Nicotine Salt vs Freebase Nicotine

Nicotine salts, often abbreviated as nic salts, have emerged as a significant trend in the vaping world. With rapid innovation in the vaping industry, where do nic salts fit in?

While nic salts have been used in e-liquids for some years, their popularity surge is more recent, particularly in the US. This surge is closely tied to products like the JUUL closed vaping pod system, which in the US, features e-liquids containing a potent 50% nicotine salts. The EU version adheres to TPD regulations, offering a maximum of 20% nicotine.

In response to this demand, we’ve expanded our range of nic salt e-liquids. This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into nicotine salts, helping you decide if they’re right for you.

Understanding Freebase Nicotine:

Before delving into nic salts, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of freebase nicotine, the more common form of nicotine found in cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies, and traditional vape liquids. Freebase nicotine originated in the 1960s, popularized by Phillip Morris for its ability to enhance the potency of cigarettes.

Freebasing involves converting nicotine from its natural salt state to a pure, base form. This process, achieved through the use of ammonia, increases nicotine’s alkalinity, enhancing its potency without altering the dose.

Despite its effectiveness in nicotine delivery, freebase nicotine’s high pH level renders it harsh, particularly in high doses, leading to discomfort for many vapers.

Nicotine Salt: An Alternative Approach

Nicotine salts, contrary to common misconception, do not taste salty nor elevate sodium intake. In chemistry, a salt comprises a positive (acidic) and a negative (basic) component.

Nicotine, naturally occurring in tobacco leaves, exists primarily in its salt state. However, to create freebase nicotine, these nicotine salts undergo chemical alteration.

Nicotine salts possess a weak base, necessitating modification to enhance their efficacy in e-liquids. By increasing acidity, typically with compounds like benzoic or citric acid, nicotine salts can deliver higher nicotine doses without the harsh throat hit associated with freebase nicotine.

This modification results in several benefits:

• Enhanced nicotine absorption rate

• Lower vaporization temperatures

• Smoother throat hit

Comparing Nicotine Salt and Freebase Nicotine:

Now equipped with this knowledge, let’s outline the key differences between nicotine salt and freebase nicotine to aid in your decision-making process.

Nicotine Salt:

• Contains benzoic or citric acid

• Rapid absorption into bloodstream

• Smooth at high doses

• Limited flavor complexity

• Reduced cloud production

• Suited for mouth-to-lung vaping

• Higher cost per volume

• Ideal for high nicotine strengths

• Suitable for new vapers and mixed users

• Compatible with pod vapes and low-power devices

• Requires less liquid for equivalent nicotine hit

• Longer shelf life due to slower oxidation

Freebase Nicotine:

• No additives

• Slower absorption rate

• Harsh at high doses

• Accommodates high flavor complexity

• Enables large cloud production

• Suited for various vaping styles

• Lower cost per volume

• Suited for low and medium nicotine strengths

• Suitable for vapers with lower nicotine requirements

• Requires higher power devices for maximum vaporization

• Needs more liquid for equivalent nicotine hit

• Shorter shelf life due to faster oxidation

Safety Considerations:

In terms of safety, the addition of benzoic or citric acid in nicotine salt vape juice doesn’t significantly alter its safety profile compared to standard e-liquid. These acids are naturally occurring in the body, and vaping quantities are unlikely to exceed recommended limits.

Choosing the Right Option:

Nicotine salt e-liquid might be suitable if:

• You aim to quit smoking

• Past vaping attempts were unsuccessful

• You prefer simpler vaping devices

• You desire higher nicotine levels

We hope this guide equips you with the necessary information to make an informed decision regarding nicotine e-liquids. Should you have further inquiries, our team is available to provide expert guidance and assistance. Feel free to reach out.