E-Liquids vs Nic Salts
What are e-liquids?
E-liquids, often called vape juice, are the lifeblood of any vaping experience!
They’re composed of several chemical components and flavourings (which we’ll explore more in a second!) To vape them in e-cigarettes or tanks, users typically insert a 10ml bottle into the device’s e-liquid compartment, where it’s then vapourised and inhaled.
If you’re weaning yourself off smoking, e-liquids come in varying nicotine strengths: you can purchase bottles containing anywhere from 3mg to 18mg. Or, if you’re off the stuff altogether, you can savour the taste of no-nicotine e-liquids.
What are e-liquids made from?
E-liquids are formulated from several key ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavourings, and, optionally, nicotine.
Propylene Glycol, or PG, is a clear, slightly syrupy liquid that delivers the flavour from the e-liquid to your tastebuds and provides the throat hit that many vapers (especially former smokers) appreciate.
Vegetable Glycerin, known as VG, is a thicker, sweeter liquid responsible for creating vapour clouds. It offers a smoother sensation on the throat to balance out the intensity of the propylene glycol.
The flavourings in e-liquids, which can range from sweet and fruity to savoury or tobacco-like, are typically crafted using food-grade additives similar to those used in everyday cooking and baking (making them safe to inhale once vapourised).
What are the benefits of e-liquids?
So, why should a vaper choose to smoke e-liquids?
1. Wide flavour variety
With every flavour under the sun, e-liquids allow vapers to expand their palate. From familiar tobacco and menthol flavours to exotic fruits, desserts, and even beverage-inspired options, e-liquids will leave you spoilt for choice.
2. Control over nicotine intake
Many people use vaping as a smoking-cessation tool. As they wean off traditional tobacco products, vapers can adjust the nicotine strength of their e-liquid bit by bit.
Smokers can start at a higher concentration (12mg or 18mg) and gradually reduce their intake to lower levels (3mg or even 0mg!).
By doing this, former smokers can minimise the discomfort of withdrawal and increase the likelihood of stopping altogether.
3. Cost-effective
The wide market availability of e-liquids makes them affordable and accessible to the general vaper. For example, at Juicemate, we offer our customers cost-effective multi-buy deals.
You can purchase 5 e-liquids for £14.99 or, if you’re stocking up, 10 for £24.99. We have countless top-name brands, like Hangsen Atom, Edge, Elf-liq and Vapemate, all of which you can purchase if you’re working within a budget.
What are nic salts?
Nic salts, on the other hand, are made by extracting nicotine from the tobacco leaf (meaning it’s in its purest form). Then, it’s bound with an acid, typically benzoic acid, to create a product that is more stable and less pH-alkaline.
This chemical stability and reduced alkalinity result in a smoother throat hit when vaped, even at higher concentrations. The acid component of nic salts also alters the rate of nicotine absorption into the bloodstream, meaning it provides a faster, more satisfying hit.
What are the benefits of nic salts?
Why might a vaper choose nic salts over their e-liquid counterparts?
1. Smooth nicotine hit
Nic salts are renowned for delivering a smoother throat hit than freebase nicotine e-liquids, especially at higher concentrations.
This smoothness can be especially beneficial for vapers sensitive to the harshness of freebase vape juices. Nic salts mitigate this issue by providing more mellow, gentle inhalations and reducing the likelihood of throat irritation or coughing.
2. Quick absorption
Looking for a quick nicotine hit? Well, nic salts can be a game-changer for vapers in need of fast-acting vape juice.
When nicotine is in its salt form and combined with an acid (often benzoic acid), it vaporises the nicotine at a lower temperature, and it’s absorbed more readily by the body.
3,. Discreet vaping
In public spaces, discreet vaping is often appreciated.
Whether you’re at an outdoor social gathering, smoking area or public garden, producing large, noticeable clouds might be deemed inappropriate.
But nic salts, often smoked at a lower power setting, produce smaller, less dense vapour clouds than freebase nicotine e-liquids. Nic salts allow vapers to satisfy cravings without disrupting those around them.
Which is safer: e-liquids or nic salts?
Both nic salts and e-liquids use natural ingredients that are safe for human consumption.
Therefore, there’s no debate about which is safer: they’re both safe! However, the only difference between e-liquids and nic salts is that salts contain additives like Benzoic or Citric acid.
Which should you pick: e-liquids or nic-salts?
A big part of the vaping experience is exploring the market. See what different brands and retailers offer, purchase a few products for tasting and testing purposes and decide for yourself which you prefer.
Or, take a look at Juicemate’s comprehensive comparison list and go from there! We offer both e-liquids and nic salts for your vaping pleasure.
Nic Salts
- Higher nicotine strengths available
- Quicker nicotine absorption, providing relief in about 15 to 20 seconds
- Beneficial for smokers trying to quit
- Provides a throat hit closer to the sensation of smoking
- Has citric or benzoic acid
- Smooth even at higher doses
- Less likely to handle complex flavours
- Produces smaller clouds (vapour)
- More appropriate for MTL vapers (mouth-to-lung)
- Lasts longer due to slower oxidation
Freebase e-liquids
- Better for those sensitive to throat hits
- Offers more device compatibility
- Greater flavour choices
- Better if you don’t want a strong nicotine hit (or want 0mg)
- Absorbs into the body slower
- Great for large cloud production
- Suitable for DTL (direct-to-lung) or MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping styles