Salt Nicotine, commonly known as Salt Nic, is a form of nicotine that is added to e juice. Salt nic has recently taken the vape market by storm because of it’s altered properties that allow for a smoother, more enjoyable vape.
Unlike traditional freebase nicotine, salt nic goes through a different manufacturing process that allows draws from your vape to be much smoother. With traditional nicotine, vaping can be harsh on your throat. Salt nic is not only smoother, but your body actually absorbs the nicotine much quicker and lasts longer.
So, what’s the difference between regular freebase nicotine in ejuice versus salt nicotine? Freebase nicotine is manufactured by going through a process that adds ammonia, or a similar base, to remove the protons from nicotine. This de-pronated nicotine creates a freebase that is then added to ejuice. Unlike freebase form, salt nic is in a more stable form and found naturally in tobacco leaves. Salt nic ejuices are created by taking the natural nicotine from tobacco leaves, processing them through several phases and then adding a base, such as benzoic acid, to lower the pH. This process makes it easier for the body to absorb nicotine and less harsh to vape. Both salt nic and freebase nicotine are added to ejuice, which usually consist of a blend of VG/PG and flavoring.
What are the pros of Salt Nic?
More nicotine absorbed quickly
You can use juices with higher nicotine levels
Longer shelf life
Less vaping required to achieve satisfaction
Used with low-wattage devices
Salt nicotine eliquids should only be used with low-wattage devices.like pods (smok nord) Because of salt nic’s high nicotine concentration, vaping high wattage mods or sub-ohm devices would cause the throat hit to be harsh and would only result in excessive nicotine consumption. Stick to low watt devices, like pod systems and pens when using salt nic eliquids.
What are the cons of Salt Nic?
Not for high wattage or sub-ohms systems
Closed systems can be costly
Cartridges or pods are not universal
Low vapor production (ie: not for cloud blowers)
Limited nicotine strength selection
Salt nic overcomes a big obstacle when it comes to vaping; ex-smokers are finding the experience more satisfying with a lasting effect. Because of the better absorption rate and smooth hit that mimics a cigarette, people are finding themselves switching to closed systems instead of buying another pack.
Nic Salt e-liquids are specifically designed for Pod and Mouth to Lung (restricted draw) devices. THESE LIQUIDS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR SUB-OHM DEVICES! Nic Salts are extracted directly from the natural tobacco leaf whereas traditional E juice is made using a form of artificial nicotine called free base.
Nicotine Salts
So we’ve established that freebase-nicotine is nicotine at its purest. If that’s the case, then why would vapers want something that’s not as inherently effective? Like Phillip Morris’s little freebase trick, the answer can be found in chemistry.
What are Nicotine Salts?
At its core, nicotine salts are comprised of the same exact nicotine that’s found in its natural state within the tobacco leaf. If this form of nicotine was added to the liquid that we vape, we’d need to vape it at extremely high temperatures for the nicotine solution to be effective, and it still wouldn’t be as easily absorbed (bioavailable) as freebase nicotine. Similarly, like freebase, nic salt juice needs some modification too. The key here is benzoic acid.
Chemistry Lesson
We won’t try to overwhelm you with too much jargon, so let’s stick with the basics: pH and alkalinity. Freebase nicotine has a higher pH, which leads to increased alkalinity. This dramatic increase in alkaline causes a harsher throat-hit, thus causing people to vape at smaller amounts than they may need.
Benzoic acid has the opposite effect. It lowers the pH levels of nicotine, reducing alkalinity in the process. The end result is a much smoother vaping experience.
Furthermore, this allows the mixture to be vaped at lower temperatures in cheap vape pens and cig-a-likes with higher concentrations of nicotine. For instance: vape juices mixed with nicotine salts – while less potent – can reach nicotine levels as high as 50mg. Try vaping something like that in your traditional sub-ohm tank/PG-mixture and let us know when your lungs stop burning.
