What Are Nic Salts?

Whether you’re looking to quit smoking or you’re a seasoned vaper, nic salts are a popular option. You might be aware of what nicotine is and how it works, but if you’re new to vaping you might be wondering ‘What are nic salts?’.

In this blog, we’ll explain what nicotine salts are, how they work and the differences between nic salts and freebase nicotine. If you want to try nic salts for yourself, we’ll also give you some handy tips and guidance for best use.

Explore our extensive range of premium e-liquids at TABlites and find a satisfying range of nicotine salts, devices and much more for every type of vaper.

What are nic salts?

Nic salts or nicotine salts are naturally occurring nicotine found in tobacco leaves. The salts are extracted and combined with e-liquid to create the nicotine salts you see on the market. Nic salts have grown to be extremely popular amongst vapers due to the fast-acting release of nicotine when vapourised.

Who might want to try nic salts?

If you’re making the switch to vaping to give up smoking, then nicotine salts are a great option for you. Studies show that nic salts offer the same rapid release of nicotine as standard cigarettes. This means that nic salts help to curb cravings fast, which is ideal if you’re used to the fast-acting relief associated with smoking cigarettes. Nicotine salts also have a smoother throat hit compared to freebase nicotine, which is great for easing in beginner vapers.

Nicotine salt vs freebase nicotine - what’s the difference?

Now you know the answer to ‘What are nic salts?’ you might be wondering about other forms of nicotine e-liquids. You’ve probably heard of both freebase nicotine and nic salts. These are the main forms of nicotine used in vapes, but what exactly is the difference between the two?

Freebase nicotine

Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine and is found in cigarettes. It is made using ammonia which creates a higher PH level and allows for faster absorption. Freebase nicotine delivers the highest level of nicotine and satisfies cravings quickly. Due to the strength and chemicals used to create this form of nicotine, it does produce a more harsh throat hit when inhaled. Some people prefer a stronger throat sensation when vaping, but this can often overpower the flavours of many e-liquids.

Nicotine salts

Nic salts are created using a range of natural acids as opposed to ammonia. This results in a lower PH which allows for a smoother, more muted throat hit and a powerful burst of nicotine when vaped. The composition of nicotine salts also allows them to be vaporised at lower temperatures, which is great if you have a lower-wattage device. If you want to vape nicotine with minimal effects on taste, vapour and throat hit, then nic salts are your best bet.

What are the benefits of nic salts?

Smoother vaping

The biggest selling point for nicotine salts is the more pleasant sensation on the throat compared to freebase nicotine. This is particularly useful if you want to vape higher levels of nicotine without a physical feeling on the throat. With nic salts, you can add around 50mg to a 0mg e-liquid shortfill without experiencing any negative impact on taste, smoothness or vapour production. Flavoured nic salts also maintain a long-lasting, consistent taste without being dulled by the addition of nicotine.

Cost-effective

Due to the low heat required to vaporise nic salts, you’re able to use them with low-powered devices. This means your nic salt e-liquids will deplete at a lower rate compared to freebase nicotine. In turn, you’ll be able to enjoy your vape juice for longer and save money on replacements or refills.

Stronger nicotine hit

If you’re still adjusting to vaping or you prefer fast-acting, stronger hits of nicotine then nic salts are a better option for you. As mentioned above, if you use shortfills, you can use up to 50mg in a shortfill e-liquid without negative effects. You can also have up to 20mg of nicotine in a single 10ml nic salt bottle. This means if you were a heavy smoker used to high levels of nicotine or you have heavy cravings, you can enjoy a stronger level of nicotine that acts faster compared to freebase nicotine.

What devices can be used with nic salts?

Disposables

The vast majority of disposable vapes use nic salts. This is because disposables have an emphasis on flavour and smoothness. To ensure a powerful burst of flavour and remove any harsh throat hit, nic salts are the preference in these types of e-cig.

Pod systems and prefilled pods

Nic salts are ideal for use in lower-powered devices like pod systems due to the lower heat needed to vaporise this form of nicotine. You can purchase pod vape kits as well as refillable pods that can be used with your choice of e-liquid, as well as nicotine salts. You can also purchase prefilled pods that you can switch out for easy, personalised use. Pod systems are also easy to use, making them ideal for beginners and mouth-to-lung vapers.

MTL vape kits

Mouth-to-lung vape kits are designed to replicate the feeling of smoking cigarettes. These kits also have lower wattage, making them more suitable for use with nic salts. The higher resistance coils in MTL vapes also allow for enhanced nicotine strength, which paired with nic salts creates the most satisfying nicotine hit.

MTL kits offer the opportunity for more customisation, with options to change coils pods and vape settings to suit your vaping preference.

How do you use nic salts?

Nic salts come in a range of strengths and flavours and can also be used in different devices. To learn how to use nic salts effectively you should identify your preferences when vaping.

Select your strength

There are a range of nic salt strengths that suit different types of vapers. 20mg (2.0%) nicotine is best for those making the switch to vaping from heavy smoking.

10mg (1.0%) nicotine is the ideal mid-level and medium-strength nicotine for regular vapers. This is the most commonly used strength for most vapers.

5mg (0.5) nicotine is the most common low-level nic salt. If you’re on a journey to cut down your nicotine intake or are reducing the amount you vape then this is the right strength for you. You can get a range of e-liquid strengths from 3mg up to 20mg, but for nic salts, these are the three most common strengths.

The maximum amount of nicotine allowed in e-liquids is 20mg, but if you want a higher nicotine level, there are ways to increase your intake. You can use unflavoured nicotine shots in shortfill bottles and mix in more than one 10ml nic salt bottle for additional nicotine content.

Choose your device

If you’ve just switched to vaping and you want to try nic salts to see if they’re right for you, then disposables might be the best option. Disposable vapes are great if you want to avoid the hassle of refilling pods or if you’re unfamiliar with more advanced devices. They’re also compact and lightweight if you need to satisfy your cravings on the go.

If you want to enjoy a range of different flavours and strengths of nic salts then a pod system or MLT vape kit will be better for you. These give you the freedom to mix your own strengths and switch out flavours as you please.

Choose your nic salt e-liquid

You have the option to choose from an extensive range of 10ml flavoured nic salts, from delicious dessert flavours to traditional tobacco flavours. You can also choose nicotine shots that have no flavour and these can be added to any flavoured 100ml shortfill bottle of your choosing.

Fill your pod or tank

Once you have chosen your strengths and device, you’ll need to ensure you correctly fill your vape with your nic salt e-liquid. Whilst every pod and e-cig tank varies in design, there is usually a rubber stopper which opens to allow you to replenish your vape juice.

Fill your vape with your chosen nic salt liquid and allow the wicking material in the coil to soak for around 10 minutes. This will ensure you inhale vapour and avoid dry hits. Press the activation button or for auto-draw systems “suck” on the mouthpiece and inhale.

With disposable vapes, no preparation is needed.- simply open the packaging and draw from the mouthpiece.

Everything you need to enjoy nic salts at TABlites

So, what are nic salts e-liquids? By now you’ll be able to answer this question and identify if these vape juices are the right form of nicotine for you. At TABlites, we have nic salts in every flavour you can imagine, alongside a range of premium devices compatible with nicotine salts.

With so many different ways to use nic salts, you might still be unsure which is best for you. Get in contact with our experts and we can direct you to the right products based on your vaping preferences.

If you want to learn more about the different types of e-liquids and devices on the market, take a look at our similar blogs below:

What Are Built-In Coil Vape Pods?

Best Vapes to Quit Smoking

The Ultimate Guide to Disposable Vapes in 2025