How Are Nic Salt Liquids Different From Other Regular Eliquids?

By Author: Stacey Slater
Total Articles: 48
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Nicotine (extracted from tobacco) is commonly present in eLiquids that fill the cartridges of vaping devices. All this while, Freebase nicotine was used for the purpose. The thing about freebase is that it is highly potent and best enjoyed at low strengths because higher strength causes a throat hit that most vapers cannot tolerate. Nicotine Salt or Nic Salt solves this problem to a great extent, allowing vapers a higher nicotine level with a reduced harsh throat hit effect making it more comfortable. And as you comfortably get your due dosage of the stimulant, you'd most likely vape less and successfully quit smoking soon. Just in case you were wondering, Nic Salts have nothing to do with regular table salt, and neither does it turn your vape juice salty. Know more about Nic Salt Liquids and their key difference from regular freebase eLiquids.

Nic salts were used for formulating e-liquids for quite some time in the US. However, its popularity in the UK was raised after the American e-Cigarettes company, JUUL released their closed vaping pod system around 2018. In the American version, the vaper is sold with up to 50% ...
... nicotine level, while the EU version contains a max 20%, as regulated by the TPD.

Difference Between Nic Salts and Regular Freebase eLiquids

The core difference between Nic Salt and freebase eLiquids is their formulation for reduced or raised tolerance of nicotine levels.

There is a higher pH level in freebase eLiquids, which affects the alkalinity. Nic Salts, on the other hand, have lower alkalinity because of the presence of benzoic acid.

General Freebasd eLiquids have lower levels of nicotine which result in smooth and light vaping. This may be unsatisfying for chain smokers who are more used to harsher tastes but raising the nicotine content in eLiquids would result in an unpleasant throat hit. Nic Salts are known to solve this problem by giving you a smoother throat hit even with higher nicotine levels.

Background On Freebase and Nic Salts - Inventions Created by Necessities

Freebase nicotine is the standard form of the component that most tobacco companies have been using in their cigarettes since the 1960s and later used to create freebase eLiquids as well. The idea of this method is credited to Marlboro owners, Philip Morris & Co. cigarette manufacturer that is the namesake of tobacconist Philip Morris.

Their finding was revolutionary - they altered the pH levels in nicotine, which created this kicking stimulant without raising its level. Something that was never available in cigarettes before. The freebasing method involves removing the positive charge from the nicotine ions (deprotonating) by mixing natural nicotine with the salt-like diammonium phosphate. As a result, the leaves release ammonium as a "freebase" when combusted. The nicotine in its free state is more potent and travels more intensely across the body. Hence, the kicking stimulation! Freebase eLiquids retain great flavour, while vapers experience a smooth throat hit and enjoy the smoke. You can find so many different flavours like menthol, fruit and cola eLiquid in the UK.

Regular cigarettes also use freebase nicotine, but in a much higher level than present in eLiquids. The raised level of nicotine content results in a harsh taste that is missing in eLiquids. That is why smokers who like stronger nicotine content might find regular vape juice unsatisfying. And increasing the nicotine level in vape juices would have the smoothness compromised to the harshness.

That is where Nic Salts make a difference!

Nic Salts are the state of natural nicotine after extracting it from tobacco and before the stage of freebasing. Adding benzoic acid would make it vaporise at lower temperatures and increase its absorption rate. Moreover, it reduces the pH levels in eJuices without affecting the flavour, unlike what diammonium phosphate does in freebase vape juices.

Nic Salt Liquid or Freebase - Which Is Safer?

Let us start by repeating what everyone knows by now - smoking is injurious to health. The only "safer" option is not to smoke at all.
In terms of safety comparison, nic salt and freebase are equally safe or harmful.

Technically, Freebase eLiquids have a lower concentration of nicotine, just about 0-24mg. Nic Salts, on the other hand, may have up to 50mg nicotine strength.

In their International Programme for Chemical Safety, The World Health Organisation recommended the daily dosage of vapers should not ingest any more than 5 mg of vaping acids per kilogramme of body weight. In the UK, this ratio equates to 415 mg for a 185-pound man and 350 mg for a 154-pound woman.

In comparison to smoking cigarettes, vapes are less harmful. And the idea behind vapes is to help chain smokers quit smoking,

Both Nic salts and freebase eLiquids have shown to be equally safe for users, and inhalation of the benzoic acid does not have any evidence of health hazards as such. But the studies are limited about the safety and efficiency of both variants of eLiquids, it is more of a grey area.

Author Bio:

The author is a successful quitter! Kicking the butt after being a vaper for 2years. Her articles are all about enlightening readers about all they need to know about vapes and eLiquids, nic salts liquids, safety concerns, and the plethora.