Nicotine Levels

Vaping FAQ

How Much Nicotine Is in a Cigarette Compared to a Vape?

September 25, 2024

We unpack how much nicotine you can expect from a vape compared to traditional cigarettes.

When you consider the enormous variety of vape devices available at Vapestore, to say nothing of the truly stupendous amounts of different e-liquids and flavours we offer, it can be easy to lose sight of the single most defining attribute common to all vapes: their role as an alternative to traditional cigarettes. They achieve this because, just like cigarettes, they also contain nicotine, but whereas cigarettes also contain many hundreds of additional harmful substances, e-liquids (the solution that is vapourised and inhaled, also known as ‘vape juice’) contains only three relatively harmless food-grade ingredients -propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings and nicotine.

By providing similar relief from nicotine cravings as cigarettes, but with far fewer harmful chemicals, vaping offers an effective substitute for traditional cigarettes that’s’ considered by many health services to be around 95% less harmful than tobacco.

But just how much nicotine is in a vape compared to traditional tobacco products? This short guide will take a closer look at this important question.

Learn More

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found naturally in the tobacco plant and is considered a stimulant. It's the primary reason smoking and vaping can become habit-forming. When inhaled, nicotine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, triggering the release of adrenaline and dopamine in the brain. This reaction not only creates a “buzz” or a sense of increased alertness but also leads to the addictive nature of nicotine.

Despite its stimulating properties, nicotine itself is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases, which are more closely linked to other harmful substances produced by burning tobacco (combustion.) Understanding nicotine is key to comprehending the potential of vaping as a less harmful alternative.

The Nicotine Content of Cigarettes

To understand the role of vaping as an alternative to cigarettes, it's important to first grasp how much nicotine is actually in a cigarette. On average, a smoker absorbs between 1 and 2 milligrams (mg) of nicotine from a single cigarette. This might not seem like much until you consider that each cigarette contains between 8mg and 20mg of nicotine.

However, only a fraction of this nicotine, roughly a tenth, is actually inhaled. This absorption rate can vary based on several factors, including the cigarette's filter strength, individual smoking habits, and how much nicotine is lost in the smoke itself. Despite these variables, the 1 to 2mg range is considered a reliable general guideline to how much nicotine you actually absorb when you smoke a traditional cigarette.

Learn More

Bundle Deal

SKE Crystal CL6000 Prefilled Pod Kit Bundle

12000 Puffs

SKE Crystal CL6000 Prefilled Pod Kit Bundle

Bundle includes the SKE Crystal CL6000 device and two prefilled replacement pods with refill containers—choose from TEN flavours.

£20.00

Kit + 1 x E-Liquid

Innokin Endura V Pro Pod Vape Kit

RDL

Innokin Endura V Pro Pod Vape Kit

Premium pod kit featuring 1200mAh battery, up to 30W, adjustable airflow, 0.85” TFT Screen, and compatibility with multiple VCAP pods...

(+ 1)

£15.99

Mix & Match 2 for £22

Drifter 6K Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

6000 Puffs

Drifter 6K Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

Drifter Bar 6000 Prefilled Pod & Refill. Up to 6000 puffs per replaceable 2ml pod with 10ml refill container. 20mg...

£11.99

Kit + 1 x E-Liquid

Aspire Cyber GT Pod Vape Kit

MTL

Aspire Cyber GT Pod Vape Kit

A cutting-edge pod system with an enormous 2400mAh battery capacity, advanced ASP chipset, three power modes and TG Pod compatibility...

(+ 1)

£17.99

Bundle Deal

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Kit Bundle

18000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Kit Bundle

Don’t miss this great value Bundle Offer that includes your choice of Avomi Cliq Prefilled pod kit and Two Replacement...

£14.99

Bundle Deal

Avomi FLIQ Prefilled Pod Kit Bundle

4800 Puffs

Avomi FLIQ Prefilled Pod Kit Bundle

Exclusive Bundle Offer: Avomi Fliq 4-in-1 Prefilled Pod Kit + two replacement pods. Choose from 30 flavours.

£12.99

2 x Pods Included

Lost Mary Nera30k Fullview Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

30000 Puffs

Lost Mary Nera30k Fullview Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

Lost Mary Nera30k is available in 10 mixed flavour editions and 6 single flavour classics. This prefilled kit comes with...

£14.99

1 x Pod Included

SKE Crystal Pro 600 Prefilled Pod Vape Kits

600 Puffs

SKE Crystal Pro 600 Prefilled Pod Vape Kits

SKE Crystal Pro prefilled pod kits available in 15 flavours A compact, rechargeable prefilled pod kit. Up to 600 puffs...

£5.99

Kit + 3 x E-Liquids

Pava Horiz Ultra Pod Vape Kit

MTL/RDL

Pava Horiz Ultra Pod Vape Kit

An incredible fusion of AI wireless smart technology and premium vape design, with 1300mAh battery, AI smart chip & Bluetooth,...

£39.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Pineapple Ice

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Pineapple Ice

Prefilled Pod Kit with digital display, soft-touch metallic finish, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up...

£9.99

1 x Pod Included

Vaporesso DOJO Blast 2000 Go Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

2000 Puffs

Vaporesso DOJO Blast 2000 Go Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

Choose your combination of flavours from a diverse selection of 15 flavours. A compact and rechargeable prefilled pod kit with...

(+ 11)

£5.99

Bundle Deal

Aspire Gotek X & Bar Salts Bundle Offer

MTL/RDL

Aspire Gotek X & Bar Salts Bundle Offer

Includes the Gotek X Pod Kit with the Popular Bar Salts E-Liquids.

£11.99

SMOK Novo Eco Pod Vape Kit

MTL

SMOK Novo Eco Pod Vape Kit

Smok Novo Eco Pod Kit with removable 1000mAh battery, 30W power output, adjustable airflow, and dual power modes for MTL...

(+ 3)

£8.99

Kit + 3 x E-Liquids

VooPoo Vinci E120 Pod Vape Kit

DTL/RDL

VooPoo Vinci E120 Pod Vape Kit

A powerful sub-ohm pod vape kit featuring a mighty 4500mAh battery, 120W max output, 2.4" screen with multiple watch face...

(+ 3)

£38.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Lemon & Lime

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Lemon & Lime

Prefilled Pod Kit with LED display, soft-touch metallic finish, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up...

£9.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Raspberry Blackcurrant

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Raspberry Blackcurrant

Prefilled Pod Kit with digital display, soft-touch metallic finish, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up...

£9.99

OFFER - 2 for £22

Elf Bar Dual 10K Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

10000 Puffs

Elf Bar Dual 10K Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

ELFBAR Dual 10K Prefilled Pod Kit – Available in 20 Flavours Editions, Two Flavours in One, 2 x 5ml Refill...

£11.99

Kit + 3 x E-Liquids

Vaporesso Armour G Pod Vape Kit

DTL/RDL

Vaporesso Armour G Pod Vape Kit

Vaporesso Armour G Pod Mod Kit – 80W Max Output, Built-in 3000mAh Battery, 2ml Pod, 0.96” TFT Display and Leak-Resistant...

(+ 3)

£31.99

Kit + 3 x E-Liquids

Aspire Veynom Air Pod Vape Kit

DTL

Aspire Veynom Air Pod Vape Kit

Aspire Veynom Air Pod Kit - Built-in 2800mAh Battery, 5-80W Output, Variable Wattage and Smart Modes, Compatible with Aspire BP...

(+ 3)

£39.99

SALE - Bundle Deal

Crystal Bar Crystal Plus Kit Bundle Offer By SKE

MTL

Crystal Bar Crystal Plus Kit Bundle Offer By SKE

1 Crystal Plus Kit & prefilled pods, 1 x Crystal Plus Battery and choice of a prefilled pod.

was £7.99 Now £5.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Watermelon Ice

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Watermelon Ice

Prefilled Pod Kit with digital display, soft-touch metallic finish, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up...

£9.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Fizzy Cherry

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Fizzy Cherry

Prefilled Pod Kit with digital display, soft-touch metallic finish, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up...

£9.99

Kit + 3 x E-Liquids

Vaporesso Armour GS Pod Vape Kit

DTL/RDL

Vaporesso Armour GS Pod Vape Kit

Vaporesso Armour GS Vape Kit – 80W Max Output, 18650 Battery Compatibility, 2ml Pod, 0.96” TFT Display, and Leak-Resistant Technology

(+ 2)

was £38.99 Now £29.99

1 x Pod Included

SKE Crystal Plus Prefilled Kit

600 Puffs

SKE Crystal Plus Prefilled Kit

Pre-filled Pod Kit compatible with SKE Crystal Plus pre-filled liquid pods.

£4.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Strawberry Raspberry Cherry Ice

Prefilled Pod Kit with LED display, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up to 6000 puffs...

£9.99

Kit + 3 x E-Liquids

Innokin Coolfire PZPPulse Pod Vape Kit

DTL/RDL

Innokin Coolfire PZPPulse Pod Vape Kit

Powerful, durable and full-featured DTL and RDL pod vape kit. 2400mAh battery, 80W output, 2ml refillable pod, and tri-proof IP68...

(+ 1)

£34.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Blueberry Sour Raspberry

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Blueberry Sour Raspberry

Prefilled Pod Kit with LED display, soft-touch metallic finish, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up...

£9.99

OFFER - 2 for £22

IVG 2400 4in1 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

2400 Puffs

IVG 2400 4in1 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

IVG 2400 Prefilled Vape Pod Kit comes in 21 mixed flavour kits or 5 single flavour kit to choose from....

£11.99

OFFER - 2 for £22

Uwell Viscore 8000 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

8000 Puffs

Uwell Viscore 8000 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit

Uwell Viscore 8000 Prefilled Pod Vape Kit – Up to 8000 Puffs, 2ml Pod + 10ml Refill Available in 10...

£11.99

Kit + 1 x E-Liquid

Lost Vape Centaurus E40 Max Pod Vape Kit

DTL/RDL

Lost Vape Centaurus E40 Max Pod Vape Kit

Versatile, powerful MTL/RDL pod vape kit with 1400mAh battery, 40W, 0.42” OLED Screen, and premium leather design.

(+ 2)

£22.99

HorizonTech Talons TW Pod Vape Kit

MTL/RDL

HorizonTech Talons TW Pod Vape Kit

Compact MTL & RDL pod vape kit with 1200mAh battery, 32W output, 0.96” TFT screen, and adjustable airflow.

(+ 2)

£11.99

Mix & Match 2 for £18

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Spearmint

6000 Puffs

Avomi CLIQ Prefilled Pod Vape Kit - Spearmint

Prefilled Pod Kit with digital display, soft-touch metallic finish, mesh coil technology, and 2ml pod + refill system delivering up...

£9.99

Dovpo Ayce Lite Pod Vape Kit

MTL/RDL

Dovpo Ayce Lite Pod Vape Kit

Compact and stylish MTL Pod Vape Kit with 1000mAh battery, 5-25W Power Output, and Smart Mode functionality.

(+ 2)

£9.99

The Nicotine Content in Vapes

When it comes to e-cigarettes or vapes, the scenario changes significantly. The nicotine content in vapes can vary, largely due to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) enforced in the UK since May 2017.

This regulation limits vape devices, such as vape pens, disposable vapes and pods and tanks, to a maximum of 2 millilitres (ml) of e-liquid, with a nicotine strength capped at 20mg per millilitre in any single product. Consequently, popular vapes on the market such as Nicotine Salt e-liquids are often found in strengths of 0mg, 10mg, and 20mg/ml. This means a 2ml bottle of e liquid can contain up to 40mg of nicotine, offering approximately 600 puffs per device.

Note that Freebase nicotine-based e-liquids differ slightly from Nicotine Salts and can be bought with nicotine strengths of 0, 3, 6, 8, 12, and 18mg.

Comparing the Two

To put it into perspective, a 20mg/ml vape, with its 40mg total nicotine content, mirrors the nicotine exposure of smoking one or two packs of 20 cigarettes. For someone accustomed to regular cigarettes like Marlboro Red, which delivers 1.2mg of nicotine per cigarette (or 24mg per pack), a 20mg/ml vape provides a comparable nicotine hit.

In contrast, smokers who prefer ultra-light cigarettes, such as Silk Cut, which have around 0.4mg of nicotine per cigarette (or 8mg per pack), would find a quarter of their nicotine needs met by a similar vape.

The Case for Vaping

Hopefully, the comparison above illuminates the potential of vapes as an alternative to smoking. By offering a controllable amount of nicotine, vapes not only cater to the needs of heavy smokers but also offer a customisable experience for those looking to reduce their nicotine consumption gradually. The flexibility to choose from various nicotine strengths, combined with the reduced harmful substances typically associated with cigarette smoke, positions vapes as a powerful tool for harm reduction and smoking cessation.

Moreover, the psychological aspect of smoking – the oral fixation, the ritual of taking a break to light up – is also tangibly addressed by vaping, making it an appealing alternative for those seeking the sensation of smoking without the same level of health risks.

Embracing an Alternative

Understanding the nicotine content in both cigarettes and vapes is a helpful step towards making an informed decision. For those contemplating vaping, vapes offer a promising alternative. Not only do they provide a means to control nicotine intake, but they also eliminate many of the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.

As we continue to advocate for healthier lifestyles and seek alternatives to smoking cigarettes, it's important to stay informed and choose paths that align with your health goals and preferences. Vaping may not be a one-size-fits-all solution, as everyone’s vaping experience is different, yet it nevertheless represents a significant stride towards harm reduction and a smoke-free future.

Happy Vaping!

Learn More

Important:

Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, and its presence in vaping products such as vape kits and smokeless nicotine products is intended to offer current smokers and vapers a less harmful way to consume nicotine over traditional tobacco products whichcontainchemicals that make them the leading cause of preventable disease in the UK. If you do not smoke or vape, avoid nicotine in any form.