WHAT ARE NIC SALT E-LIQUIDS?
Their rapid rise in popularity as a significant vaping innovation is noteworthy. Nicotine salts are specially formulated vape juices designed to be gentler on vape devices. Similar to other vape juices, nic salt e-liquids come in various flavours and nicotine strengths. Before delving into nic salts, it’s essential to grasp the basics of the more conventional nicotine-free base. Freebase nicotine, found in cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies, and e-liquids, is a method of increasing nicotine strength without adding an extra dose. This involves converting nicotine salt from its natural ‘salt’ form to the base ‘pure’ form through freebasing. Ammonia removes protons from nicotine salts, elevating the pH and reverting it to a deprotonated “freebase” state. So, why the shift to nicotine salts? If freebase nicotine is the purest form, what benefits do nicotine salts offer? To answer this, we must first explore a significant drawback of using freebase nicotine in e-liquid.
WHAT ARE FREEBASE VAPE JUICES?
Also referred to as e-liquid, freebase vape juices make up vape pens and electronic cigarettes, containing propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and nicotine. They interact with vape devices to produce vapour for inhalation. The primary goal is to replicate the nicotine delivery effectiveness of traditional cigarettes, making the vaping experience similar. Freebase nicotine solution was traditionally the sole method for delivering the required nicotine in vape juice. However, its higher pH value makes it harsh, especially in high doses. The severe throat hit often leads vapers to reduce nicotine content, potentially hindering the transition from cigarettes. Nicotine salts in e-liquid were developed to address this, bridging the gap between satisfying nicotine cravings and a pleasant vaping experience. However, reducing nicotine levels too quickly might prompt new users to return to cigarettes if early cravings are not satisfied. Let’s delve into what nicotine salt is first…
WHAT IS NIC SALT?
Nic salt is not table salt (sodium chloride) by any means. It doesn’t make e-liquid taste salty or contribute to sodium intake. Nicotine’s chemical structure is salt, existing only in its salt form in tobacco leaves. Freebase nicotine is created by chemically altering these nicotine salts. Nicotine salt, on the other hand, has a weak base that seeks positively charged particles (protons) to form stable ions. Because ions struggle to pass through cell membranes, they don’t readily reach nicotine receptors in the body. Refined nic salts in e-liquid need to be vaped at high temperatures for effectiveness. However, the bioavailability is lower than its freebase counterpart, requiring higher temperatures for the intended results.
HOW DOES NIC SALT E-LIQUID WORK?
It comes down to pH levels. Nicotine salt inventors believed that increasing the acidity of nicotine salt could deliver higher nicotine doses without the harsh throat hit. This modification aims to provide a nicotine concentration in the blood similar to combustible cigarettes within a comparable timeframe.
