Story By VAPE VIBE

Jun 21 — 2025

Nicotine salts are the same nicotine molecule you find in tobacco – but bonded to an organic acid (usually benzoic acid). That tweak drops the liquid’s pH, making even high-strength e-liquids feel silky-smooth while delivering nicotine to the bloodstream fast. For a head-to-head comparison, see our full nic salt and freebase comparison.

A simple definition

Nicotine salts (often shortened to nic salts) are e-liquids where free-form (base) nicotine has been mixed with an acid – most commonly benzoic or, less often, citric or lactic. The result is a stable “salt” that vapes at lower temperatures and feels far less harsh on the throat, even at 20–50 mg /ml strengths.

How are nicotine salts made?

StepWhat happensWhy it matters
ExtractionFreebase nicotine is isolated from tobacco leaf.Provides the raw, alkaline base.
Acid additionBenzoic acid (or similar) is blended in precise ratio.Protonates the nicotine, lowering pH from ≈ 9 to ≈ 5-6.
StabilisationThe solution rests so the acid/base reaction completes.Creates a shelf-stable liquid that resists oxidation.
Flavour & VG/PG mixFlavour concentrates and propylene glycol/vegetable glycerine are added.Final viscosity and taste profile for pod devices.

Why do nic salts feel smoother than freebase?

  • Lower pH, less sting: Reducing alkalinity softens the “peppery” hit associated with freebase liquids.
  • Lower vapour temperature: Salts vaporise efficiently at 10–20 W, so the aerosol is cooler.
  • Faster bio-availability: Clinical data shows 20-40 % higher blood-nicotine within minutes compared with equal-strength freebase – close to cigarette delivery.

Core benefits

  • High strength without coughs – 20 mg (TPD max) feels like 6-12 mg freebase.
  • Discreet devices – Compact pods need less power, smaller batteries.
  • Lower liquid consumption – Fewer, shorter puffs satisfy cravings.
  • Longer shelf life – Salt formulations oxidise more slowly than freebase.

Who should use nicotine salts?

Ideal for…Because…
New ex-smokersSmooth 20 mg hit mimics cigarette nicotine delivery.
Stealth / on-the-go vapersLow-watt pods produce minimal visible vapour.
Nic-efficient usersYou’ll vape fewer millilitres per day.

Skip salts if you’re a cloud-chaser running a 60 W sub-ohm mod—high-strength salts will be overpowering and may spike intake.

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VAPE VIBE

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