Table of Contents
- Studies on nic salt vs freebase nicotine are currently inconclusive, debating which gets more nicotine into the blood, with the evidence indicating nic salt gets into the blood faster, but freebase nicotine can maintain higher blood nicotine levels.
- Vapes using nic salts contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavourings which are responsible for more particulate matter in E-Cig vapour.
- The lack of throat hit with nic salts may also lead to over-vaping, which is something we think can be at worst dangerous and, at best, more addictive.
Today then we are looking at the difference between nic salts and freebase nicotine and why here at SMOKO our vape starter kits only use freebase nicotine in our products.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NICOTINE SALTS AND FREEBASE NICOTINE
E-Cigarettes used freebase nicotine solution in e-liquid when they were first invented, however some companies have taken to using another form of nicotine: protonated nicotine, also called nicotine salt or ‘nic salt’.
Nicotine is present as a salt in tobacco leaves and tobacco companies even used additives to increase the amount of nicotine in salt form in traditional cigarettes because it is thought that nicotine salt gets into the blood easier and faster. The nicotine found in the tobacco plant is in its naturally occurring nicotine salt form, and the chemical composition and chemical structure of nicotine salts differ from freebase nicotine. Nicotine salts are formed through a chemical reaction between nicotine and acids in the tobacco plant. The chemical composition and structure of nicotine in its salt form influence how it is used in e-liquids and absorbed by the body.
This blog will explain why nic salts being ‘better’ than freebase nicotine for vaping is not scientifically established, as well as talk about some of the information coming out of the studies that have been done and the implications of these results.
WHAT IS E-LIQUID
An E-liquid is the liquid mixture that E-Cigarettes heat up into a vapour that can be inhaled. Nicotine salt e liquid is a type of e-liquid (or ‘vape juice’) that uses nicotine salts instead of freebase nicotine, offering a smoother vaping experience. It is made from a combination of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and nicotine.
This allows nicotine to be delivered into the lungs like in smoking, but without the thousands of extra chemicals, carcinogens and products of combustion known to be harmful in tobacco smoke. Unlike combustible cigarettes, vaping e-liquids does not produce carbon monoxide or tar.
WHAT IS FREEBASE NICOTINE
Freebase nicotine is nicotine in its purest form. This means it is a high potency molecule but doesn’t adjust the actual dose of nicotine. It produces a throat hit when used in E-Cigarettes that helps to create a realistic smoking sensation – making it great for smokers looking for that hit on the throat when they vape. Freebase e liquid, also known as freebase juice, is the traditional form of vape juice used by many vapers due to its strong throat hit and compatibility with a wide range of vape devices. It is for this reason at SMOKO we use freebase nicotine for our VAPE POD and E-Cigarette refills!
WHAT IS NICOTINE SALT
Nic salts are when freebase nicotine has an acid added to it, which reduces the pH value. The formation of nicotine salts from freebase nicotine involves a chemical reaction between nicotine and the acid, which alters the nicotine's properties. Vaping nic salts has become increasingly popular due to their smoother throat hit and higher nicotine concentrations. This pH value reduction is one reason why nic salts are smoother to inhale.
By adding an acid, you are adding a ‘proton donor’ – acids are ionically charged and will give up their protons – hence the other term for nic salts: ‘protonated nicotine’. Nic salts allow for higher nicotine concentrated e-liquids due to the reduced harshness when vaped.
THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF NICOTINE SALTS
Nicotine salts have a relatively recent history in the vaping industry. The concept of nicotine salts was first introduced by JUUL, a popular e-cigarette brand, in 2015. JUUL’s innovative approach to nicotine delivery involved using benzoic acid to create a smoother and more efficient nicotine experience.
This breakthrough led to the development of nicotine salts as we know them today. Since then, nicotine salts have become increasingly popular among vapers, particularly those seeking higher nicotine concentrations to tackle strong nicotine cravings and a more satisfying throat hit.
HOW NICOTINE SALTS WORK
Nicotine salts work by combining freebase nicotine with an acid, such as benzoic acid or citric acid. This process reduces the pH level of the nicotine, making it more acidic and increasing its bioavailability. As a result, nicotine salts are absorbed more quickly and efficiently by the body, providing a faster and more intense nicotine experience. The nicotine content in nicotine salt e-liquids is often higher, which can result in a stronger nicotine hit compared to some freebase nicotine products. The addition of acid also reduces the harshness of the throat hit, making nicotine salts a more comfortable option for vapers who prefer higher nicotine concentrations.
THE ADVANTAGES OF NICOTINE SALTS
Nic salts tend to provide a smoother vaping experience and allow for higher nicotine strengths without the harshness associated with freebase nicotine.
Vaping nic salts offer several advantages over traditional freebase nicotine e-liquids. One of the primary benefits is their ability to provide higher nicotine concentrations without the harshness of freebase nicotine. Therefore, nicotine salts are often preferred by vapers who are seeking a stronger nicotine hit without the discomfort of freebase nicotine.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF NICOTINE SALTS
While nicotine salts offer several advantages, they also have some disadvantages.
- Increased particle size for nic salts could mean more inflammation.
- Increased volume of flavourings in nic salt liquids could mean more volatile and harmful products made during the vaporisation process.
- Less throat hit in nic salt liquids could lead to over-vaping.
One of the primary concerns is the potential for over-vaping, as nicotine salts can be more addictive than traditional freebase nicotine e-liquids. Additionally, nicotine salts can be more expensive than freebase nicotine e-liquids, particularly for vapers who require higher nicotine concentrations.
Furthermore, some vapers may experience physical symptoms, such as a harsher throat hit or increased heart rate, when using nicotine salts. It is essential for vapers to be aware of these potential disadvantages and to use nicotine salts responsibly.
DOES NIC SALT PRODUCE HIGHER BLOOD NICOTINE LEVELS
A big concern for smokers when they make the switch to vaping is getting enough nicotine to squash the nicotine cravings. Nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum and patches, have traditionally used freebase nicotine due to its potency and effectiveness. A huge number of online vape stores suggest that nic salt is better for vapers with a heavy smoking background, saying that more nicotine gets into the blood with nic salts. Nicotine salts are often recommended for heavy smokers because they can deliver higher nicotine concentrations with less throat irritation, making them suitable for those with higher tobacco consumption.
There are scientific papers that agree with this position, however there are studies that indicate the opposite is true. When you dig into the available information, you find that many things like the type and power of vape device, the balance of propylene glycol to vegetable glycerine (PG to VG) all impact nicotine absorption in the lungs.
This is down to how nic salt behaves when vapourised. Where freebase nicotine can take a gaseous state, nic salt stays in a particulate state and creates bigger molecules. For this reason, it may not move into the blood from the lungs as easy as freebase nicotine and may even struggle to reach the small sacs in the lungs called ‘alveoli’ where most of the gaseous exchange takes place.
It is also understood that ionised, or ‘charged’, particles have a harder time crossing into the blood from the lungs, further suggesting that freebase nicotine - that doesn’t hold a charge - may have an easier time getting into the blood from the lungs.
So why do nic salt sellers say that nic salts deliver a bigger nicotine hit? Rather than it being easy for the nicotine to get into the blood, it may be the much higher nicotine concentrations in the lungs creates a very steep diffusion gradient that encourages the nicotine to move from the high concentration in the lungs to the much lower concentration in the blood. This could mean that for the same number of nicotine particles, freebase nicotine gets into the blood more easily! This is supported by one study that found freebase nicotine vapour produced higher nicotine blood-serum levels than nic salt vapour in mice.
IS NIC SALT SAFER THAN FREEBASE NICOTINE
The vaping world is full of ongoing debate about the safety of different nicotine forms, especially as more people transition from traditional smoking to vaping.
Companies selling e-liquids with nic salt will tell you that there is no safety difference between nic salt and freebase nicotine, however there is very limited scientific evidence on the matter. There are a few significant revelations in the studies that have been done which may indicate that e-liquids with nic salt may not be as safe as e-liquids with freebase nicotine.
Due to the increased particle size, it may be that the immune system has a harder time dealing with the particulates from nic salt e-liquid. Our immune system works by sending white blood cells, known as phagocytes, to deal with foreign particles. The phagocytes engulf the particulate matter or pathogen to break it down and help the body get rid of it. Naturally, larger particles will be more challenging for the phagocytes to deal with, leading to increased inflammation as more white blood cells are needed.
This hypothesis is based on a study on the nicotine chemistry, pH and health effects of conventional E-Cigarettes vs. pod-mods that indicates high-concentrate nic salt liquids may have an impact on epithelial cells (the lining of the lungs) and lung cancer cells, leading to a stronger inflammatory response than that generated with freebase nicotine e-liquids.
A big point to note is the increased volume of flavourings used in nic salt e-liquids. Flavourings produce some of the particulate matter that is known to be harmful (much less than smoking, don’t forget) so increased volume of flavourings – between 3 and 4 times the amount of flavouring compared with freebase nicotine e-liquids – does mean an increase in the amount of particulate matter produced when vaping that liquid. This could lead to a 3-to-4-fold increase in harmful particulate matter, indicating nic salt e-liquids could be on the worse end of the Public Health England stance that E-Cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking.
Disposable vapes coming from China use nic salt e-liquids, however these units are sealed and intended to be discarded once finished. The sealed nature of these devices allowed disposables to circumvent the regulation for e-liquids here in the UK, but with the updated Tobacco Products Directive regulations coming into force in 2016, they should now be compliant. However, disposable vapes not compliant are still managing to make their way onto UK shelves - compare this to both the SMOKO E-Cigarette and the VAPE POD that are approved by the MHRA before hitting the shelves!
One of the reasons that disposable vapes are popular with youngsters is the much-reduced throat hit from nic salt vapes. Where freebase nicotine encourages you to stop when you’ve had your fill due to the throat hit, nic salt vapes don’t have the same impact on the throat, allowing the user to over-vape easily.
One big factor that affects your vaping experience is the power of the device you use.
Electronic cigarettes and other vape devices vary in their design and safety features, which can influence nicotine delivery and the amount of vapour produced.
Mod vapes, sometimes called 'box mods', are high powered devices that produce too much vapour to effectively use a high concentration freebase nicotine liquid due to the massive throat hit. Using a nic salt liquid reduces that throat hit, allowing some vapers to use them in these powerful devices.
SAFETY CONCERNS AND REGULATIONS
Nicotine salts are subject to the same safety concerns and regulations as traditional freebase nicotine e-liquids. In the UK, for example, e-liquids containing nicotine salts are subject to the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) regulations, which limit the nicotine concentration to 20mg/ml (2% strength).
Additionally, nicotine salts are subject to the same safety standards as freebase nicotine e-liquids, including the use of high-quality ingredients and rigorous testing procedures. Vapers should always ensure that they purchase nicotine salts from reputable manufacturers and follow the recommended usage guidelines to minimise the risk of adverse effects.
Despite the name, nicotine salts in e-liquids do not increase sodium intake or affect dietary sodium levels.
NIC SALTS IN THE UK
A look online at e-liquids available overseas will show you that nic salts are used to create super-strong nicotine e-liquids. Nicotine salt e liquid is popular in the UK due to its smoother throat hit and higher nicotine concentrations. In the UK, the TRPR and TPD regulations limit the nicotine strength of e-liquids to 2%, or 20mg/ml. Nic salt e-liquids are available overseas in strengths over double the legal limit for the UK, so over 4% or 40mg/ml!
Pod vape kits are especially popular for use with nic salt e-liquids due to their compatibility and ease of use. Many vapers use a mouth to lung vaping style with nic salts to closely mimic the sensation of smoking, making them ideal for those transitioning from cigarettes.
Other Vaping companies in the USA proudly used Nic salts to give this kind of strength, if not higher, but due to the TPD this hasn’t happened in the UK. A good thing too, as many of those companies are now being sued due to their practices.
With nic salt e-liquids that strong, it’s easy to see the very high concentration of nicotine vapour in the lungs delivering more nicotine than the freebase counterparts that aren’t available at those strengths. Some users seek a quick nicotine fix, which is why they may choose high-strength nic salt e-liquids. This is nullified by the regulation in the UK that can only be intentionally (and legally) circumvented by making your own e-liquids with nicotine-free e-liquids intended to be mixed with nicotine shots, known as a shortfill e-liquid.
This allows a user to create a super-strength nicotine e-liquid here in the UK. As a responsible adult, it is down to the user to decide if they want to exceed the legal maximum set for e-liquids available for retail in the UK. It is worth remembering that these regulations are in place to protect the consumer, so ignore them at your peril!
The problem with super-strong liquids in disposable vapes is the increasing frequency that under 18’s are getting hold of them – nicotine is thought to impact the developing brain, and is likely to lead to more addictive behaviours as they grow up. We have also seen several instances of lung injury in youngsters using disposable vapes across the world. These events indicate the need for strict controls over disposable vapes.
Ultimately, the choice between nic salts and freebase nicotine often comes down to personal preference.
NICOTINE SALT VS FREE BASE, WHICH IS SAFER
More studies need to be conducted to determine precisely which form of nicotine is safest to consume. Nicotine replacement therapies, such as gum and patches, have traditionally used freebase nicotine due to its potency and effectiveness. Due to the varying nature of nicotine strengths available for nic salts, it is challenging to compare freebase nicotine and nic salt products, however the studies reflect a market that uses nic salts to create higher strength nicotine liquids, so current evidence is relevant to the market.
A reason for this blog is the anecdotal evidence we have experienced from customers, with one customer who came to us with a diagnosis of emphysema – the gradual damage of lung tissue leading to the destruction of the alveoli - after regular disposable vape use. With so many issues surrounding disposable vapes, it is vital that more studies are conducted to establish consensus on the safest way to vape.
Additionally, an individual's vaping style can influence which type of nicotine e-liquid—freebase or nic salt—is most suitable for them, as preferences for device power, nicotine strength, and e-liquid formulation vary.
At SMOKO, our e-liquids are made here in the UK so are held to the high standards set out by the MHRA and TPD regulations. We use freebase nicotine so our customers get that throat hit to give smokers trying to quit that realistic smoking sensation when they vape – something missing from nic salt liquids!
If you are a smoker looking to quit then make the switch with the UK’s premium E-Cigarettes - SMOKO! Get started with a FREE* starter kit by clicking one of the links below!
*(One per customer, Buy a box of SMOKO refills and get the starter kit FREE)
FAQ: What’s the Difference Between Nic Salt and Freebase Nicotine?
Q1: What is freebase nicotine?
A: Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine commonly found in traditional e-liquids. It offers a stronger throat hit and is typically used in e-liquids with lower nicotine strengths, however the higher strengths are popular with ex-smokers and mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices like pod systems.
Q2: What is nicotine salt (nic salt)?
A: Nicotine salt is a modified form of nicotine that’s combined with an organic acid (usually benzoic acid) to make it smoother to inhale. It allows for higher nicotine concentrations without a harsh throat hit, making it ideal for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping and sub-ohm devices.
Q3: Which one is smoother on the throat?
A: Nic salts are smoother, especially at higher strengths. Freebase nicotine can feel harsh above 12mg/ml due to its alkalinity.
Q4: Which one delivers nicotine faster?
A: Nic salts absorb more quickly into the bloodstream, mimicking the nicotine delivery of a traditional cigarette more closely than freebase nicotine.
Q5: Who should choose freebase nicotine?
A: Freebase is better suited for vapers who prefer a stronger throat hit, less sickly-sweet flavours and who want to generally vape less.
Q6: Who should choose nic salts?
A: Nic salts are ideal for anyone seeking a stronger nicotine hit with less throat irritation. This can work better for users of more powerful devices due to increased volumes of vapour.
Q7: Can I use both types in any vape device?
A: It's probably a good idea to stick to only one type of nicotine at any one time, but if your device is refillable, then you can likely switch from a freebase nicotine to nic salt liquid after cleaning your tank. Be wary of using high-strength freebase nicotine in a powerful vape mod.
REFERENCES
1) Article on the science of Nicotine
2) Study on absorption of freebase nicotine vs nic salt
4) Article on how Nicotine Salts work
5) Public Health England's statement on the safety of E-Cigarettes compared to cigarettes
6) Lawsuits against E-Cigarette Companies for use of Nicotine Salts and other practices
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Written by Dan Overgage
Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes. Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking. During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.
Last updated 17/10/2025
