Nicotine Salt – What It Is & How It Works in Vaping

Definition

Nicotine Salt (also called nic salt) is the naturally occurring form of nicotine found in tobacco leaves. In vaping, it is a specially processed version of nicotine that combines with an acid—usually benzoic or citric—to create a smoother, faster-absorbing e-liquid. Its main purpose is to deliver cigarette-like satisfaction at higher nicotine strengths without the harsh Hit“>throat hit associated with traditional freebase nicotine. This makes Nicotine Salt ideal for recent ex-smokers or stealth vapers who want discreet clouds and rapid craving relief.

Technical Details

Chemical Composition & Performance

Nicotine Salt e-liquids typically contain 20 mg/mL to 50 mg/mL of nicotine in Australia—currently the maximum legal retail strength. The addition of acid lowers the pH from around 8 (freebase) to 6–7, reducing throat irritation and allowing the nicotine to vaporise efficiently at low wattages. Benzoic acid is the most common proton donor, but malic and salicylic acids are also used. Because nic salt molecules are more stable, they oxidise more slowly than freebase nicotine, extending shelf life. Compatible devices include low-wattage pod systems and mouth-to-lung (MTL) tanks with resistances above 0.8 Ω.

Usage & Tips

  • Device match: Use low-wattage pod kits or MTL atomisers; high-powered sub-ohm coils can deliver unsafe nicotine levels.
  • Draw style: Take short, gentle mouth-to-lung puffs—chain vaping can lead to dizziness or nausea.
  • Storage: Keep bottles in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation; nic salt will darken over time but remains usable.
  • Mixing: Do not add Nicotine Salt to high-VG, high-wattage liquids designed for freebase nicotine.
  • Safety: Always use child-resistant caps; high-strength nic salt can be toxic if ingested or spilled on skin.

History & Context

While nicotine salts occur naturally in tobacco, their vaping application was popularised in 2015 by Pax Labs’ JUUL. The Australian market adopted nic salt rapidly after the 2021 prescription model, offering legal 20 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL options for therapeutic use. Today, most local brands label their products “Nic Salt” or “No Nicotine” to comply with TGO 110 standards.

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