Freebase vs Nicotine Salts — What's the Difference?
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If you've been looking at e-liquid options in New Zealand, you've likely come across two types of nicotine: freebase nicotine and nicotine salts (often called nic salts or salt nic). Understanding the difference between the two can help you make a more informed decision about which type of e-liquid suits you.
What is Freebase Nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the most traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquid. It is nicotine in its purest chemical form, without any additives to alter its pH level. Freebase nicotine has been used in e-liquids since vaping began and remains widely available.
Characteristics of Freebase Nicotine
- Typically used at lower concentrations (1.5mg–12mg)
- Produces a noticeable throat hit, especially at higher strengths
- Works well in higher-powered, sub-ohm devices that produce more vapour
- Absorbed slightly more slowly than nicotine salts
What are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts are a form of nicotine that occurs naturally in tobacco leaves. By adding an acid (commonly benzoic acid) to freebase nicotine, the pH is lowered, making it smoother to inhale at higher concentrations. This allows for a more efficient nicotine delivery without the harshness associated with high-strength freebase nicotine.
Characteristics of Nicotine Salts
- Smoother throat hit, even at higher nicotine concentrations
- Absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream
- Best suited to low-powered pod devices and mouth-to-lung vaping
- Often preferred by those transitioning from smoking
Key Differences at a Glance
| Freebase Nicotine | Nicotine Salts | |
|---|---|---|
| Throat Hit | Stronger at higher strengths | Smoother at higher strengths |
| Absorption | Slower | Faster |
| Best Device | Sub-ohm / high-powered | Pod systems / low-powered |
| Typical Strengths | 3mg–18mg | 20mg–50mg listed as 11 - 28.5mg/mL |
Why Nicotine Salt Products List a Freebase Nicotine Content
You may notice that nicotine salt e-liquids sold in New Zealand list their nicotine content as a freebase nicotine equivalent on the label. This is a requirement under New Zealand's vaping regulations.
Here's why: nicotine salts are created by combining freebase nicotine with an acid. The resulting compound — the nicotine salt — has a different molecular weight to pure freebase nicotine. Under NZ law, the nicotine concentration must be declared as the freebase nicotine equivalent, meaning the amount of nicotine present expressed as if it were in its freebase form.
In practical terms, this means the mg/mL figure you see on a salt nic label refers to the freebase equivalent concentration, not the total weight of the nicotine salt compound. This standardised measurement allows for consistent labelling across all nicotine e-liquid products sold in New Zealand, regardless of whether they use freebase or salt nicotine.
So when you see a nicotine salt e-liquid labelled as "20mg", that figure represents 20mg/mL of freebase nicotine equivalent — the standard unit of measurement required by NZ regulations.
Which is Right for You?
The right choice depends on the type of device you use and your personal preference for throat hit and nicotine delivery. Those using sub-ohm devices with high vapour production generally use freebase nicotine at lower strengths. Those using compact pod systems often find nicotine salts more suitable.
NZ Handcrafted Options at 2020 Vapes
At 2020 Vapes, we handcraft both freebase and salt nicotine e-liquids right here in New Zealand. Our freebase ranges include Rush E-Liquid, Sweet Fruits, and Viva La Vape (VLV). Our salt nicotine range is available under Rush Salts. All products are made in compliance with New Zealand's vaping regulations under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act and the 2025 regulation updates.
If you have any questions, our team is available in store at our Whangārei and Dargaville locations, or via our online store.