We all have heard about nic salts or nicotine salts, and some of us have even tried them. But what do we understand when we hear the term nicotine salts and what makes them different than other types of e-liquids, like free base, shortfills, 50/50 etc?
Nicotine salts have grown in popularity over the last couple of years, and now they are the prime choice of every vaper. Nic salts come in a variety of nicotine strengths and PG: VG ratios, along with thousands of flavour options that vapers can choose from.
In this blog, we will provide you with a complete breakdown of nic salts that will give you an idea about their popularity and also help you decide whether or not they are right for you with the help of a small quiz.
What Are Nic Salts?
Nic salts are salt crystal versions of synthetic nicotine. Nicotine salts are primarily free-base nicotine that is treated with acid, because combining acid with base gives you salt, as per the rules of chemistry. Free-base nicotine has a higher PH level, which makes it extremely alkaline. That is the reason why cigarettes and free-base e-liquids have a harsher throat hit. Nic salts, on the other hand, have lower PH levels, with the addition of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid harmonizes the PH level of nicotine salts with that of the natural PH level of your body, which is why when you vape nicotine salt juice, it gives you a smoother throat hit.
How Are Nic Salts Different Than Other Types of E Liquids?
It regulates and reduces the alkalinity of nicotine, making it less harsh and smoother. Other types of e-liquid that have free base nicotine in them, are generally harsher to the throat, generating a stronger throat hit. Smokers whose smoking habits exceed a pack a day, usually prefer nicotine salt vape, because salts come in higher concentrations of nicotine strengths, and are easier to vape, due to smoother throat hits.
The purpose of benzoic acid in nic salts is to ‘degrade’ the nic as the whole juice mixture is heated and vapourised, making it absorbed a lot more efficiently yet retaining its smoothness. This, paired with the high nicotine content of salts, is the secret to their success: they deliver an instant nicotine rush, that gives you quick satisfaction, just like a cigarette. However, the satisfaction will usually fade faster than when vaping freebase nicotine e-liquids (where the nicotine has built up in your system and lasts longer)
Benefits of Nic Salt
Nicotine salts have garnered widespread popularity in the vaping world, which also marks progress and acclaim in the vaping industry. With benefits such as a more economical option and a gentler throat hit, the popularity of nic salts is evident. We will some key benefits of nic salts below:
Enhanced smoothness: Nicotine salts stand out for delivering a milder throat hit. By balancing the alkalinity of freebase nicotine with an acid, the resulting nicotine aligns more closely with the body’s pH, minimizing irritation, burning, coughing, and discomfort.
High nicotine levels: The reduced throat hit allows for the consumption of higher nicotine levels, catering to smokers who struggle with the transition to vaping due to their need for more nicotine. However, this advantage comes with certain drawbacks, in case you don’t measure your needs properly. Vaping more nicotine than required, could result in nicotine poisoning and nausea.
Reduced vaping frequency: The increased nicotine content and rapid absorption of nic salt vape juice may lead to a decreased need for frequent vaping sessions. While inhaling clean air remains optimal, if vaping is chosen, less frequent usage is likely preferable.
Decreased e-liquid consumption: Nicotine salt liquids are used in portable pod-type devices. Compact pod-type e-cigarettes consume less e-liquid compared to larger, more potent sub-ohm devices, conserving e-juice. Maintaining a pod’s tank can require fewer e-liquid bottles than refilling a robust sub-ohm vape device.
Enhanced e-juice portability: The higher nicotine concentration per millilitre of vape juice extends the longevity of smaller e-liquid bottles, enhancing portability. A single tank of e-liquid can now suffice for a night out, eliminating the need for a backup e-liquid bottle.
Cost-effectiveness: Generally, smaller pod-type devices are more budget-friendly than larger, powerful sub-ohm electronic cigarettes. However, it’s essential to note that this may not hold true for disposable pods. Despite this, pod systems typically use less e-liquid, potentially resulting in cost savings.
Are Nicotine Salts the Right Choice for You?
| Column A | Column B |
| I am a pack-a-day smoker | I smoke less than a pack a day/ I smoke occasionally |
| I have already tried switching to vaping but I was unsuccessful | I have never tried switching to vaping before |
| I have trouble wrapping my head around new things | I like learning new things and discovering them at my own pace |
| I don’t care much about big clouds of vapour | I am a cloud chaser |
| Vaping makes me cough and feels harsh on my throat | I enjoy the throat hit and find it pleasurable |
If you identified with more statements on column A, then you should try nicotine salts and they would be perfect for you to optimize your vaping experience. However, if you identified with more statements on Column B, then you should try free base nicotine e-liquids. However, it is important to determine the strength of nicotine salts based on your previous nicotine consumption, because nicotine salts come in a variety of nicotine strengths.
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