How to Safely Use Nicotine Salts

How to Safely Use Nicotine Salts

Nicotine salts are quickly becoming the go-to for vapers but do you know how to use them?

20 January 2022 | Hannah Rubery

How to Safely use Nicotine Salts (Image)

Nicotine Salts have fast become the big thing in vaping. They were first introduced in 2015 and since then have taken the vaping world by storm, but many new vapers may not know about the benefits of them, or how they differ from normal freebase nicotine. Nic Salts might not be for everyone either but there are many who would benefit from them.



WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NIC SALTS AND FREEBASE?

First off, let’s understand the difference between the two types. Freebase nicotine is the traditionally used version for most E-Liquids, Nicotine Salts take freebase to the next step by including an acid to turn the nicotine into a salt. This helps balance the nicotine into a much smoother version that also carries a stronger, purer nicotine hit.

For this reason, many who use nicotine salts note how there is a smoother throat hit, and that there is better nicotine absorbability than with freebase. It also impedes on the flavour of your E-Liquid less, giving you stronger flavours when you vape.

For more information on the differences between the two, check out our previous article on freebase vs nicotine salts.



ARE NIC SALTS SAFE?

In short, yes! The only chemical difference between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine is that nic salts are given an acid to help neutralise the alkaline in nicotine. Thereby reducing the harshness of nicotine on the throat, especially at higher strengths.

This acid is usually Benzoic (widely used as a food pH adjuster and can also be found in certain fruits) or Citric acid (naturally found in citrus fruits), both of which naturally occur in the body.

The main thing to watch when using nicotine salts is your strength and the device you are using with them.


Pod Salt nicotine salts (Image)

NICOTINE SALT STRENGTH 101

Due to the nature of nicotine salts, they are naturally stronger than the freebase version. This is excellent for smokers who are looking to quit and still need a strong nicotine hit. In the UK the max strength available is 20mg/ml.

You may be confused looking at some nicotine salts that mention 36mg/ml, this is due to the E-Liquid containing more volume due to the salt/acid content, however these nicotine salts only contain 20mg/ml of actual nicotine. Our nicotine salts are sold in the strengths 11mg/ml and 20mg/ml, most have adopted the approach of showing the actual content of nicotine and not the total content of nicotine salt, i.e. 36mg/ml.

Due to the higher strengths of nicotine in nicotine salts and the gentler throat hit, it can be easy to not realise just how much nicotine you are inhaling. It’s important to note that it is not recommended to use nic salts with sub-ohm high-powered devices to prevent excessive nicotine consumption. Using these devices with nic salts may unintentionally provide you with more nicotine than you anticipate due to the large intake created from high-powered devices.



WHAT DEVICE SHOULD YOU USES NIC SALTS WITH?

Instead, low wattage devices are Nic Salts’ best friend. These include the ever-popular disposable devices with built-in batteries, and the true friend to Nic Salts, the pod kit. There are even pod tank kits that blend the best of both worlds, offering interchangeable parts and the ability to tailor your vape for different types of E-Liquid. Low wattage devices are perfect as they don’t consume as much vapour to get the same amount of nicotine as a high-powered device.

An open system (refillable pods) are great for those who enjoy buying nicotine salt E-Liquids in various strengths and bottle sizes, as you can refill the pod.

Closed systems come with pre-filled pods usually in a variety of set strengths and flavours, making them as simple to use as popping in a fresh pod when needed.

Nicotine salts have made their way into disposable devices which are perfect for newcomers to vaping. Ready to go straight from the box, these devices often come in several strengths and offer a variety of flavours. These are also handy for those who have never tried Nic Salts before and want to give them a go without investing too much.


Pod Salt Go 600 grape ice flavour (Image)

MAKING THE JUMP TO NICOTINE SALTS

The important thing to consider whether you wish to try Nic Salts or not is whether they will truly be a benefit for you. If you are satisfied with what you are currently using then there’s no reason to switch. However, if you want to quit smoking and give vaping a try and don’t know where to start, give Nic Salts a try. Nic Salts are also perfect if you find you’re not quite satisfied with freebase nicotine or seeking an experience more similar to smoking.

Nicotine salts are a great way to help with your nicotine cravings for those shifting away from cigarettes. They also give you a more comfortable throat hit that really is noticeable. Nic Salts also provide the nicotine hit quicker, helping satisfy those cravings faster and making you less likely to return to the cigarettes.

Most importantly, Nic Salts are user-friendly and perfect for newcomers to vaping. Most low wattage devices like pod kits and disposable devices are all self-firing. No need to learn how to operate new fancy tech, simply take a drag on the device like you would a cigarette and it auto fires up. If you’re still a little dubious, pick up some Nic Salt disposable devices like our Pod Salt Go 600 – there’s little investment needed, try a few flavours and see how you feel about nicotine salts after. Or if you are ready to take the plunge or like what you’ve tried before, check out our 10ml bottles of nicotine salt E-Liquids in a wide array of flavours.