Understanding Nicotine in Vaping
Nicotine is a naturally occurring compound found in tobacco plants. Historically, this natural stimulant has been consumed in various forms, most notoriously in tobacco products like cigarettes. But with the advent of vaping, nicotine found a new home suspended in a liquid solution of food-grade ingredients like vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG) and flavourings. Vape kits heat this ‘E-liquid’ producing a vapour that is inhaled, giving the vaper a deliciously flavoured puff of smooth vapour to savour while the nicotine gently relieves any cravings they may have.
In the early days of the vaping revolution, e-liquids used what we now call freebase nicotine, a form that’s been around since the mid-20th century when tobacco companies discovered that by freeing nicotine from its natural state, they could increase its potency. This innovation laid the groundwork for the nicotine used in the first generation of e-liquids. As vaping technology evolved, so did the types of nicotine used, leading to the development of nicotine salts, a game-changer for many vapers seeking a different kind of experience.
What are Freebase Nicotine E-liquids?
Freebase nicotine has been a core ingredient of e-liquids since vaping began. This type of nicotine is created by adding ammonia to nicotine, stripping it of its protons, and thereby increasing its bioavailability. This process makes freebase nicotine more potent when heated and inhaled, offering a strong and satisfying throat hit that many vapers crave. Freebase nicotine e-liquids are typically available in strengths ranging from 3mg up to 12mg and caters to those who prefer a more intense sensation and clarity of flavour.
The throat hit from freebase nicotine is more tactile and pronounced, especially at higher strengths, which is why it’s great in e-liquid for vapers who enjoy the sensation similar to that of smoking. At higher nicotine strengths (18mg-24mg), however, e-liquids with freebase e-liquids can become almost intolerably harsh to vape.
Vape liquids that contain freebase nicotine are compatible with the vast majority of vape devices, including high-powered advanced vape kits and mods, which are generally incompatible with nicotine salt-based eliquids.
What are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts, commonly known as Nic Salts, are a relatively newer form of nicotine in the vaping world and first emerged towards the end of the 2010s. They are formed by adding benzoic acid to freebase nicotine, resulting in a compound that’s closer to the natural lower PH state of nicotine found in tobacco leaves. This process not only alters the chemical composition of nicotine but also adds uniquely interesting vaping characteristics.
Nic salts’ unique chemical formulation means that they are absorbed into the body faster than freebase nicotine, offering a quicker and more tangible nicotine hit, similar to smoking a traditional cigarette. One of the biggest advantages of nic salts, however, is the remarkably smoother throat hit they provide, even at the highest nicotine strengths, which is 20mg in countries like the UK which abides by EU TPD regulations. This makes them a go-to choice for those who want a strong nicotine dose but without the harshness found in freebase nicotine.
Nic salts offer the best nicotine for vaping with low-powered, mouth-to-lung devices, and are ideal for vapers who prefer discretion and portability. Their rise in popularity reflects the diverse needs of the vaping community, offering a more comfortable and potentially more satisfying nicotine experience, especially for those new to vaping or looking to make the switch from smoking.
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