Each type of nicotine has distinct characteristics that affect nicotine delivery, strength, throat hit and more, so it's important to understand which is more suited to your needs. Selecting the right vaping substance may have an impact on the success of your smoking cessation or nicotine dependence management plan.
What is freebase nicotine?
Freebase nicotine is the traditional, pure form of nicotine, typically extracted from tobacco plants and then refined.
Key features:
- Stronger throat hit: freebase nicotine provides a more noticeable throat hit due to its alkaline nature. This is often preferred by those who are used to smoking and require a more intense throat hit to quit.
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Stronger taste: freebase nicotine has a more noticeable taste.
- Lower nicotine strength: freebase nicotine e-liquids generally come in lower concentrations, ranging from 3mg to 18mg per milliliter, while delivering a more or higher dose of nicotine with a strong throat hit.
What is salt nicotine?
Salt nicotine is a modified form of nicotine that incorporates an acid (frequently it's benzoic acid but can differ) which helps create a smoother draw from a vaping device, even at higher nicotine concentrations.
Key features:
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Smoother experience: the addition of benzoic (or other) acid makes salt nicotine smoother and less harsh on the throat, even at higher nicotine concentrations. This may be more comfortable for those who are using vaping devices for the first time to quit smoking.
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Faster absorption: nicotine salts are absorbed faster into the bloodstream.
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Lower-powered devices: salt nicotine works best with low-wattage devices such as pod systems or mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapes.
Key differences: freebase vs salt nicotine
| Feature | Freebase nicotine | Salt nicotine |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine strength | Lower strengths (typically 3mg, 6mg, 12mg or 18mg per mL) | Higher strengths (typically 25mg to 50mg per mL) |
| Throat hit | Stronger throat hit | Smoother throat hit |
| Vape devices | Best suited for high-wattage, sub-ohm devices | Best suited for low-wattage pod systems and MTL devices |
| Absorption rate | Slower absorption with more sustained effects quicker nicotine effect | Faster absorption with quicker nicotine effect |
| Taste |
Stronger taste |
Less noticeable taste |
Which nicotine is more suited to you?
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Freebase nicotine may be more suitable for individuals who require a stronger throat hit and are transitioning from smoking to vaping using higher-wattage, sub-ohm devices. Freebase nicotine can provide a more intense nicotine draw, at lower nicotine concentrations with longer-lasting effect due to its slower absorption. It may be ideal for those who have been smoking for a long time.
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Salt nicotine is often recommended for individuals who are newer to vaping as an unapproved smoking cessation aide or those who require a smoother and gentler nicotine draw. Salt nicotine works well with low-powered, MTL devices. Its faster nicotine absorption ensures an immediate nicotine effect. However, it's important to avoid very high nicotine salt concentration unless absolutely necessary or recommended by your doctor.
Choosing nicotine strength
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For freebase nicotine, e-liquids typically come in strengths ranging from 3mg to 18mg per mL. If you’re just starting out and need a stronger hit, 6mg to 12mg might be suitable.
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For salt nicotine, the strengths are often higher, typically ranging from 10mg to 50mg per mL. These higher strengths are often chosen by those transitioning from smoking who need a more potent nicotine delivery without the harshness.
Conclusion
When choosing between freebase nicotine and salt nicotine, consider your smoking cessation/nicotine dependence needs. This article is helpful in understanding the different nicotine available but every person is different so a cookie-cutter approach doesn't always work.
Therefore, since nicotine and vaping products are regulated as medicines in Australia, it is important to follow medical guidance from your pharmacist or medical practitioner to ensure the dose meets your needs.
Our pharmacist consultations are FREE so feel free to contact us at any time if you need further assistance.
