Nicotine Salt Liquids: Smooth & Effective

The main differences are how it feels on your throat (“throat hit”) and how nicotine is absorbed.

• Nicotine salt: Thanks to a lower pH level (chemically made more “acidic”), it is much smoother on the throat. You can vape higher strengths (e.g. 20mg) without harsh irritation. Absorption is closer to a cigarette – often perceived as faster and longer-lasting.
• Freebase nicotine: More “basic” and creates a stronger throat hit, especially at higher strengths. Good for people who like that “hit” or vape lower strengths.

It’s very individual, but here are practical guidelines for you as a switcher (when used in MTL devices/pods):

• Heavy ex-smoker (> 1 pack/day): 20mg/ml is often a good starting point to satisfy cravings effectively.
• Moderate ex-smoker (about 10–20 cig/day): 10mg/ml or 20mg/ml are usually suitable. Consider starting with 10mg and see if it’s enough.
• Light ex-smoker (< 10 cig/day): 5mg/ml (if available) or 10mg/ml may already be enough.

Important: Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or get headaches, the strength is probably too high. Start slowly and vape mindfully.

No, that’s not recommended. Nicotine salt liquids—especially higher strengths (10mg, 20mg)—are designed for devices with low power and a tighter draw.

Ideal options are:

• Pod systems: Practically made for nic salts (e.g. Uwell Caliburn, Vaporesso XROS).
• MTL (mouth-to-lung) starter kits: Devices with coils above 0.8 ohm.
• Disposable e-cigarettes: Most use nicotine salts.

Not suitable (or potentially risky) are:

• DL (direct-lung) sub-ohm devices: They produce far too much vapor. If you vape 20mg nic salt in such a device, you can absorb an extremely high amount of nicotine at once, which can be very unpleasant and potentially harmful.

This is due to the lower pH level. Regular freebase nicotine is more alkaline (basic) and can irritate the throat more, which is perceived as “throat hit.”

With nicotine salts, an acid (e.g. benzoic acid) lowers the pH level, making the nicotine more “acidic.” This allows the vapor to be much smoother to inhale, even at higher nicotine strengths.

That’s why you can vape a higher nicotine strength without uncomfortable irritation—often making the switch from cigarettes easier.

“Stronger” yes—because higher concentrations are common and absorption can feel more efficient. “More dangerous” not by default, but there are important points:

• Higher strengths possible: You CAN vape higher nicotine strengths (up to 20mg) without harshness.
• Overdose risk: Precisely BECAUSE it’s smooth, you may not notice how much nicotine you’re taking in. Watch for symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea, and take breaks.
• Addiction: Nicotine is addictive in any form.
• Wrong device use: In DL/sub-ohm devices, high-strength nic salts can lead to far too much nicotine intake at once. Use them only in suitable MTL/pod devices.

Technically yes, but it’s important to understand what changes:

• The nicotine strength averages out: For example, mixing 10ml of 20mg nic salt with 10ml of 6mg freebase results in 20ml at roughly 13mg/ml.
• Throat hit changes: The smooth nic salt hit becomes a bit “rougher” due to freebase nicotine. The result sits between both originals.
• Flavor: The aromas naturally blend.

Why do it? Some vapers mix to create a custom strength or a specific throat hit. However, it’s usually simpler and more precise to buy the desired strength directly or mix with nicotine-free base and shots.

Because nicotine salt liquids are primarily designed for MTL devices and pod systems, the most common and usually best ratio is 50% PG / 50% VG.

Why 50/50?

• Good flavor delivery: 50% PG helps aromas come through clearly.
• Pleasant vapor production: 50% VG provides enough visible vapor for a satisfying MTL experience.
• Ideal viscosity: Not too thick or too thin, helping wicking in smaller pod-system coils.

Higher-VG mixes (e.g. 70% VG) are rare for nic salts and often unsuitable for typical nic salt devices due to potential wicking issues.

As mentioned, the biggest difference in feel is the much smoother throat hit with nicotine salts.

When it comes to flavor, opinions differ and it often depends on the specific liquid and personal perception:

• Some vapers find nic salt flavors slightly softer or rounder.
• Others feel freebase nicotine delivers flavors—especially fruity or sharper notes—more crisp/defined.
• The added acid (usually benzoic acid) is generally flavor-neutral, but very sensitive users might perceive it faintly.

Overall, for most users the flavor difference is minor or not noticeable. The decision is usually based on desired throat hit and the nicotine strength you need.