Nicotine salt, or nic salt for short, is a natural form of nicotine found in tobacco plants, derived specifically from its leaves. There are various names for this substance: nic salts, salt nics, or salt nicotine, are all names for the same thing.

Recently, nicotine salt has been widely used in vaping e-liquids, and can come in a range of different strengths and flavours. For some adult vapers, nicotine salt e-liquids deliver a smoother experience compared to other nicotine-based e-liquids.

Why Is Nic Salt Used in Vaping?

Some adult vapers may favour nic salt over other nicotine-based e-liquids, potentially for one of the following reasons:

• Higher levels of nicotine
• A smoother experience
• Less e-liquid required compared to freebase e-liquids (due to higher nicotine levels)
• Longer shelf life


With nic salt e-liquids, natural acids such as Benzoic or Citric acid are added to nicotine salt to allow these types of e-liquids to offer a different type of vaping experience. Increasing the acidity lowers the pH level of the e-liquid, which is why the experience is oftentimes a lot smoother.

When compared to other more conventional e-liquids, nic salts are often more chemically stable, meaning they typically have a longer best-before date.

Different Types of Nicotine

There are two main types of nicotine used in e-liquids, these being:

1. Freebase Nicotine
2. Salt Nicotine
Both types of nicotine offer different vaping experiences.



Freebase Nicotine

Freebase nicotine is typically made up of pure nicotine and ammonia. The ammonia is added to help make the nicotine e-liquid solution suitable for vaping. Freebase nicotine is typically known as “regular” nicotine, and can be found in a variety of different strengths. Each nicotine strength provides a different experience, so the right strength will depend on personal preference. In freebase nicotine e-liquids, there is another ingredient, Propylene Glycol (PG), that is partially responsible for the sensation it provides. Learn more about Propylene Glycol and how it is used in vape e-liquids through the guide on What Does PG & VG in Vape Liquid Mean?

Salt Nicotine

Salt nicotine e-liquids are relatively new in vaping, usually made by combining the natural form of nicotine - found in tobacco plant leaves - with natural acids. Those interested in finding out more about a particular brand of salt nicotine should check with the manufacturer, who will have information on all the ingredients present in their particular products.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice or guidance.