What Are Nic Salts?

Beginner's Guide to Nic Salt e-Liquid

If you’re wanting to make the switch from cigarettes to vaping, nic salts may be the answer you’re looking for. But what are nic salts? This blog will delve into everything you need to know about the versatile vaping option, explaining what nic salts are used for and exploring the best devices to pair them with. 

Prioritising the needs of our customers, at VPZ we’ve established a popular platform that offers the very best e-liquids on the market for affordable prices. Making it as simple as possible for you to enjoy a smoke-free lifestyle, at VPZ, you can purchase everything you need for your vaping experience, from coils and pods to ready-made vape bundles that have everything you need to get started.

But, before you explore our range, let’s get into everything you need to know about nic salts. 

What are nic salts?

Nic salts are a type of e-liquid that were created to deliver a stronger, smoother hit that delivers a potent nicotine hit from the very first puff. The name itself refers to the organic nicotine salts that are found on the leaves of the tobacco plant. This naturally occurring compound is then mixed with benzoic acid to adjust the pH level and create an e-liquid that delivers a strong taste without the harsh throat hit some find in alternative e-liquids. 

While nicotine is an addictive substance, it doesn’t carry the same health dangers as tobacco, containing far fewer harmful toxins. In fact, it’s been stated by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) that it’s no more harmful to one’s health than caffeine. Once blended with flavoured e-liquid, nic salts can be vaped in MTL (mouth-to-lung) kits.

What is freebase nicotine?

To understand the benefits of nic salts, it’s also important to fully understand what freebase nicotine is. 

Salts don’t just contain nicotine, but they also feature acidic protons. In creating popular freebase nicotine, these protons are stripped from the salts (usually through the process of being soaked in ammonia), resulting in a substance that more easily converts into vapour. This made freebase nicotine perfect for vaping, 

How is nic salt different from freebase nicotine?

Vaping is a personal experience, with one user preferring the strength of nic salts, while others would rather the slower-acting freebase nicotine. But if you're a beginner to the world of vaping, it can be difficult to know the difference between the two options. So, let’s break it down for you. 

Absorption

If you’re looking for an ultra-quick hit, then nic salts will be the option for you since they’re incredibly fast acting and are quickly absorbed into your bloodstream. Leaving your body almost as quickly as it arrived, nic salts are similar to how cigarettes deliver nicotine, giving you a quick hit with fewer puffs than freebase nicotine, which will also take longer to deliver. 

• Nic salts: Absorbed incredibly quickly for an almost instant nicotine hit.
• Freebase nicotine: Takes longer to hit your bloodstream, building up over time.

Flavour 

Freebase nicotine e-liquid is often said to have a peppery flavour, meanwhile, pure nic salts are practically tasteless, thanks to their neutral pH level, meaning that the flavour they are paired with can easily come through. This is often one of the deciding factors when users decide which e-liquid to purchase for their MTL device. 

• Nic salts: The neutral pH level of nic salts allows the chosen paired flavour to be more potent.
• Freebase nicotine: Flavour is not as pure and can be impaired by the taste of the nicotine itself. 

Throat hit 

The earthy tastes of freebase nicotine not only alter the flavour of your vape, but it can give users a harsher throat hit, too. Thanks to the neutral flavours of nic salts, even high levels of the substance won’t have as much of a throat hit in comparison to the freebase alternative. For a smoother, more flavourful experience, nic salts are your best bet. 

• Nic salts: Smooth throat hit even at high levels of potency.
• Freebase nicotine: Harsher throat hit at low strength levels. 

How do you use nic salts?

Nic salts can be used just like freebase e-liquid options in your MTL device. Simply remove the mouthpiece from the fill port, unscrew the top of your desired nic salt and refill the port using the thin nozzle on the head of the bottle. It’s as simple as that! Nic salts give you a simple and affordable way to enjoy flavourful vaping with whatever strength you desire. Alternatively, pre-filled pods are often filled with nic salt liquid and are a convenient way to vape as quickly as possible. 

What strength of nic salt should you use?

There is no out-and-out rule as to what strength of nic salt you should have, with this being entirely up to personal preference. With this being said, however, we do provide the following recommendations: 

• 5mg (0.5%): The lowest dosage. This is perfect for beginners to vaping.
• 10mg (1.0%):  Ideal for regular smokers who are looking to decrease their nicotine intake.
• 20mg (2.0%): The highest dosage of nic salts that we sell - perfect for heavy smokers looking to transition to vaping. 

What are the best nic salts?

Nic salts are becoming increasingly popular with the approaching disposable vaping ban on June 1st, 2025. Featuring exactly the same e-liquid that is found in disposable vapes, nic salts are the perfect replacement, especially since we sell all your favourite brands and flavours. With hundreds of nic salts for sale on our site, here are just a few of the very best. 

S-ELF Nic Salts

If you’re looking for a vast collection of different delicious flavours, the premium tastes of S-ELF e-liquid could be exactly what you’re after. Established in 2022, the brand has become beloved for its great tastes and affordability, offering a whole range of fruity, juicy and minty flavours. From flavours based on iconic puddings to tastes inspired by classic sweets, S-ELF has it all. 

Elux Legend 

Well known as being one of the most popular disposable vape brands, Elux Legends also makes outstanding nic salt e-liquids. Sold in 10mg or 20mg bottles, Elux Legends offers a range of great nic salts flavours, from classics like Apple, Blackcurrant, and Cola to more exotic tastes like Oasis, Hawaii Sunrise and Summer Dream. 

SKE Crystal

Speaking of iconic disposable vape brands, SKE Crystal is one of the most popular. Their nic salt range is, therefore, predictably popular, with the brand selling such delights as Blue Razz Lemonade, Blueberry Sour Raspberry and Pineapple Peach. Available on our site in 10ml bottles, you can buy SKE Crystal nic salts at 10mg and 20mg strengths. 

Elfliq

Elf Bars might be the most popular disposable vapes on the market, with their iconic flavours and shapes being loved by thousands. So, if you want the same great taste as Elf Bars in a more affordable format, Elfliq is your answer. Available in a great range of delicious flavours Elfliq nic salts offers all your favourites, from Kiwi Passionfruit Guava to Strawberry Ice.

Primal 

If you’re looking for some of the most unique nic salt flavours on the market, then you’ll want to browse through Primal’s collection. Including such experimental flavours as Crime Slushie and Smashcurrent Lychee, Primal’s range of nic salts can be purchased in three strengths: 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. 

The five benefits of using nic salts 

Known as one of the most satisfying ways of enjoying vaping, nic salts provide a range of benefits that make them more appealing than alternatives. From benefits that enhance your vaping experience to others that protect your wallet, let’s explore these advantages below. 

Smoother throat hit

After using nic salts, you will quickly notice that they provide far less of a harsh throat hit, in comparison with freebase nicotine. Smooth, even when the nicotine content is high, thanks to their reduced pH levels, nic salts are particularly great for heavy smokers looking to transition to vaping. 

Stronger hit

Nic salt is absorbed far quicker into the bloodstream than freebase nicotine, giving you a stronger, quicker hit, accurately replicating the feeling of smoking a cigarette. By using this method, you can quickly satisfy your nicotine cravings by puffing less e-liquid than you would with a freebase nicotine alternative.  

Cost-effective 

Thanks to the higher strength and flavour profile of nic salts, you may find that you want to puff slightly less nic salts in comparison to freebase nicotine options. With less e-liquid required to vape, nic salts are a far more cost-effective solution, especially when compared with disposable options. 

Better flavour 

Some vape users claim that freebase nicotine has an earthy, peppery flavour. Nic salts, meanwhile, are largely tasteless thanks to their pH level, until they’re paired with a stronger flavour. For vapers who want a smoother, tastier vaping experience, nic salts provide a better range of options. 

Longer shelf life 

Wish to save some money? Or, aren’t much of a consistent vaper? You’ll be pleased to hear that nic salts have a longer shelf life than freebase nicotine, allowing you to buy in bulk without the fear that they’ll reach their expiry date before you can use them.

The best beginner devices for nic salts 

Nic salts are compatible with a variety of MTL devices, but should not be used with DTL kitsthat are too powerful, providing a throat hit that is too harsh and potentially dangerous. Providing a tighter airflow at a lower wattage with higher resistance coils, MTL devices are the only ones that should be used in combination with nic salts.

Vape pens, pod systems and other MTL devices are ideal for beginners, providing a simple way to quickly set up and enjoy your vape. But the best way for beginners to get started is to browse our ‘new to vaping kits’ that collate some of the most user-friendly devices on the market. Elsewhere, our deals allow you to get a great price on a bundle of everything you need to get started when beginning your vaping journey. 

Remember to keep your device well-maintained 

Proper device maintenance will prolong the quality of your vape and will even improve the flavour of your chosen e-liquid that you puff. Keeping your device clean and in good working order is simple, too, requiring minimal maintenance as long as you regularly carry out these steps: 

• Check and replace seals: Seals stop e-liquid from escaping - replace any damaged seals to maintain the longevity of your device.
• Clear and clean airways: Clean the mouthpiece of the device and e-liquid tank with water and dry thoroughly before replacing.
• Clear the firing plate: Connecting the vape device and tank, the firing plate is crucial for the functioning of the device. Use a clean cloth or cotton bud to make sure this connection is fully clean.
• Keep the device upright: When not in use, try to keep the device upright - this will stop it from attracting dirt and debris and will also prevent any chance of leaking.
• Keep it charged: Remember, vapes need charging! Avoid overcharging your device or only charging till halfway, as this will damage the longevity of the battery.

Buy the very best nic salts and more at VPZ

Now we’ve answered the question of ‘What are nic salts?’, it’s time for you to indulge in our impressive range of flavours. 

Putting the customer experience at the very heart of everything we do at VPZ, we’re constantly committed to bringing you the best products and deals to enhance your vaping experience and embrace a smoke-free lifestyle. Enjoy exclusive deals and discounts regularly across our online store and experience benefits that you won’t find anywhere else, including…

• Exclusive e-liquid deals and bundles.
• Full access to a vast collection of premium TPD-compliant brands.
• Up to a 12.5% discount in loyalty points with every order.
• Completely free tracked delivery whenever you order anything over £19.99.
• Exemplary customer service, online or over the phone, from our team of industry experts. 

For the very best vaping brands at quality prices, shop with VPZ.

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