NIC SALT 20mg EXPLAINED - A GUIDE TO SMOOTH VAPING

Key Takeaways

• Smoother feel — Nic salts deliver nicotine faster and more smoothly than traditional e-liquids, but may not achieve as high blood-nicotine levels as freebase nicotine.

• 20mg is the UK legal max — A 20mg strength provides a powerful yet smooth hit without the harshness often found in high-strength freebase nicotine.

• Best with low-powered devices — Nic salts work best in pod systems and starter kits, giving a cigarette-like experience with less vapour and more flavour.

If you're a smoker thinking about switching to vaping, you've probably heard the term "nic salt 20 mg." It might sound a bit technical, but the idea behind it is straightforward and could be the key to helping you successfully ditch cigarettes for good.

A nic salt 20 mg e-liquid is a high-strength vape juice designed to deliver nicotine smoothly and quickly. The "20 mg" simply means there are 20 milligrams of nicotine in every millilitre of liquid. This is the highest concentration allowed by law in the UK, making it a perfect starting point for heavy smokers.

Your Guide to Nic Salt 20 Mg

Think of it like the difference between a rich espresso and a flavoured latte. Both give you that caffeine kick, but the latte flavour helps mitigate the bitterness off the coffee. A 20 mg nicotine salt e-liquid works in much the same way, giving you a satisfying dose of nicotine with intense flavour, without the throat hit you might get from traditional high-strength e-liquids. Nicotine salt e-liquids are a popular product category known for their smoother throat hit, faster absorption, and suitability for a wide range of vape devices, especially pod systems.

This smoothness makes it a powerful tool for getting your nicotine cravings under control, especially when you’re first making the switch. All e-liquids are designed to provide quick relief from cravings, making vaping an effective option for smokers looking to quit.

To break it down even further, here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from a 20 mg nic salt e-liquid.

Nic Salt 20 mg at a Glance

Why Is a Smoother Hit So Important?

For years, some smokers who tried vaping found the experience fell short. The first e-liquids used a type of nicotine called “freebase,” which is renowned for providing a throat hit, especially at higher strengths, when vaping. While many smokers making the switch actually favour this throat hit to create a sensation similar to smoking, some new vapers had to settle for lower nicotine levels that just didn’t cut it, sending them right back to cigarettes. This can be due to the harsh throat hit that freebase nicotine can cause at higher strengths.

Nicotine salts completely changed the game. By using a slightly different chemical makeup, they are far less alkaline. This is what creates that noticeably smoother hit, even at the UK maximum of 20 mg strength. Nic salts are known for delivering an overall smoother vape, making them ideal for those seeking a gentler vaping experience.

It’s this innovation that has made nic salts a huge part of the UK vaping market, offering a familiar and satisfying nicotine delivery that smokers are used to. You can learn more here about the rise of nicotine salts in the UK vaping scene.

The biggest advantage of nic salt 20 mg is its ability to deliver a strong dose of nicotine with hardly any throat irritation, making it an incredibly effective option for heavy smokers.

Who Is Nic Salt 20 Mg Designed For?

This strength isn't for everyone, but it’s specifically formulated to help a certain group of smokers finally make a successful switch.

You might be the perfect candidate for 20 mg nic salts if:

• You're a heavy smoker: This usually means you smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day.

• You need immediate relief from cravings: The fast-acting nature of nic salts is brilliant for tackling those intense urges.

• You've tried lower-strength vapes before and they didn't work: If other products left you feeling unsatisfied, the 20 mg strength could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

• You prefer a more discreet vape: Nic salts work best in low-power devices that produce a small amount of vapour, much like the smoke from a cigarette.

For many, this strength is the perfect starting point. It provides the support needed to break the habit of smoking by replacing the nicotine in a far less harmful way.

Nicotine Salts vs Freebase Nicotine Compared

To really get why nic salt 20 mg has become so popular, it helps to put it head-to-head with the first style of vape juice, known as freebase nicotine.

Think of it like choosing a road for a journey. Freebase nicotine is like a single high-speed lane—you really notice how fast you are going and need to pay attention! Too much of a high strength freebase nicotine liquid and you might end up having a little coughing fit! This is because freebase nicotine provides a stronger sensation in the throat compared to nic salts.

Nicotine salts, on the other hand, are like a smooth, modern motorway of multiple lanes of traffic. They let you travel at high speed (in this case, use a high nicotine strength) comfortably and efficiently, but with everyone else travelling at high speeds, you almost feel like you’re going slowly. The smoothness of nic salt liquids can result in vaping too much, leading to the early symptoms of nicotine poisoning. Nic salts are absorbed faster and offer a milder throat sensation, making it easier to get carried away. 

The Science Behind The Smoothness

The secret is all down to the pH level. Freebase nicotine is more alkaline, and that’s what creates that sharp, scratchy feeling when you vape it at high concentrations. It’s been chemically “freed” from its natural state, which makes it more volatile but also allows to get absorbed in the lining of the throat. (1)

Nicotine salts, however, are much closer to the nicotine found naturally in the tobacco leaf. By adding a simple organic acid, like benzoic acid, the pH level is lowered. This small tweak dramatically reduces the alkalinity and prevents absorption in the throat, resulting in a much smoother and gentler throat hit, even at the maximum 20 mg strength allowed in the UK.

If you want to get into the nitty-gritty of the chemistry, you can find a comprehensive explanation by reading our guide comparing nic salts vs freebase nicotine.

The User Impact: The lower pH of nicotine salts allows a 20 mg strength to feel as smooth as a much weaker freebase e-liquid, all while delivering nicotine slightly more aggressively.

To make things clearer, let’s break down the key differences in a simple table.

Comparing Nic Salts and Freebase Nicotine

As you can see, the choice really depends on what you're looking for in your vaping experience. 

Absorption Speed and Cravings Control

Another crucial difference is how quickly the nicotine hits your system. Freebase nicotine is absorbed a little more slowly, which means you might have to vape for longer to satisfy a craving. This can feel frustrating and less effective for some, but for others it means getting in a few more puffs of your favourite vape flavour!

Nicotine salts are absorbed into the bloodstream much more rapidly, in a way that closely mimics the delivery from a cigarette. This fast action is great for managing those intense cravings. When you feel the urge to smoke, a few puffs from a device using a nic salt 20 mg e-liquid can provide almost instant relief. The rapid absorption and reduced throat hit of nic salts also contribute to a smoother vaping experience, making it easier and more enjoyable for users to control nicotine cravings.

This visual shows the difference between a 20 mg nic salt and a 20 mg freebase liquid when it comes to throat hit and absorption speed.

Interestingly enough, a study found that freebase nicotine liquids can achieve a higher blood-nicotine level (2), indicating there could be advantages to freebase nicotine liquids including needing to vape less frequently, which in turn means spending less money and prolonging the lifetime of your rechargeable batteries, prefilled pods and e-liquid bottles.

Flavourings in nic salt liquids

One study found that nic salt liquids typically contain 3 to 4 times the amount of flavouring compared with freebase liquids (3). This is significant as vaping is designed as a less harmful alternative to smoking, so the potential harm from vaping should always be related to what we know about smoking. If you are looking for the maximum harm-reduction by switching to vaping, freebase nicotine liquids may well provide a less harmful option than nic salt liquids because flavourings are responsible for some of the volatile compounds produced in the vaping process. As nic salt particles are larger than freebase particles and are not absorbed in the throat, this could lead to increased inflammation in the lungs.

When it comes to choosing what to vape, there is a huge variety of e liquid flavours and vape juices available, including dessert, sweet, and tobacco blends, as well as fruity options. The ultimate in harm reduction would, logically, be to use flavourless e-liquid. This is an option, though most retail liquids are flavoured so users would have to make their own e-liquids with a mixture of vegetable glycerine (VG), propylene glycol (PG), and nicotine shots.

Nic shots can be added to shortfills to customise the nicotine strength of your e-liquid, allowing for a smoother vaping experience tailored to your preference.

A major advantage vaping has over smoking is vaping with pleasant flavours, helping to encourage the user to use the vape and refrain from going back to tobacco cigarettes. Popular fruity flavours include passion fruit, mango, and berry blends.

Don’t forget that the evidence reviews from Public Health England state that vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking - so the most important thing is to get off the cigarettes with a vape that works for you!

Why This Matters For a Successful Switch

Understanding these differences between freebase nicotine and nic salts helps you make an informed choice. If you’ve tried vaping before and found it unsatisfying or just too harsh, it might be because you don’t agree with freebase nicotine. Things like a higher PG content can also dry out the throat and cause irritation, so choosing a liquid with a higher VG content could help - like the SMOOTH VAPE POD refills from SMOKO!

When you use high strength nic salts, it's best to pair them with a refillable vape kit or a small, low-wattage pod device, as these are designed for optimal nicotine salt performance and smoother throat hits. Vape mods, especially high wattage or sub ohm kits, are less suitable for nic salts due to the stronger throat hit and rapid nicotine delivery, making them better matched with low strength freebase nicotine e-liquids.

Here’s a simple breakdown of who benefits most from each type:

• Nicotine Salts (20 mg) are ideal for:

• Heavy smokers who need a strong, fast-acting nicotine hit.

• Anyone who found traditional high-strength e-liquids too harsh.

• People who prefer a Direct-Lung (DL) vaping style that inhale straight to the lungs so don’t want the throat hit.

• Freebase Nicotine is better suited for:

• Vapers who actually prefer a noticeable throat hit.

• Vapers who can only vape intermittently (like smoke breaks).

• Users of powerful, sub-ohm devices who enjoy creating large clouds of vapour (at lower strengths like 3mg or 6mg).

• People who have already cut their nicotine dependency down to lower levels (like 3 mg or 6 mg).

Finding The Right Device for 20 mg Nic Salts

Choosing the right e-liquid is only half the story when it comes to successfully switching from smoking. The device you use is just as crucial, especially when you’re dealing with a higher-strength e-liquid like nic salt 20 mg. Selecting the right vape kits is essential, as many are specifically designed for use with nicotine salts. A refillable vape kit is ideal for nic salts, offering ease of use, flavour variety, and consistent nicotine satisfaction. The two have to work together perfectly, because a mismatch can lead to a really unpleasant time.

Think of it like this: a 20 mg nicotine salt e-liquid is like a strong, premium spirit. You’re meant to sip and savour it to get the desired effect. Trying to use it in a powerful, high-wattage vape is like trying to chug that same spirit – it’s could be too much, too fast. With the volume of vapour produced by these more powerful vape mods, a huge inhale of 20mg nic salt liquid could be enough to satisfy your cravings, but without any throat hit you may keep going and end up with a little too much nicotine.

This is exactly why 20 mg nic salts are designed to be used with a very specific type of vape kit. MTL vaping (mouth-to-lung vaping) is the preferred style for nic salt e-liquids, as it provides a satisfying a rich flavour and smooth throat hit without harshness.

The Golden Rule: Low Power Is Key

The single most important thing to remember is that high-strength nicotine needs low-power output. You’re looking for a device that heats the e-liquid gently, producing a small, discreet amount of vapour that’s rich in nicotine. This style of vaping is known as mouth-to-lung (MTL).

MTL devices are specifically designed to mimic the draw of a traditional cigarette. You pull the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it.

The hardware that gives you this experience is usually simple, user-friendly, and ideal for anyone making the switch.

• Pod Kits: These are typically small, pocket-friendly devices using either pre-filled or refillable pods. They operate at low wattages automatically, making them the perfect partner for 20 mg e-liquids.

• Vape Pens: Slim, pen-style vapes are another fantastic choice; they’re dead simple to use!.

• Cigalikes: As the name suggests, these look and feel very similar to cigarettes. They are built specifically to replicate the smoking experience with a tight, controlled draw.

   

Why You Must Avoid Sub-Ohm Vapes at High Nicotine Strengths

On the complete opposite end of the vaping spectrum are sub-ohm or direct-to-lung (DTL) devices. These are the big, powerful vapes you see producing massive clouds of vapour. They work by using low-resistance coils (anything below 1.0 ohm) and high wattages to vaporise a huge amount of e-liquid in an instant. These types of devices are often referred to as ohm kits, and while they excel with high VG, low-nicotine e-liquids, they are not ideal for high-strength nic salts due to the harsh throat hit and rapid nicotine absorption.

Putting a nic salt 20 mg liquid into one of these devices is a recipe for disaster. The sheer volume of vapour means you’d inhale an enormous, potentially nauseating amount of nicotine in a single puff. The hit would be incredibly harsh and could easily lead to symptoms of nicotine overconsumption, like dizziness and headaches.

Here’s a quick breakdown to make the difference crystal clear.

Finding Your Perfect Match

For anyone just starting out, you really can’t overstate the simplicity and effectiveness of a good pod system. They are designed to be completely hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the equation so you can focus on staying off the cigarettes. Exploring the best prefilled pod vapes in the UK is a great place to start looking for options perfectly suited for 20 mg e-liquids.

By matching your high-strength nic salt with a low-wattage device, you create a setup that works in harmony to deliver satisfaction, kill cravings, and make your move away from smoking as smooth as possible. This careful pairing is the foundation of a great vaping journey and helps you achieve the best flavour and satisfaction from your vape.

The Lowdown on Nicotine Strength and UK Rules

When you see "nic salt 20 mg" on a bottle of e-liquid, you're not just looking at a product. You're seeing the result of specific UK regulations designed to give smokers a real chance at quitting while keeping things safe. This strength wasn't just plucked out of thin air. It’s the highest level legally allowed, making it an essential tool for adult smokers who need a proper alternative to cigarettes.

Understanding why this is the case is key to feeling confident in your choice. The rules are there to make sure products are consistent and that you know exactly what you're getting.

The TPD and the 20 mg/ml Limit

The rule that sets this cap is called the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), a set of regulations for the UK and EU. Before the TPD, the vaping market was a bit of a free-for-all, with e-liquid strengths all over the place - though a maximum of 24mg/ml was in place in the UK under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR), there were nic salt e-liquids available in the wider global market up to 50g/ml! The TPD directive brought in a maximum nicotine concentration of 20 milligrams per millilitre for any e-liquid sold in shops across the EU. (4)

This limit was put in place to stop extremely high, and potentially risky, levels of nicotine from being sold directly to the public. It also helped standardise the market, creating a clear framework that reputable companies like SMOKO operate within.

The 20 mg/ml cap has shaped the entire UK vaping industry, making 20 mg the strongest and most effective option legally available to help heavy smokers get a handle on their cravings and finally make the switch.

For someone who used to be a heavy smoker, this maximum strength is often the perfect place to start. It’s strong enough to mimic the nicotine hit from a cigarette, which is absolutely vital for getting through that tough initial phase of quitting. It delivers the satisfaction needed to stop you from reaching for a pack of cigarettes.

Your Journey From 20 mg Downwards

Starting with a nic salt 20 mg e-liquid is a common and very effective strategy, but it’s best to see it as just that—a starting point. For many people, the end goal is to slowly reduce their reliance on nicotine, and vaping offers a clear, manageable way to do that. This is a massive advantage over smoking, where trying to control your nicotine intake is practically impossible.

Once you’ve successfully moved away from cigarettes and your cravings are under control, you can start thinking about trying lower strengths. This gradual step-down is a completely normal part of the journey for many vapers.

The UK's vaping market shows this trend clearly. While 20 mg is a crucial starting point, it’s part of a much bigger picture. The nicotine salt market is a huge part of the UK’s vaping industry, which is expected to hit around £3.3 billion in 2025. What's really interesting is that sales data shows 10 mg nic salts currently outsell 20 mg options by a 3:1 ratio. This tells us a lot of people are successfully reducing their nicotine levels over time. You can find out more by reading the UK vaping market analysis for 2025 on Ecigone.co.uk.

For most people, this journey looks something like this:

1. Start at 20 mg: Use this strength to completely replace cigarettes and get used to vaping.

2. Move to 18 mg or 15 mg: Once the cravings are no longer a battle, step down to a slightly lower strength.

3. Settle at 10 mg or lower: Many vapers find a comfortable long-term sweet spot at a medium strength.

4. Aim for nicotine-free: For some, the final goal is to cut out nicotine completely, while still enjoying the habit and ritual of vaping.

Being able to taper down your intake like this puts you firmly in the driver's seat, giving you full control over your nicotine consumption.

Popular Flavours in Nic Salt E-Liquids

One of the biggest draws of nic salts is the incredible variety of flavours available, making it easy for every vaper to find something they love. Whether you’re after the familiar comfort of classic tobacco or the vibrant taste of fruity blends, there’s a nic salt e-liquid to suit your personal preference.

Popular nic salt flavours include juicy options like mango, blueberry, and watermelon—perfect for those who enjoy a burst of fruit with every puff. If you’re after a refreshing sensation, cool menthol and icy blends deliver a crisp, clean throat hit that’s especially popular among ex-smokers looking for a fresh twist. For those with a sweet tooth, dessert-inspired salt e liquids such as vanilla, caramel, and even pastry flavours offer a rich, indulgent vaping experience.

Of course, many ex-smokers still crave the authentic taste of tobacco. That’s why many brands offer tobacco nic salt e liquids crafted to replicate the distinctive flavours of real tobacco leaves, providing a satisfying and familiar option for those making the switch from cigarettes.

With such a huge range of e liquids and salt nicotine flavours on the market, it’s easy to experiment and discover your new favourite. Popular brands often release new and exciting blends, and online reviews can be a great resource for finding the best flavours to match your vape kit and nicotine strength. Remember, the right nic salt strength and flavour can make all the difference in your vaping experience, so don’t be afraid to try a few different liquids until you find your perfect match.

Whether you prefer fruity favourites, classic tobacco, or something a little more adventurous, the world of e liquids is full of possibilities. Explore, experiment, and enjoy the journey to finding your ideal vape juice.

Navigating Common Myths About Vaping

One of the biggest hurdles smokers face when considering a switch is the mountain of misinformation out there. A common belief is that vaping is just as harmful as smoking traditional tobacco.

But the evidence simply doesn't back this up. In fact, leading health bodies see vaping as a crucial tool for harm reduction for adult smokers. This stubborn myth, however, continues to do the rounds, even among long-term smokers and some health professionals.

Public Health Consensus

Recent surveys in Great Britain show that about 10.4% of adults vape, and daily use has climbed from 4.5% to 7.6% in the last few years. You can dig into the full public health report for more details on these trends.

Even with this growth, a staggering 56% of adults mistakenly believe vaping is as bad as, or even worse than, smoking. This widespread misunderstanding is a major barrier, preventing smokers from exploring a much safer alternative.

Among younger people (ages 11–17), around 7% currently vape, with 3% vaping daily. This really underlines why clear, balanced messaging is so important.

Next Steps for Smokers

Ready to get started? Pick a low-power pod device that’s specifically designed for 20 mg e-liquids. Make sure you follow the setup guide to vape safely and get the best experience. Try tracking your sessions and setting small, achievable goals. A good place to start is simply replacing one cigarette a day with a vaping session, and building from there.

At SMOKO, our experience tells us that most smokers looking to switch to vaping are looking for a similar sensation, with the throat hit from freebase nicotine really helping them feel the vapour as it travels down their throat. This is why we use freebase nicotine in our refills - filled here in the UK with our UK-made e-liquid - for every SMOKO device. If you are looking for something smooth, then our 1.1% strength refills for the VAPE POD or the VAPE MAX still provide a little throat-hit while offering a smoother experience than our max strength refills.

Many of our customers found success in quitting smoking with our Cigalike E-Cigarette, designed to look and feel as close to a cigarette as possible, starting on the maximum strength of 2%. You can check out what SMOKO customers have to say here.

Nic Salt 20mg FAQ

Even after getting the lowdown on nic salts, you might still have a few things you're wondering about. Let’s run through some of the most common questions people have when they're considering a nic salt 20 mg e-liquid.

We want you to feel completely confident, so this is all about giving you quick, clear answers to the practical stuff – strength, safety, and what to expect day-to-day.

Is 20 Mg of Nicotine Salt a Lot?

If you're making the switch from a heavy smoking habit – say, a pack a day or more – then 20 mg is often the perfect place to start. It's specifically formulated to give you that strong, satisfying nicotine hit you're used to from a cigarette, which is a massive help for keeping those initial cravings at bay.

On the other hand, for a light or social smoker, this strength would almost certainly be too much. It's crucial to remember that 20 mg/ml is the highest concentration legally allowed in the UK, making it a powerful option for those who really need it.

Which Vape Devices Are Best For 20 Mg Nic Salts?

Users of 20 mg nic salts typically choose a low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) device. Think pod systems, simple vape pens, and cigalikes. These kits are designed to gently heat the liquid, producing a discreet amount of vapour that feels natural to an ex-smoker.

Whatever you do, never use high-strength nic salts in a powerful, high-wattage sub-ohm device. Firing up a big cloud-chasing kit with 20mg nic salt will deliver an unpleasant blast of nicotine. Using the wrong device can leave you feeling dizzy or nauseous, so it's vital to know the signs of nicotine overdose and how vaping fits in.

How Long Will a 10ml Bottle Last?

This really comes down to how much you vape, but a former heavy smoker might find a 10ml bottle lasts them anywhere from two to five days.

Are 20 Mg Nic Salts More Addictive?

If you're moving over from smoking, you're already dealing with a nicotine dependency. Nicotine salts are a harm reduction tool, designed to deliver that same nicotine but without the thousands of toxic chemicals that come from burning tobacco.

The great thing about vaping is that it gives you a clear and manageable way to gradually reduce your nicotine intake over time. You can step down to lower strengths as your cravings lessen—something that's incredibly difficult to do when you're smoking traditional cigarettes.

Nic Salt 20mg Explained - A Guide To Smooth Vaping - Conclusion

With so many e liquids available, you can easily find the right strength and flavour to suit your taste. From classic tobacco and menthol to fruity blends and dessert-inspired options, freebase or nic salt, there’s something for everyone.

At SMOKO, we're all about helping adult smokers find a truly satisfying and effective alternative to cigarettes. Our UK-made e-liquids and straightforward, user-friendly devices are designed to make your switch as seamless as possible.

Explore our range of products and start your journey to a smoke-free life today at https://smoko.com.

References

(1) Effects of freebase/protonated nicotine concentration, liquid composition and electrical power on throat hit in direct-to-lung vaping: theory and clinical measurements

(2) Electronic Vaporization of Nicotine Salt or Freebase produces differential effects on metabolism, neuronal activity and behavior in male and female C57BL/6J mice

(3) 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

(4) E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products 

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 01/10/2025