E-Liquid Guide - Free Nicotine vs. Nicotine Salts
E-liquids (also known as vape juice, e-juice, and nicotine liquids) typically contain just these four ingredients: vegetable glycerin (VG), propylene glycol (PG), flavor, and nicotine.
The type of nicotine in e-cigarettes plays a big role in determining which type of device to use. The type of device chosen can also affect how well the nicotine is delivered to the body.
Pictured here: Nicotine salts are primarily intended for smaller, low-powered devices while Freebase is intended for larger Box Mod kits.
What is Freebase e-liquid?
Most free base nicotine is extracted directly from the tobacco plant, where pure nicotine is obtained from the plant, minus any impurities or other byproducts. This free form of nicotine creates an unbalanced alkalinity, which imparts a stronger throat hit as nicotine concentrations increase. This can be felt at higher levels of free base nicotine, with 3mg leaving a smooth but bearable throat hit, while it becomes harsher at 6mg, and even more so at 12mg. E-liquid manufacturers tend to stay within the 0mg to 6mg range, rarely going as high as 12mg or 18mg due to the extreme harshness of free base e-cigarette juice and the younger demographic that vapes at this level. E-liquid with 0mg contains no trace of nicotine with pure VG/PG and flavor.
What are nicotine salts?
Nicotine salts , or nicotine salts, are a slight variation of free base nicotine, with benzoic acid added to help balance out the alkalinity levels of the free base nicotine. This typically results in a significant reduction in harshness levels, allowing for a smoother experience despite the higher nicotine concentrations. Nicotine salts tend to start at 20mg and can go up to 59mg, with less throat hit discomfort when vaping on a low-powered vaping device such as a pod system, thanks to the combination of nicotine salts and benzoic acid.
Now that you know what each type of nicotine is, its characteristics, and properties, we can help you find the right device for each one.
What are Sub-Ohm salts, or Sub-Ohm nicotine salts?
Nicotine salts are typically used with smaller, lower-powered devices, but there are some exceptions. Some e-liquid manufacturers mimic the nicotine salt formula for sub-ohm use, calling these e-liquids “sub-ohm salts.” You can rest assured that using box mod kits or higher-powered devices with these “sub-ohm nicotine salts” will be fine as they are typically labeled with 3mg and 6mg nicotine strengths. The reason nicotine salts are used in this form is to reduce the harsh throat hit that comes with regular freebase form, creating a different and typically smoother throat hit than the typical 3mg or 6mg.
Free base e-liquid and sub ohm device
Freebase e-liquids are great for sub-ohm devices, or larger vaporizers like tanks and inhalers. Since freebase nicotine has a lower nicotine concentration, it is best used with sub-ohm devices. The larger coils, higher wattage, and lower resistances of sub-ohm devices and tanks allow the freebase nicotine to be vaporized within the liquid, delivering a small dose within a large cloud of vapor. These are best for those who prefer performance, as they produce large clouds. Despite creating a lot of vapor, the nicotine concentration remains fairly low. Freebase eJuice can be loaded into a pod system for added discretion, but many pod systems are not optimized for Freebase eJuice, as it cannot vaporize the full strength of freebase nicotine at the same capacity that sub-ohm devices can.
Pictured here: The Box Mod kits on offer are generally great devices for free-base e-liquid (usually 0mg, 3mg, 6mg in strength)
Nicotine salts and pods system
On the other hand, nicotine salts are great for pod systems , as they use the lower power output, smaller coil, and higher resistance to create discrete clouds of vapor that deliver nicotine salts with much better results. The inclusion of benzoic acid helps deliver nicotine salts more smoothly, and balances the alkalinity to reduce throat hit. High strength nicotine salts should never be loaded into a sub-ohm device, as the stronger vapor output will deliver more nicotine to the body, leading to a greater degree of discomfort.
Some pod systems such as Pod Mods are available that are designed for both nicotine salts and free base nicotine juice, depending on the type of coil or pod installed. One simple rule to follow is that nicotine salts are for higher resistances of 1.0 ohms or more. This allows for safe and effective higher nicotine doses, allowing the nicotine salts to work to their full potential. Anything below 1.0 ohms is considered sub-ohm, hence the name, and should be used with free base nicotine juice. This ensures safer vaporization and delivers lower nicotine concentrations with a higher vapor output.
Pictured here: Pod systems on display optimized for nicotine salt flavored e-liquid (starting at 20mg and going up to 50mg)
Concluding remarks
We hope this guide has cleared up the types of nicotine found in e-liquids. Check out our guide to pod system types to help you find the right one for you. Given the wide variety of vaping products out there, be sure to make an informed purchase after narrowing down your preferences in terms of design and functionality. Feel free to read product reviews on our website or ask fellow vapers in this vibrant community,