What are nicotine salts? - 2020 Vapes

What are nicotine salts?

Nicotine salt e-juice gives quick relief when cravings arise. Originally developed by JUUL labs, users found nic salt to be more satisfying than regular e-juice. It wasn’t long before the rest of the industry caught up.

This type of e-juice is normally high in nicotine, but what makes nicotine salts intriguing is that they’re formulated for a smooth inhale instead of feeling harsh despite the high alkaloid quantity. But you’ll still feel the nic! You can consume less juice, making them more cost-efficient. Nic salts give you more bang for your buck.

What is nicotine salt?

Nicotine salt is a chemical formulation of nicotine that decreases its harshness, allowing vapers to comfortably get more nicotine while inhaling less vapor. The terms nicotine salts, nic salt, salt nic, or salt nicotine all mean the same thing. It’s not table salt (sodium chloride); it doesn’t make your e-liquid salty and it won’t increase your sodium intake. In chemistry terms, a salt is a neutral charged ionic compound made from an acid and base.

In nicotine salts, a chemical (usually benzoic acid) neutralizes the nicotine (base) molecules and creates a more stable compound that results in a nicotine that’s smoother to consume. JUUL Labs, which was the first to develop nicotine salt as a retail product, says that its formulation is like nicotine in leaf tobacco before it’s stripped out during the extraction process.

Switching from a standard freebase nicotine mix, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Nicotine salts aren’t harsh on the throat like freebase nicotine.

Another difference between the two nicotine formulations is that salt nicotine appears to vaporize well at lower temperatures. That makes it ideal for small vape devices like pod vapes which have less power.

Many users report that nicotine salts give a sensation similar to smoking, more than regular e-liquid. That’s not magic! It’s because many of the products contain up to 60 mg/mL of nicotine. More nicotine-per-puff adds a more satisfying experience for smokers and ex-smokers.

What strength should you buy?

Most nicotine salt e-liquids come in 20-35 mg strengths. If you’re a vaper that prefers low strength nicotine with greater vapor production, some manufacturers offer nicotine salts in levels as low as 3-6 mg/mL.

  • 3-6 mg - Suitable for sub ohm tanks due to their low concentration. Nic salts provide a cleaner taste and is less noticeable than freebase nicotine. This is ideal for flavor chasers.
  • 20-35 mg - Ideal for people who need a substantial dose of nicotine. In Europe, 20 mg is the highest level you can get.
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