WHAT IS SALT NICOTINE? LEARN ITS DIFFERENCE TO REGULAR NIC AND HOW IT AFFECTS VAPING

by Peter lam November 10, 2024

In vaping, understanding the various types of nicotine can make all the difference when it comes to finding the right e-liquid for you. One term that often pops up is salt nicotine, which has gained popularity in recent years. But what exactly is salt nicotine, how does it compare to regular nicotine, and how does it affect the vaping experience? In this blog, we'll dive deep into what salt nicotine is, how it's different from freebase nicotine, and what you should know before choosing one over the other.

WHAT IS SALT NICOTINE?
Salt nicotine, or nicotine salts, is a type of nicotine commonly used in e-liquids, specifically designed for those who prefer higher nicotine levels without the harsh throat hit associated with freebase nicotine. Unlike freebase nicotine, which is the most common form of nicotine found in e-liquids, salt nicotine is derived by adding an acid (typically benzoic acid) to pure nicotine. This chemical modification changes the way nicotine is absorbed by the body, making it smoother to inhale, even at high concentrations.

Nicotine salts are used primarily in pod-based systems that are designed for high-nicotine e-liquids. Vapers who seek a stronger nicotine experience often turn to salt nicotine for its ability to deliver more nicotine without making the vaping experience uncomfortable.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SALT NICOTINE
The chemical difference between salt nicotine and freebase nicotine lies in their structure. Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine, which means it has a higher pH level. This higher pH is responsible for the harsh throat hit that freebase nicotine provides, especially at higher concentrations.

Salt nicotine, on the other hand, is created by adding an acid—commonly benzoic acid—to pure nicotine. This process lowers the pH level, resulting in a smoother throat hit. The addition of acid also allows the nicotine to vaporize at lower temperatures, which is why salt nicotine is typically used in low-wattage, pod-based vaping devices.

The development of nicotine salts came about as a response to the vaping industry’s need for a more satisfying nicotine experience, especially for smokers transitioning to vaping. The problem with freebase nicotine was that it became too harsh when used in higher concentrations, which is often needed to satisfy the cravings of heavy smokers. In response, companies began experimenting with nicotine salts to create a smoother vaping experience at higher nicotine levels.

Pod systems designed to work with nicotine salts began appearing on the market, and it wasn’t long before nicotine salts became the go-to option for vapers looking for high-nicotine satisfaction in a more compact and easy-to-use device.

USAGE OF NICOTINE SALTS IN VAPES
Nicotine salts are most commonly used in pod systems and other low-wattage devices. These devices are designed to work with the higher concentrations of nicotine typically found in nicotine salt e-liquids. Because salt nicotine has a smoother hit, it allows vapers to use higher nicotine concentrations without the harsh throat hit that freebase nicotine can cause.

This makes nicotine salts ideal for smokers transitioning to vaping, as they can satisfy their nicotine cravings more effectively with a smaller, more portable device. Nicotine salts are also more suitable for users who prefer a more discreet vaping experience, as pod systems are typically smaller and produce less vapor than high-wattage devices.

HOW DOES SALT NICOTINE AFFECT YOUR BODY?
Salt nicotine affects the body differently than freebase nicotine, primarily due to its faster absorption rate. This difference in absorption can impact the user experience, leading to quicker nicotine satisfaction but also increasing the potential for overconsumption.

When you vape salt nicotine, it is absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly than freebase nicotine. This fast absorption means that you’ll feel the effects of nicotine almost immediately, which can be more satisfying for those who crave quick nicotine relief. The smoothness of salt nicotine also makes it easier to consume more nicotine in a shorter period, as there is less of the harsh throat hit that you’d get with freebase nicotine.

The faster absorption rate of salt nicotine is one of its key benefits. This is due to the chemical structure of nicotine salts, which allows them to enter the bloodstream more quickly than freebase nicotine. For many vapers, this fast absorption provides a more satisfying nicotine experience, as the effects are felt almost immediately after inhaling.

One of the downsides to salt nicotine’s smoothness and faster absorption rate is the increased potential for addiction. Because nicotine salts allow for higher concentrations of nicotine, and because the smoother hit makes it easier to inhale more frequently, vapers may find themselves using more nicotine than they originally intended. This can lead to higher levels of nicotine dependency, particularly for those who are new to vaping or are using high-nicotine salt e-liquids.

IS SALT NICOTINE WORSE FOR YOUR HEALTH THAN REGULAR NICOTINE?
When it comes to health risks, both salt nicotine and freebase nicotine carry similar risks. However, because salt nicotine is usually consumed at higher concentrations, there may be a greater risk of overconsumption.

Both salt nicotine and freebase nicotine can pose potential risks to your lungs and heart, especially when used in high concentrations. While vaping is generally considered less harmful than smoking, the high levels of nicotine in salt nicotine e-liquids may still have an impact on cardiovascular and lung health. It’s essential to be mindful of how much nicotine you’re consuming, especially if you’re using high-concentration nicotine salts.