The battle between Nic Salts and Freebase
Nic Salts vs. freebase nicotine - A comprehensive guide November 21, 2023
Nicotine salts - The trend that is conquering the world of vaping
We have seen significant innovation in the vaping industry in a short space of time. But how have nic salts revolutionized the game? Nicotine Salts (Nic Salts for short) have been available in e-liquids for a number of years, but only recently have they really taken off as a ground-breaking innovation in the vaping sector.
What are nicotine salts and how did they develop?
Nicotine salts, or nic salts for short, have conquered the world of vaping in recent years. Despite their name, they contain no salt and do not affect your sodium intake. Their popularity has exploded, especially in the US, where they are closely linked to the JUUL system, a closed vaping pod system that offered e-liquids with 50% nic salts. In the EU, Nic Salts have only recently become available due to stricter regulations.
Freebase nicotine in comparison
To fully explain the differences to nic salts, it is important to also understand the most common alternative form of nicotine: Freebase nicotine. This form of nicotine dates back to the 1960s when Phillip Morris International (Marlboro) conducted research and found that nicotine in its freebase form produced a purer and more enjoyable product. Freebase nicotine is used in cigarettes, nicotine replacement products (such as chewing gum and patches) and vape e-liquids.
The decisive difference between Nic Salts and Freebase
Most vapers have a common goal: they want the vaping experience to be as close as possible to smoking a conventional cigarette. In the past, vapers only had the option of using freebase nicotine in their vape liquids. This freebase nicotine has a higher pH value and is therefore more alkaline. Some users find it irritating, especially in higher doses.
Why would some vapers prefer Nic Salts?
Some vapers may benefit from nic salts compared to freebase nicotine. The key question is which nicotine product best suits your needs.
What exactly are nicotine salts?
Nic Salts are NOT based on ordinary table salt (sodium chloride) and therefore do not affect the taste of your vape liquid or your sodium consumption. The term "salt" comes from chemistry, where it describes a chemical compound with both a positive (acid) and negative (base) charge.
Nicotine occurs naturally in tobacco leaves in the form of nicotine salts. It is important to know that tobacco leaves only contain these nicotine salts and that they are chemically modified to produce freebase nicotine.
How do we optimize Nic Salts for the vaping experience?
Researchers have discovered that the acidity of nic salts needs to be increased in order to deliver higher doses of nicotine without irritating the throat. They use acids such as benzoic and citric acid to achieve three key benefits:
- Changing the chemical structure of nicotine for faster absorption by the body.
- Reduction of the evaporation temperature of the Nic Salts.
- Lowering the pH value for a smoother vapor experience.
The battle between Nic Salts and Freebase
Now that you know the science, let's compare the key differences between nic salts and freebase nicotine so you can decide which is best for you.
Nic Salts - Core facts:
- Contains benzoic or citric acid for optimization.
- Rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
- Still pleasant even in higher doses.
- Limited flavor complexity.
- Limited steam production.
- Suitable for the mouth-to-lung vaping technique.
- Possibly more expensive per volume.
- Available in the highest nicotine strengths.
- Ideal for beginners and mixed users.
- Works best with low power devices.
- Can achieve a nicotine hit similar to that of a cigarette with less e-liquid.
- Longer shelf life due to slower oxidation.
Freebase nicotine - key facts:
- Contains no additives.
- Slower absorption into the bloodstream.
- Becomes rougher at higher doses.
- Maximum flavor complexity.
- Greater steam production.
- Suitable for direct lung and mouth-to-lung vaping techniques.
- Often cheaper per volume.
- Available in the lowest nicotine strengths.
- Ideal for vapers with low nicotine requirements such as sub-ohm devices.
- Works best with higher wattage devices for more effective vaping and lots of vapor.
- Possibly more e-liquid required for a nicotine hit like a cigarette.
- Shorter shelf life due to faster oxidation.
Is there a difference in safety?
In terms of the safety of Nic Salts compared to freebase nicotine, there is only one difference: the added benzoic or citric acid. Both acids occur naturally in our bodies, so the use of nic salts compared to freebase nicotine does not affect safety. The World Health Organization recommends that people should consume a maximum of 5 mg of these acids per kilogram of body weight per day. Since 1 ml of Nic Salt vape liquid only contains a few milligrams of benzoic or citric acid, it would be almost impossible to vape such a dangerous amount.
Which one should I choose?
If one of the following statements applies to you, Nic Salts would be a suitable choice:
- I would like to stop smoking.
- I have already tried vaping, but to no avail.
- I don't want an overly technical or expensive vape device.
- I need a higher nicotine content, which Freebase e-liquids cannot offer.
This guide should hopefully provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision about which nicotine e-liquid variant suits you best. However, if you still have unanswered questions, don't hesitate to contact the CEO for further independent expert advice and guidance. If you require further information on Nicotine Salts or Freebase Nicotine products, please contact us at info@vapestore.ch.
