What is Nicotine Salt and How is it Used?
Nicotine salt increased in popularity with the release of [device name - missing from original text], and as this device became a staple in the industry, people began demanding better options. Currently, nicotine salts are readily available on the market, and their popularity is growing.
When using traditional freebase nicotine, most people don't choose a product above 18mg due to the harsh throat hit. However, most people who use 3mg freebase nicotine can comfortably use nicotine salt in the 25mg-50mg range, and nicotine salt helps to mimic the feeling of smoking a traditional cigarette.
Benzoic acid has a few properties:
It allows nicotine salt to vaporize at much lower temperatures.
It lowers the pH level of nicotine salt, which results in a smoother throat hit.
It creates a reaction that allows nicotine salt to be absorbed as easily as freebase nicotine.
Freebase Nicotine VS. Nicotine Salt
When you switch from standard freebase nicotine to nicotine salt, you can feel the difference instantly. The sensation nicotine salts create in the throat is not as harsh as that created by freebase nicotine.
Another difference between the two nicotine formulations is that nicotine salt vaporizes well at lower temperatures. This makes nicotine salt ideal for small, low-powered, pod-like electronic cigarettes. The biggest difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salt is the harshness typically caused by higher nicotine levels. Freebase nicotine has a higher pH level, which affects its alkalinity. This means that as the nicotine level rises, freebase nicotine also becomes harsher. Nicotine salts, due to the benzoic acid they contain, have a lower pH level and therefore offer a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Most users report that nicotine salt provides a sensation more similar to traditional cigarettes compared to ordinary e-liquids. And this is quite understandable, as most products contain up to 60mg/ml of nicotine. A higher nicotine intake per puff provides a more satisfying experience for current and former cigarette smokers.
Before JUUL entered the market with the first nicotine salt product in 2014, Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos conducted research on the effectiveness of different electronic cigarette products in delivering nicotine and stated that "the nicotine level in electronic cigarette liquids should be close to 50mg/ml for a nicotine delivery similar to cigarettes." However, due to the harshness of standard nicotine, it was very difficult to make a product that would make consumption at these levels enjoyable; but nicotine salts made this possible. Dr. Farsalinos also stated that a high nicotine concentration could reduce the amount of e-liquid consumed by electronic cigarette users, which could consequently reduce the unknown risks associated with electronic cigarette use.
Is Nicotine Salt More Addictive?
Neurologist and pharmacologist, nicotine expert Jacques Le Houezec, states that the only difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salt is that due to the reduced harshness, the electronic cigarette user can consume more nicotine per puff. In this case, he states that since more nicotine can be consumed, this can increase the addictive potential. However, he adds that this depends on the amount consumed, and not specifically because of nicotine salt.
Is Nicotine Salt Safe?
Which Strength Should You Buy?
Most nicotine salt e-liquids are available on the market in the 25-50mg strength range. If you are new to nicotine salts and haven't transitioned from smoking, we recommend a strength in the 20-35mg range.
If you are a user who prefers lower nicotine strengths with much greater vapor production, some manufacturers, like Mr. Salt-E, offer nicotine salts at low levels such as 3-5mg/ml to their users.
Who Should Use Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salt is one of the most effective types of nicotine that individuals who smoke can use to help them quit this habit. Due to their higher nicotine content, nicotine salts more closely replicate the effects of smoking, thereby reducing users' cravings for cigarettes.
Best Devices for Nicotine Salts
