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When you’re picking an e-liquid, choosing the right type of nicotine is essential. There are two main types of nicotine; salt nicotine and freebase nicotine.
In this handy guide, we’ll be comparing the key characteristics and benefits of the two nicotine types, which will hopefully help you make a more informed decision when buying some new vape juice.
Whether you’re a beginner or vaping expert, having a better understanding of the two forms of nicotine and how they differ, is key to having the best vaping experience possible.
Plus, if you’re trying to quit smoking, picking the right type of nicotine can make the process that bit easier.
Key Takeaways
- Nicotine salt e-liquid boasts a smooth throat hit and takes care of your cravings in no time.
- Freebase e-liquids offer a slower release of nicotine and provide a harsher throat feeling at higher strengths.
- Nic salts come in strengths of 5mg, 10mg and 20mg — they’re the best choice for those switching from smoking.
- Freebase liquids are available in strengths of 3mg-18mg, making them the better option for those trying to lower their nicotine intake.
- Freebase e-liquid tends to be compatible with larger selection of devices.
What is salt nicotine?
Nicotine salts, or nic salts, is a type of nicotine that naturally occurs in tobacco leaves.
When creating nicotine salt e-liquid, the nicotine molecule is combined with an acid — usually sailcylic or benzoic acid. This offers a smoother throat sensation and faster nicotine delivery.
That said, some vapers have reported sensitivity to salicylic acid, complaining that they find themselves coughing or sneezing while vaping nic salts.
One of the key benefits of nic salts is that they’re absorbed by the bloodstream faster than freebase nicotine, taking care of nicotine cravings in mere seconds.
This means that you can enjoy a more efficient and satisfying nicotine hit — even at lower strengths.
Popular Nic Salt E-Liquid Brands
Bar Juice 5000
Bar Juice 5000 recreates popular flavours from your favourite disposable vapes. Bar Juice nic salts are the best-selling e-liquids that we stock.
They boast a wide range of flavours, with everything from fruit and soda, to candy and menthol blends. These e-liquids come in strengths of 5-20mg.
Seriously Salty
Seriously e-liquids by Doozy deliver a smooth and satisfying vaping experience with their selection of nicotine salts, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy fruit flavours mixed with a refreshing icy twist.
Seriously nic salt e-liquids are available in nicotine strengths of 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg.
Pod Salt
Pod Salt e-liquid offers a wide selection of ranges and flavours, with strengths ranging from 5mg to 20mg.
Specialising in nicotine salts, these expertly crafted e-liquids are made with premium ingredients. As a result, Pod Salt e-liquids have become a fast favourite among vapers across the UK.
SALT
Just in case their brand name didn’t drive their point home enough, SALT e-liquid specialises in you guessed it, nic salts!
Their budget-friendly e-liquids are available in a solid selection of flavours, with their Glacier nic salt being a favourite.
Benefits of Salt Nicotine
Nic salts offer several key benefits to vapers:
Smoother throat hit: Nic salts deliver a much smoother throat hit than freebase nicotine vape juice, so they’re a great choice for those who find regular e-liquids a bit too harsh.
Higher nicotine concentrations: Nic salts tend to come in higher strengths than freebase e-liquids, making them ideal for those quitting smoking cigarettes, or vapers who simply prefer a stronger nicotine hit.
Lower vape juice consumption: Thanks to the higher nicotine content and faster absorption, vapers typically use less e-liquid when vaping nic salts.
Do nic salts last longer?
Nicotine salts typically last a bit longer than freebase nicotine e-liquids due to their faster absorption.
Since they reach the bloodstream quicker, those who vape nic salts can satisfy their cravings with fewer puffs. This means that a bottle of nic salt vape juice usually lasts vapers slightly longer.
That being said, both salt and freebase nicotine stay in the bloodstream for similar durations, and have roughly the same half life (around 2 hours).
So, while nicotine salt e-liquid might have a quicker onset than freebase nicotine e-liquid, it won’t necessarily stay in your system for longer.
In fact, the slower release of freebase nicotine into the bloodstream can feel like it’s satisfying your cravings for a little bit longer, so some vapers might actually tell you that freebase juice is longer-lasting.
Do nic salts taste better?
The taste of vape liquids depends on numerous factors, such as the flavourings used.
While nic salts don’t necessarily “taste better” than freebase nicotine e-liquids, per se, the smooth throat hit that they provide might allow vapers to fully experience the flavour profile of their e-liquid.
For instance, if the same flavouring and concentration were used in a 20mg salt nic salt e-liquid compared to an 18mg freebase blend, you might prefer the taste of the nic salt version, as the freebase liquid will be probably a lot harsher on your throat.
Why do nicotine salts cost more?
Nicotine salts are typically a tad more expensive than freebase vape juice, since their formulation requires extra steps — like adding salicylic, benzoic or citric acid to the nicotine molecule.
That said, the silky-smooth throat hit and speedy satisfaction that they provide make this ever-so-slightly higher price point worth it.
If you want to learn more about nic salts, take a look at our beginners guide to nicotine salt e-liquids.
What is freebase nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine used in most e-liquids, such as 50/50 vape juice and the nic shots most commonly added to shortfills.
It’s made by chemically altering the nicotine that naturally occurs in tobacco leaves.
Unlike nicotine salts, freebase nicotine doesn’t include additional compounds like salicylic, benzoic or citric acid.
Freebase nicotine has been around longer than nicotine salts, which are a more recent innovation in the vaping industry.
Nicotine salts were developed to provide a quicker nicotine delivery, after researchers discovered that freebase nicotine has relatively slower absorption into the bloodstream.
Popular Freebase 50/50 E-Liquid Brands
V4 Vapour
Affordable and packed with flavour, V4 Vapour’s delicious vape juices are a great option that won’t break the bank. With nicotine strengths ranging from 3mg up to 18mg, you can get your hands on these e-liquids for just £1.99 each.
For even more savings, you can take advantage of our 6 for £10 mix & match offer!
IVG 50/50
IVG, one of the UK’s favourite e-liquid brands, offers a highly popular freebase range available in 3mg, 6mg, and 12mg strengths.
With a plethora of flavours to please any palate, IVG has earned its place as one of the UK’s top manufacturers of freebase nicotine vape juice.
Doozy Fifty 50
If you think a legendary brand like Doozy only has nic salts under its belt, then think again!
The Fifty 50 range focuses entirely on freebase blends, boasting a punchy selection of fruit and berry flavours. These e-liquids available in strengths ranging from 6mg to 18mg.
Freebase Nicotine Benefits
More choice of flavours: While nicotine salts have become the more prevalent option, freebase nicotine e-liquids tend to be available in a wider and more unique variety of flavours. You might find that long-standing e-liquid mixologists offer a more varied selection of flavour when it comes to their freebase ranges.
Compatible with more vaping devices: Freebase nicotine liquids can be paired with a wider range of vape devices like almost all starter vape kits, pod vapes, and vape pens — and at lower strengths, even some sub ohm kits.
How much nicotine does freebase e-liquid contain?
The nicotine content of freebase e-liquid varies depending on the manufacturer and the e-liquid itself. Usually, freebase nicotine e-liquid is available in strengths of 3mg/ml-18mg/ml.
These slightly lower nicotine concentrations might not be the best option for those who have just quit smoking, or vapers with a higher nicotine-dependence.
However, they’re perfect for those who have successfully given up smoking, or who are trying to lower their intake.
Does freebase nicotine have a harsher throat hit?
How harsh a freebase e-liquid feels on your throat depends on its nicotine strength.
You’ll usually find that the lower-strength freebase blends (3mg or 6mg) feel just as smooth as any nic salt, while doing a perfectly good job of satisfying cravings once you’ve quit smoking and lowered your nicotine intake.
On the other hand, vaping freebase nicotine at higher strengths (like 12mg and 18mg) comes with a very harsh throat hit. This might feel a bit too sharp and gritty for your liking.
That said, some vapers prefer this strong throat hit, as it mimics the feeling of smoking traditional cigarettes more closely.
Nic Salts Vs Freebase
Nicotine salts tend to be smoother on the throat and are absorbed by the bloodstream more efficiently than freebase nicotine e-liquids.
Conversely, freebase nicotine is formulated without any added acids, delivers a more prominent throat hit at higher strengths, and can be paired with a wider range of vaping devices.
Which one is better?
This really just comes down to your personal preferences. Those who vape at higher nicotine strengths and prefer a smoother throat feeling will want to go for a nicotine salt e-liquid.
On the other hand, if you want to experiment with a wider selection of kits and lower your nicotine intake, then freebase nicotine e-liquids are an excellent choice.
Are nicotine salts stronger?
Nicotine salt e-liquid usually comes in higher nicotine strengths than freebase e-liquid, offering a stronger nicotine hit while still maintaining a smooth throat sensation.
This makes them a popular choice for those looking for higher nicotine levels without the harshness typically associated with freebase nicotine.
It’s important to note that both salt nicotine and freebase nicotine are available in strengths up to 20mg (though freebase options generally max out at 18mg). The key differences between the two are how quickly your body absorbs the nicotine and how it feels on your throat.
Nic salts are absorbed faster into the bloodstream, providing quicker satisfaction, while freebase nicotine is slower to absorb and can feel much harsher on the throat, especially at higher concentrations.
Summary
In conclusion, both nicotine salt e-liquid and freebase nicotine blends offer distinct advantages and are suited to different vaping preferences.
If you’ve just given up smoking (or you’re trying to), and still experience strong nicotine cravings, a nic salt e-liquid is likely the better option for you. Nicotine salt e-liquid comes in higher strengths and delivers nicotine quicker than freebase blends, helping to satisfy cravings at a faster rate.
On the other hand, if you’re a long-time vaper or you’re no longer as dependent on nicotine, switching to a freebase blend might be the way to go. Freebase nicotine offers lower nicotine strengths, a greater choice of flavours, and compatibility with a wider selection of devices.
No matter what you prefer, we boast a fantastic selection of both freebase and nicotine salt e-liquids to meet every vaper’s needs here at ShopVapesUK!
If you have any more questions, or you need assistance with a specific, don’t hesitate to contact us.
