NIC SALT VS NIC SHOT: WHICH IS BETTER FOR YOUR VAPING EXPERIENCE?

When it comes to vaping, choosing between nic salt vs nic shot can significantly impact your experience. At SMOKO, we utilise freebase nicotine like that found in nic shots for our UK-made vape juices and for our refills - so for those who don't know:

Nic salts offer a smoother hit and faster nicotine absorption, while nic shots provide a higher blood nicotine level, customisation and flexibility. This article will break down the key differences to help you decide which is better for your needs. If you don't want to muck around with mixing your own liquids, check out the SMOKO Starter Kits that can get you started with vaping without complicating things!

Key Takeaways

• Nicotine shots allow for customisable nicotine levels in e-liquids, making it easier for users to control their intake and preferences.

• Nicotine salts provide a smoother throat hit and quicker absorption, making them an appealing choice for some smokers transitioning from cigarettes.

• Choosing between nicotine shots and salts depends on individual vaping habits; shots are great for mixing, while salts offer convenience and immediate satisfaction.

• You don't have to worry about mixing liquids if you use prefilled options, like the new SMOKO VAPE MAX!

Understanding Nicotine Shots

Nicotine shots are pure and unflavoured freebase nicotine used to customise the nicotine strength in e-liquids, allowing vapers to create a more personalised vaping experience for themselves. These nic shots are specifically designed for use with shortfill e-liquids or for mixing from scratch, giving users the flexibility to adjust their nicotine levels precisely, according to their preference. Typically, nicotine shots come in 10ml bottles and are added to larger shortfill bottles, transforming a 50ml shortfill into a 60ml e-liquid.

Nicotine shots allow vapers to tailor their vape juices to deliver nicotine satisfying hits without being too harsh. This customisation is particularly beneficial for those looking to gradually reduce their nicotine intake over time.

Mixing nic shots correctly can result in a low nicotine strength of around 3mg to 6mg, providing a smoother vaping experience and helping to satisfy nicotine cravings efficiently. Additionally, you can mix nic shots to your own mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) to achieve a very specific nicotine level.

What Are Nicotine Salts?

Nicotine salts are a newer option in the vaping market that offers a smoother inhale compared to traditional freebase nicotine. They are created by combining nicotine with acid, often benzoic acid, which reduces the harshness of the nicotine and allows for a smoother throat hit. This process makes nic salts an excellent choice for those who find freebase nicotine too harsh on the throat. It is notable that nic salt is actually the naturally occurring form of nicotine, found in tobacco leaves.

The addition of benzoic acid not only smooths out the vaping experience but nicotine salts seem to be absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream. While science indicates that charged particles have a harder time crossing from the lungs into the blood, this may be due to the fact that nicotine salts are not absorbed in the throat, like freebase nicotine is, allowing for a steeper concentration gradient in the lungs to the blood. This rapid absorption means that vapers can achieve a satisfying nicotine hit faster, which is particularly beneficial for those transitioning from traditional cigarettes.

Lower-powered devices like pod systems frequently utilise nicotine salts, offering versatility and convenience for many vapers.

Key Differences Between Nicotine Shots and Nicotine Salts

While both nicotine shots and nicotine salts serve the purpose of delivering nicotine to vapers, they do so in very different ways. Freebase nicotine forms the basis of nicotine shots, while the addition of benzoic acid to freebase nicotine creates nicotine salts, making them smoother and quicker to absorb. Recognising these differences can guide you in choosing the right option for your vaping needs.

Nicotine shots and salts are the types of nicotine additives in vaping, each with distinct properties and benefits. Here’s a closer look at their differences in composition, absorption rate, and suitable devices.

Composition

The primary difference in composition between nicotine shots and nicotine salts lies in their formulation. Nicotine shots are made from freebase nicotine, which is unflavoured and used to enhance the nicotine content in e-liquids. On the other hand, nic salt shots are made from nicotine salts and are typically unflavoured, though some may contain additives like cooling agents or sweeteners to alter the vaping experience.

While vapers can mix nicotine shots with shortfill e-liquids to customise nicotine strength, nicotine salts are sometimes pre-flavored and ready to vape without mixing - just be prepared for a strong nicotine hit! Mixing nicotine shots and salts can alter the taste and the balance of VG and PG in the liquid, which might not be desirable for all vapers.

Absorption Rate

When it comes to absorption, nicotine salts have a clear advantage. Evidence indicates that nic salts get into the bloodstream faster compared to freebase nicotine, providing quicker satisfaction for nicotine cravings. This rapid absorption rate means that vapers looking for immediate relief from cravings might find nic salts more appealing.

The smoother throat hit and faster absorption of nicotine salts make them a natural choice for many smokers transitioning from traditional cigarettes; however many SMOKO customers value the throat hit provided by freebase nicotine so they can feel the vapour as it goes down, helping them to feel like they are still smoking - just without all the nasty chemicals found in tobacco and cigarette smoke!

Usage and Devices

Freebase nicotine is best suited for low-powered devices like disposable E-Cigarettes and pod systems that don't produce a huge amount of vapour. These devices are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping that mirrors how people smoke, which providing a satisfying hit, making freebase nicotine an excellent choice for this style of vaping.

Conversely, nicotine salts are favoured by experienced vapers who enjoy mixing them with shortfill juices to tailor their nicotine levels. Users of sub-ohm devices, who enjoy larger vapour clouds, often choose nicotine salt shots as the increased amount of vapour can cause coughing and irritation with higher levels of freebase nicotine. Otherwise, users of more powerful vapes tend to favour low strength freebase nicotine liquids for the same reason.

Most disposable vape brands use nic salt in their e-liquid formulations, which is why they taste incredibly strong. While disposable vapes may seem like a convenient option, there are several issues surrounding them. They are due to be banned in 2025 due to the huge amount of lithium waste (1) and their environmental impact, the fact that they are ending up in the hands of underage teens, potentially due to unscrupulous marketing practices, and the fact that testing of disposable vapes on UK shelves revealed most contained illegal levels of e-liquid. (2)

With so many issues highlighting the irresponsibility of disposable vape brands, we recommend avoiding disposable vapes and buying UK made for a safe vaping experience.

Benefits of Nicotine Shots

Several benefits make nicotine shots a popular choice among vapers. Each shot typically contains 18mg of freebase nicotine and can be mixed to achieve your desired strength and, if eliminating nicotine is your end goal, they facilitate very gradual nicotine reduction over time!

Buying shortfill e-liquids with nicotine shots is often more economical than opting for pre-mixed options, but requires your time and effort to do, and even more time and effort to tailor the experience to a level that fits you perfectly. Nicotine shots come in small, portable bottles, making them easy to carry for on-the-go adjustments to nicotine levels. Users can also mix nicotine shots with various e-liquid flavours, enhancing the customisation of their vaping experience.

Advantages of Nicotine Salts

The smoother throat hit of nicotine salts suits those preferring higher nicotine strengths without the harshness of freebase nicotine. The rapid absorption of nicotine salts allows users to feel satisfied more quickly, offering a quicker nicotine hit, sometimes as fast as six seconds. While nicotine overdose is unlikely to occur when vaping, the smoother inhale with nic salts means you don't get a warning from your throat that you are overdoing it - you will likely start to feel the symptoms of nicotine poisoning, and that will be your warning to put the vape down for a while!

This fast nicotine delivery is particularly appealing to those transitioning from traditional cigarettes because cigarettes contain numbing agents and other additives like sugar to ensure a smooth, pleasurable smoking experience. Nicotine salts offer a satisfying and smooth nicotine delivery, making them a valid option for new vapers looking for a smooth experience.

Advantages of Freebase Nicotine

Freebase nicotine offers unique advantages that make it a staple in the vaping community. Absorbed in the throat, this pure nicotine form provides a throat hit that many smokers seek when switching to vaping. The SMOKO range, including the New SMOKO VAPE MAX refills, utilise freebase nicotine to provide a real smoking sensation This throat hit helps prevent over vaping as it can lead to coughing, encouraging users to put their vape down.

Studies show that freebase nicotine can achieve and maintain higher blood nicotine levels than nicotine salts, keeping you satisfied for longer (3). This sustained satisfaction makes freebase nicotine a reliable option for those looking to manage their nicotine cravings effectively.

Nic salt liquids also typically contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring used in freebase nicotine liquids (4). While this may provide a very, sometimes overly, strong flavour, vapers should note that flavourings are responsible for some of the volatile compounds produced in the vaping process. This could indicate that freebase nicotine liquids are less harmful than nic salt vape juices.

Mixing Nic Shots with Shortfills

Mixing nicotine shots with shortfills is straightforward, allowing vapers to customise nicotine levels. Shortfills are larger bottles of nicotine-free e-liquid with enough space for a nicotine shot or two. To mix, simply remove the tops from both the shortfill and nic shot bottles, add the nicotine shot to the shortfill, seal the cap, and shake until the contents are well-mixed.

Mixing nicotine shots with shortfills is straightforward, allowing vapers to customise nicotine levels. Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the tops from both the shortfill and nic shot bottles.

2. Add the nicotine shot to the shortfill.

3. Seal the cap.

4. Shake until the contents are well-mixed.

While the process is easy, it requires some experimentation to find the preferred nicotine strength. This flexibility in mixing allows vapers to create a vaping experience tailored to their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying nicotine hit every time.

Can You Mix Nicotine Shots with Nicotine Salts?

Mixing nicotine shots with nicotine salts is generally not recommended due to potential negative effects on taste and the VG/PG ratio, which can result in an unpleasant vaping experience.

Different rates of vaporisation can make the mixed flavours of nicotine shots and salts less enjoyable. Therefore, it is best to choose one type of nicotine additive to ensure a consistent and satisfying vaping experience.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Selecting the right nicotine booster depends on your individual vaping habits, device compatibility, and desired nicotine strength. If you prefer customising your nicotine levels and enjoy mixing e-liquids, nicotine shots might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if convenience and a smoother vaping experience are your priorities, nicotine salts offer a ready-to-use solution that doesn’t require mixing.

At SMOKO, we use freebase nicotine in our e-liquids. We believe in helping smokers to quit smoking and make the switch to vaping and our experience of the vaping market tells us that most smokers want to feel E-Cigarette vapour to help replace the throat hit that smoking provides. As cigarette smoke is much more harmful than E-Cigarette vapour, the throat hit helps provide more of a body to the E-Cigarette vapour when it is inhaled, which is lacking with nic salt vape juices.

At the end of the day, Public Health England's evidence reviews continue to say that E-Cigarettes are 95% less harmful than smoking (5), so making the switch to vaping is the first step to a healthier lifestyle! For us, it's all about making that switch as easy and seamless as possible.

Summary

In summary, both nicotine shots and nicotine salts offer unique benefits that cater to different vaping preferences. Nicotine shots provide customisation and cost-effectiveness, while nicotine salts offer a smoother throat hit and faster absorption while still allowing customisation and providing a cost-effective solution. Whether you’re looking for a customisable experience or a quick nicotine hit, understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your vaping needs.

SMOKO aims to provide a hassle-free vaping experience, so that means SMOKO devices use refills prefilled with our great-tasting UK-made e-liquid. No messy filling, no mixing liquids or adding nic shots, just pop your SMOKO Refill onto your battery and start vaping! If you value your time and effort, let us take care of all the messy stuff so you can focus on you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are nicotine shots?

Nicotine shots are concentrated, unflavoured nicotine that you can add to e-liquids, giving you the freedom to adjust your vaping strength just the way you like it. It's all about making your vaping experience more personal!

What are nicotine salts?

Nicotine salts are a smoother form of nicotine made by mixing it with benzoic acid, which allows for quicker absorption into your system. This makes them popular for a more enjoyable vaping experience.

Can I mix nicotine shots with nicotine salts?

It's best to avoid mixing nicotine shots with nicotine salts, as it can negatively affect the taste and the balance of VG/PG. Stick to one or the other for a better vaping experience!

Will SMOKO devices work with nicotine shots?

At SMOKO, our devices use rechargeable batteries with replaceable, prefilled pods. Our UK-filled pods contain our UK-made e-liquid and you can recycle your empty refills with us for free! Our refills cannot be filled once used, so you don't need to worry about adding nicotine to SMOKO refills.

How do I mix nicotine shots with shortfills?

Mixing nicotine shots with shortfills is super easy! Just remove the tops, pour the nicotine shot into the shortfill, seal it up, and give it a good shake until it’s all blended.

REFERENCES 

(1) Study finds that vast amounts of waste are caused by single-use e-cigarette batteries

(2) Leaked BAT testing data claims nearly all major disposable vaping brands contain illegal levels of e-liquid

(3) Pharmacokinetics of freebase nicotine and nicotine salts following subcutaneous administration in male rats

(4) Comprehensive Dutch market data analysis shows that e-liquids with nicotine salts have both higher nicotine and flavour concentrations than those with free-base nicotine 

(5) E-cigarettes around 95% less harmful than tobacco estimates landmark review

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.