Nic salts have become widely available in the last couple of years and have become one of the most popular types of e-liquids available. In this post we’re taking a look at what nic salts are, how they differ from other e-liquids and how they could add to your vaping experience.
So, what exactly are nic salts
Nic salt e-liquids are made using a different form of nicotine to the freebase form commonly used to make other traditional e-liquids.
Nicotine salts are a more authentic form of nicotine, as they take the same form in which nicotine naturally occurs within the tobacco leaf. Both nic salts and freebase nicotine are found in cigarettes and rolling tobacco, the free base is added by manufacturers, but there is a higher presence of salts because they are naturally occurring in the tobacco.
The freebase nicotine used in most e-liquids is extracted using an alkaline based and is formulated in a lab, whereas nicotine salts are extracted using an acid base. Freebase nicotine can become quite harsh on the throat at high nicotine strengths, so will not necessarily feel comfortable for all vapers.
What are 50/50 e-liquids?
50/50 e-liquids contain a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Both are safe for human consumption and are commonly found in food products, medicines, and toiletries.
Propylene glycol has a thin, watery consistency and is used to help ensure the flavour concentrates and nicotine remain well mixed throughout the vape juice.. Vegetable glycerine has a thicker consistency and is responsible for creating a thick vapour, and giving the overall e-liquid a consistency suitable for vaping.,
Both of these ingredients make up the base of all e-liquids, but may be found in different ratios depending on the type of vape juice you are using. 50/50 e-liquids are simply e-liquids that contain an equal among of PG and VG.
Most new vapers start on a 50/50 e-liquid because it offers the perfect balance of both components and is the formulation best suited to starter vape kits and pod systems. High PG e-liquids, most commonly with a 60PG/40VG ratio, are also well paired with starter vape kits.
On the other hand, high ratio vegetable glycerine e-liquids, known as high VG e-liquids, are best for sub-ohm vapers, so it really depends on the type of device you are using..
It's worth remembering you can get 50/50 e-liquids that contain nicotine salt, or freebase nicotine.
What are the differences between nic salts and freebase nicotine?
Nic salts deliver nicotine into the bloodstream faster and more efficiently than freebase nicotine. This means that when vaping nic salts you will not need to vape as much to satisfy your nicotine craving. Because of this quick delivery they are ideal for those who take short vaping breaks at work, or are frequently on the go, as users often find that they do not need to vape for extended periods, a few inhales will do the job.
Whereas, those who prefer to take longer vaping breaks, or have a more continuous ‘chain’ vaping style, may be better suited to a freebase e-liquid which absorbs into the bloodstream slower. Because of the fast delivery of nicotine, nic salts are not ideal for continuous vaping as using them in this manner could give an unpleasant nicotine rush.
Another main characteristic of nic salt e-liquids is that they have an extremely smooth inhale, even at high nicotine strengths. Many prefilled pod systems and disposable vapes utilise nic salts as they commonly have a high nicotine content, so nic salts allow for a more comfortable vaping experience.
Freebase nicotine on the other hand is known for providing the ‘throat hit’ that many people associate with smoking, and this is more apparent the higher the nicotine strength. If you have tried freebase nicotine and found the throat hit it offers too harsh, a nic salt e-liquid may be a better option.
If you are unsure about which e-liquid is best suited to you and your device, take a look at our blog post ‘How do I choose the right e-liquid?’. You can also take a look at our blog post ‘Which strength e-liquid should I use?’ for advice on finding the right nicotine strength to match your needs.
Choosing which nicotine type is best for you
As freebase vape juices and nic salts are very different, it's essential to consider which is best for your needs. So, here are the things you need to consider before making a decision.
Smooth inhale or throat hit?
What type of inhale you are looking for is a big factor in determining which nicotine type will best suit your needs.
If you prefer a smooth feeling inhale with minimal throat hit, we recommend giving nicotine salt vape juice a try, as it offers a satisfying inhale without feeling too harsh on your throat.
If you are looking for an e-liquid that offers more of a throat hit similar to the feel of smoking, then a freebase nicotine vape juice may be better suited to your needs.
Are you quitting smoking?
Many people move on to vaping when they quit smoking, but others might start using e-cigarettes to relieve stress or because they just like the taste.
Ex-smokers would agree that nicotine salts offer the best flavour and a combined throat hit that doesn't feel too overpowering but still delivers.
Also, the intensity of salt blends will satisfy any nicotine cravings and support users to stay away from tobacco.
Which nicotine strength are you using?
If you were a heavy smoker and need a high nicotine strength in order to effectively manage your cravings and avoid withdrawal symptoms, nicotine salts may be a good place to start. They are available in strengths up to 20 mg/ml, which may feel quite harsh on your throat in a freebase e-liquid, but will feel much more smooth and comfortable in a nicotine salt.
However, if you are using a lower nicotine strength the freebase throat hit will not be as intense, so you might want to try both e-liquid types to see which one you prefer.
How much do you vape?
If you do prefer to take shorter vaping breaks, or just have a few puffs here or there, nic salts are a fantastic option as the nicotine is absorbed within seconds, so your cravings can be satisfied quickly.
Whereas, if you find that you are quite a heavy vaper, you may want to consider using a freebase nicotine e-liquid as this will absorb more slowly and not become overwhelming.
If you are a heavy or frequent vaper but find freebase nicotine is not for you, you might want to consider dropping down your nicotine strength and using nic salts, as this will allow you to enjoy your preferred e-liquid formula without introducing too much nicotine too quickly.
The best nic salt flavours
Nicotine salt e-liquids come in a huge variety of flavours, so there's pretty much something for everyone. Popular brands such as Ohm Brew, ELFLIQ, Double Brew, and MARYLIQ offer some fantastic flavour combinations that will help you satisfy your cravings.
Tobacco
Traditional tobacco vape juices like Ohm Brew tobacco use flavour concentrates to obtain that classic flavour, without actually containing any real tobacco. This means they do not contain any tar or carbon monoxide, so you can appreciate the complex flavours that create your favourite tobacco brand.
Many manufacturers also mix flavours, so you'll find more unique combinations. For example, ELFLIQ tobacco snoow combines tobacco and cream for a light and delicate flavour, while Dinner Lady vanilla tobacco has a toasty tobacco flavour with hints of sweet vanilla.
Mints and menthols
If you are looking for something super refreshing and with a bit of a kick, menthol and mint-flavoured vape juice are a very popular option.
If you prefer something mild and cool, something like Ohm Brew spearmint offers a refreshing and lightly sweet mint flavour that is not too overpowering. On the other hand, if you want something to really blow your socks off, sensation X may be more up your street!
Alternatively, you might want to try a fruity flavour with a mint or menthol finish, Ohm Brew Mr White or MARYLIQ cherry lemon mint, for the best of both worlds.
Fruit-flavoured e-liquids
You can find classic fruit flavours such as Double Brew strawberry raspberry cherry, or SKE Crystal Salts lemon lime, but there are also more adventurous and tropical options like RIOT BAR EDTN lychee watermelon, or Double Brew kiwi passionfruit guava.
Beverage flavours
Of course, if you're a fan of soft drinks, then don't forget to choose some of the more unique flavours out there. For example, ELFLIQ pink lemonade and Ohm Brew fizzy cherry cola are refreshing and taste like the real thing, minus the sugar.
Dessert and sweet flavours
Then we have the nic salt blends that take inspiration from some of your favourite desserts and puddings, like Ohm Brew rhubarb custard or Greedy chubby cheesecake, which let you indulge your sweet tooth with every puff.
Can you use nicotine salts in a regular vape?
Nic salt e-liquids can be used in pretty much any vape kit, you just need to make sure that the formula is right for your chosen kit.
If you are using a small vape kit like a starter kit or refillable pod system, you will want to pair it with a 50/50 or high PG e-liquid. The thin consistency of these e-liquids is easy for the coil inside these devices to absorb and remain saturated. Nic salts are available in both 50/50 and high PG formulas, in a 10ml bottle with a choice of different nicotine strengths.
However, if you are using a sub-ohm or advanced vape kit you will need to use a high VG vape juice. These most commonly come in short fill bottles, which are bottles of e-liquid larger than 10ml. They come without any nicotine, and this will need to be added in through nicotine shots.
The bottles leave space for the addition of nic shots, for example, a 50ml short fill contains 50ml of vape juice in a 60ml bottle, leaving room for the addition of one 10ml nic shot. This would create 60ml of 3 mg/ml vape juice overall. Nic shots are available in a nic salt option, like the Ohm Brew salts booster, so you can still enjoy a smooth nic salt vape in any kind of device.
Do nic salts taste better?
The answer to this question is somewhat subjective, as it depends mainly on the nicotine strength you are using.
Some people find that nic salt e-liquids have better flavour than freebase vape juice, but this is likely because the nicotine strength impacts the flavour less in a nic salt than in a freebase juice. As we have said, nic salts have a very smooth inhale, and this lack of throat hit can appear to offer more flavour.
Realistically, when a vaper finds freebase e-liquids less flavourful it is likely because the throat hit of the freebase nicotine blunts the flavour for them. This will not necessarily be the case for all vapers, but if intense flavour is an important factor for you, then you might want to consider trying a nic salt e-liquid.
You could also try a double concentrate vape juice like the Double Brew Bar Series range. These e-liquids contain twice as much flavour concentrate as standard e-liquids, for a really intense and rich taste.
You can shop our full range of nic salt e-liquids online or in your local Evapo store. If you have any questions about which vape juice you should be using, or would like recommendations, speak to a member of or in-store team or our friendly Customer Service Hub.
