Nicotine Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine — What's the Difference?Updated 15 days ago

What Is Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine used in most e-liquids. It's in its purest form and has been used since the early days of vaping. At higher concentrations (above 12mg), freebase nicotine produces a harsh throat hit that most vapers find uncomfortable.

What Are Nicotine Salts?

Nicotine salts are a chemically modified form of nicotine that mimics the way nicotine naturally exists in tobacco leaves. The key difference: nicotine salts absorb into the bloodstream faster and produce a much smoother throat hit even at very high concentrations (25mg–50mg).

Key Differences

• Throat hit: Freebase is harsher at high strengths. Nic salts are smooth even at 50mg.
• Nicotine delivery speed: Nic salts absorb faster — more similar to the quick nicotine hit of a cigarette.
• Available strengths: Freebase typically 0–24mg. Nic salts typically 25–50mg.
• Device compatibility: Nic salts are designed for low-wattage pod systems only. Freebase works in all device types.
• Vapor production: Nic salts produce less vapor (designed for discreet pod systems). Freebase at low strengths works in high-power devices for more vapor.

Which Should You Use?

• Pod system user who wants maximum satisfaction: Nicotine salts at 25mg–50mg.
• Sub-ohm / high-power device user: Freebase nicotine at 3mg–6mg.
• New vaper transitioning from cigarettes using a pod kit: Nic salts — faster nicotine delivery more closely mimics the cigarette experience.
• Experienced vaper who cloud chases: Freebase at low mg in a high-VG liquid.

Never use high-strength nicotine salts (25mg+) in a sub-ohm or high-wattage device — the nicotine delivery will be uncomfortably intense.

Questions?

Not sure which is right for you? Contact us at [email protected] with your device and we'll point you in the right direction.