Absorption - Nic Salts are absorbed into the bloodstream in around 6 seconds, allowing for far faster satisfaction than freebase nicotine.
Limited Use - Nic salts work best in pod kits due to their VG/PG ratio and the pod kit's lower power, but this means you almost exclusively have to use pod kits if you want to vape Nic Salts.
What Makes Nic Salts Different from Other E-liquids?
Throat Hit and Flavour
Nic Salts are known for their smoother throat hit and excellent flavour delivery. If you compare them to freebase nicotine, freebase tends to have a more peppery taste due to its higher pH level. This can affect the taste of the e-liquid and make the throat hit much harsher. On the other hand, nic salts have a more neutral pH level, which makes the throat hit far smoother and allows the flavour to be unaffected, even at high levels.
Nic Salts vaporise at a lower temperature, meaning they're perfect for a low-powered device such as a pod kit. You'll usually find nic salts at a higher strength in 50VG/50PG e-liquids, and thanks to the addition of benzoic acid, the nicotine hit is far less harsh—meaning more enjoyment from your favourite nic salt e-liquid flavours.
Nicotine Absorbtion
Thanks to their molecular structure, Nic Salts are absorbed much faster than freebase nicotine - in about 6 seconds, to be exact! The purpose of this is to simulate the feeling of a nicotine rush from a cigarette, which makes nic salts a far more valid option for smokers looking to make the transition to vaping. Thanks to the quick absorption rate, Freebase nicotine takes longer to act and stays in your system for longer, too, so all of the above combined makes nic salts a far better option if you're after that almost instant nicotine rush.
What Benefits Are There to Using Nic Salts?
We've talked about some of the benefits of Nic Salts already, but there are a few more that vapers should be aware of:
Stability—Compared to freebase nicotine, nicotine salts are far more stable on a molecular level, providing a much longer shelf life—up to two years if unopened.
Great for ex-smokers - Because they so closely mimic the rapid nicotine absorption of cigarettes, Nic Salts offer a very fulfilling experience, especially for those making the move from smoking to vaping.
Versatility—With thousands of different flavours and nicotine strength options to choose from, vapers of all tastes will be able to find something they enjoy.
Who Are Nic Salts For?
Nic Salts are best for smokers who are looking to make the transition from cigarettes to vaping for a number of reasons. Most regular smokers will find that they need a strong nicotine level to satisfy their cravings, and although they might be used to the strong throat hit of a cigarette, a strong freebase nicotine will most likely be too much. That's where Nic Salts come in - providing the quick hit ex smokers need while allowing for a smooth throat hit and clear, delicious flavour.
As the popularity of Nic Salts grew, e-liquid manufacturers have begun to produce different strengths of nic salts to cater to a wider market beyond ex-smokers. You can now find nic salts in strengths ranging from 5 mg to 20 mg. This also allows vapers to slowly wean themselves off of nicotine by slowly reducing the strength they use, all the way down to 0 mg e-liquids, stopping vaping altogether if that's the goal.
Why Are Nic Salts so Popular?
Nic Salts are one of the most popular types of e-liquid around. They're excellent for smokers who are transitioning to vaping thanks to the very close similarity to cigarette throat hit and nicotine absorption they provide. While smokers may be used to high nicotine levels, if they choose to vape freebase e-liquids, the throat hit is exceedingly harsh, while Nic Salts allow for higher nicotine levels with a much more gentle throat hit.
Because of their popularity, manufacturers have included different nicotine strength options in their line-ups. In the past, 20 mg was the standard. Now, you can find them anywhere from 10 mg to 0 mg strength, catering to a wide selection of vapers and allowing those who wish to quit nicotine to easily wean themselves off it over time.
What Are The Best Vape Devices For Nic Salts?
As Nic Salts vaporise at a low temperature, they're best used in low-powered devices. Pod kits are the most commonly used devices, and they come in many different shapes and styles from top brands like Uwell, OXVA and Voopoo, just to name a few. Pod kits are refillable by design, so all you have to do is refill the pods they come with (they're also available for purchase separately) with your favourite nic salt e-liquid, and you're good to go!
AIO (All-in-One) devices are also a great option for nicotine salts and provide everything you need to get vaping. They blend the ease of use of pod kits with the customisation of rebuildable devices for a seamless experience. Just make sure you take note of the wattage and resistances if you pick up an AIO device—nicotine salts are best vaped at lower wattages, around 10-30W, and at resistances between 0.6 Ohm and 1.2 Ohm.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—nic salts in a nutshell. There are thousands of different flavours from top brands like Elf Bar and Elux. All provide a unique flavour experience with the same smooth hit nic salts are known for.
We've come a long way from the harshness of freebase nicotine, and nic salts continue to usher in a new age of vaping. Manufacturers are now making ones that mimic disposable vapes' intense, iconic flavours, further enticing vapers to move over to refillable kits.
So take your time and experiment with different brands, flavours, and strengths of nic salts, and you're sure to find something that works for you. And if you still can't decide, we've got just the blog for you, detailing the best bar juice e-liquid brands to help you on your way!
Nic Salt FAQs
How Should I Store Nic Salt E-liquids to Keep Them Fresh?
Keep your Nic Salt bottle in a cool, dark, and dry place. This prevents discolouration and impacts flavour or strength. Also, make sure the lid is tightly secured and the bottles are stored upright to avoid oxidation of the e-liquid and accidental leaks or spills.
Can I Use Nic Salt E-liquids in Any Vape Device?
No. Nic Salts, due to their VG/PG ratio (usually 50VG/50PG) thinner consistency, and nicotine levels are best suited to pod kits, as these devices provide a lower power output which Nic Salts vaporise much better at. Using them in a different device may damage it, so be sure to check if your kit is able to utilise Nic Salts before purchasing some if you're unsure.
Are Nic Salts Safe to Use?
Yes, Nic Salts are safe to use. They're far more stable than freebase nicotine and, as a result, have a much longer shelf life. They're also made with food-grade ingredients, so inhaling the vapour they produce is very safe. However, vaping responsibly is key to a good time, so listen to your body and don't go past your limits.
Sam Wareing
Sam, the lead content writer at Ecigone, has spent the past five years crafting content across various industries. As an avid vaper and a dedicated nicotine pouch user, he is passionate about thoroughly researching and using the products he writes about. Sam is a strong advocate for helping people transition from smoking to vaping.
