What are Nicotine Salts?
What are nicotine salts? Nicotine salts are a form of nicotine bound with a natural acid, which is how nicotine occurs in the tobacco leaf. Compared with the “freebase” nicotine used in most standard e-liquids, salts vaporize at a lower temperature and feel smoother at higher strengths, which is why they’re made for low-power pod systems.
1. NICOTINE SALTS EXPLAINED
Nicotine salts are the natural state of nicotine in the tobacco leaf. They are compounds consisting of free base nicotine bound to one or more organic constituents. Naturally, nicotine does not exist on its own in the tobacco leaf. Rather, it is linked by hydrogen bonding or other inter-molecular forces to organic molecules on the tobacco leaves. Combinations of different organic constituents can be selected to harness the differing properties of nicotine inhalation character, such as making nicotine either pack a punch, or reduce irritation and bite.
2. NICOTINE SALTS VS. FREE BASE NICOTINE
Standard free base nicotine is a single molecule, while nicotine salts are complexes. Nicotine salt is much more suitable to vaporization due to its preferential inhalation characteristics. Nicotine salts also offer a way of stabilizing the nicotine molecule. This extends the shelf life of nicotine, by means of making it is less prone to oxidation.
3. NICOTINE SALT & BLOOD ABSORPTION
Nicotine salts possess a different pH than that of free base nicotine. Some nicotine salts may be closer to the biological pH of certain membrane locations in the esophagus and lungs. Therefore, nicotine salts exhibit differing inhalation and absorption properties. For instance, by delivering nicotine into the bloodstream both faster and more efficiently, the user will have an experience bearing more semblance to combustible cigarettes.
4. HOW IS IT MADE? (SHORT VERSION)
Nicotine salts are extracted from the tobacco leaves and then both fractionally distilled and chromatographed differently than standard nicotine. They are natural products isolated from tobacco leaves, or can be linked synthetically/chemically.
5. BENEFITS OF NICOTINE SALT
Taking a step back from the science behind nicotine slats, what is the benefit vs regular nicotine found in most e-liquids?
A. You’ll get more nicotine, more quickly: In general, nicotine salts paired with the right device seem to get nicotine to your blood more quickly. This experience is more closely resemble the experience of users with combustable tobacco.
B. You don’t need a powerful device: Nicotine salt e-liquids are best with low wattage (non-sub-ohm) devices.
C. Nicotine salt E-Liquid has a longer shelf-life: Nicotine salts are more stable than freebase nicotine, which means that nicotine salt e-juice will last longer in storage without the nicotine degrading.
6. WHAT ARE THE BEST DEVICES FOR VAPING NICOTINE SALT?
Nicotine salts e-liquid is intended for use in lower-power devices – there are a number of Open System and Closed System devices on the market with new options arriving all the time. Here are a few of our favorites to consider:
- Aspire Breeze
- Suorin Air and Drop
- JoyTech Dolphin
- Phix
- Juul
- Bo by Jwell’
- MyJet
Click here a full post on MTL and Pod Based Devices
Nic salt vs. freebase: side by side
| Nicotine salt | Freebase nicotine | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical strengths | Roughly 20–50mg/mL | Roughly 0–12mg/mL (sub-ohm 0–6mg) |
| Device type | Pod systems, MTL devices | Sub-ohm tanks, box mods, DTL kits |
| Throat hit | Smoother at high strength | Harsher as strength rises |
| Wattage | Low, usually under 25W | Low to high, depending on coil |
| Bottle size | Usually 30ml | Usually 60ml or 120ml |
How to choose a nic salt strength
Nic salts are sold in a few common bands. Our own Salty Bastard salts come in 25mg and 40mg, and brands like Candy King On Salt offer 35mg and 50mg.
- Lower (around 20–25mg): for vapers who want a lighter salt or vape frequently through the day.
- Middle (around 35–40mg): the most common choice in pod systems.
- Higher (around 50mg): the strongest common nic salt strength.
Match the strength to the nicotine level you already use. If you’re unsure, start lower — it’s easy to move up. Salts should only go in pod systems and other low-power devices, never sub-ohm tanks.
Ready to try one? Shop all nic salt e-liquids or see our picks for the best nic salt devices.
Nicotine salt FAQs
What is nicotine salt?
Nicotine salt is nicotine combined with a natural acid, the form nicotine takes in the tobacco leaf. It vaporizes smoothly at low temperatures, which makes it suited to pod systems.
Is nic salt stronger than freebase?
Nic salt e-liquids are usually sold at higher strengths (about 20–50mg) than freebase (about 0–12mg), but a 3mg freebase and a 3mg salt contain the same amount of nicotine. The difference is the form, which lets salts feel smoother at high strengths.
Can you use nic salt in any vape?
No. Use nic salts in pod systems and low-wattage MTL devices. They’re not meant for sub-ohm tanks or high-wattage mods.
What does mg mean on nic salt?
It’s the nicotine content per milliliter of e-liquid. A 35mg salt has 35mg of nicotine in every mL.
