Salt nicotine and freebase nicotine are the two main types of nicotine used in e-liquids, and they differ in their chemical composition, how they’re absorbed by the body, and the kind of vaping experience they provide. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between salt nicotine and freebase nicotine e-liquids:

1. Chemical Composition

• Freebase Nicotine:
  • Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine and is the type used in traditional cigarettes, nicotine patches, and gums. It’s the standard nicotine used in most e-liquids.
  • It’s more alkaline (has a higher pH), which means it can be harsher on the throat at higher nicotine levels.
• Salt Nicotine:
  • Salt nicotine, also known as nicotine salts, is a more stable form of nicotine that is naturally found in tobacco leaves. In e-liquids, it’s combined with acids (usually benzoic acid) to create a smoother, less harsh experience.
  • The addition of acid lowers the pH, making it less irritating to the throat, even at higher nicotine concentrations.

2. Absorption and Nicotine Strength

• Freebase Nicotine:
  • Freebase nicotine is absorbed by the body more slowly compared to nicotine salts. Because of this, freebase nicotine is generally vaped in lower concentrations (typically 3 mg to 12 mg per ml).
  • To get a satisfying nicotine hit with freebase nicotine, vapers usually need to take more frequent or longer draws, especially at lower nicotine levels.
• Salt Nicotine:
  • Salt nicotine is absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, providing a faster and more noticeable nicotine hit, similar to the sensation of smoking a cigarette.
  • Because salt nicotine is smoother at higher strengths, it’s typically available in much higher concentrations, ranging from 20 mg to 50 mg per ml or higher. This makes it ideal for people who need a stronger nicotine hit, such as heavy smokers transitioning to vaping.

3. Throat Hit and Smoothness

• Freebase Nicotine:
  • Freebase nicotine has a stronger, harsher throat hit, especially at higher nicotine strengths. For example, a 12 mg or 18 mg freebase e-liquid can feel quite harsh on the throat, which can deter some users.
  • Lower nicotine concentrations (3 mg or 6 mg) in freebase nicotine e-liquids are generally smoother but may not deliver a strong enough hit for people used to high nicotine intake.
• Salt Nicotine:
  • Salt nicotine e-liquids are much smoother, even at higher concentrations like 30 mg or 50 mg. This makes them ideal for people who want a high nicotine intake without the harsh throat hit associated with freebase nicotine.
  • Because of the smoothness, salt nicotine is often preferred for users of pod systems or mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping devices.

4. Nicotine Concentration and Device Compatibility

• Freebase Nicotine:
  • Freebase nicotine is available in lower nicotine strengths, usually between 0 mg and 12 mg (though some go up to 18 mg). It’s generally used with higher-wattage, sub-ohm devices that produce large clouds of vapor and are designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.
  • The lower nicotine concentrations are better suited for DTL vapers who prefer to inhale more vapor without being overwhelmed by nicotine.
• Salt Nicotine:
  • Salt nicotine is found in much higher concentrations (typically 20 mg to 50 mg) and is commonly used in low-power, high-resistance devices like pod systems. These are often used for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, where the user draws the vapor into their mouth first, similar to smoking a cigarette.
  • Higher nicotine concentrations in salt nicotine e-liquids mean vapers can get a stronger hit with shorter, less frequent draws.

5. Vaping Devices

• Freebase Nicotine:
  • Best suited for sub-ohm devices that operate at higher wattages and produce large vapor clouds. These devices are designed for DTL vaping, which requires lower nicotine concentrations because of the increased amount of vapor inhaled.
  • Freebase nicotine is not typically used with small pod systems because the higher heat from sub-ohm devices helps vaporize the thicker e-liquid used with freebase nicotine.
• Salt Nicotine:
  • Designed for low-power pod systems and MTL devices that operate at lower wattages and have higher resistance coils (above 1.0 ohms). These devices work best with salt nicotine because they allow for more discreet vaping and stronger nicotine delivery in smaller doses of vapor.
  • Salt nicotine isn’t ideal for sub-ohm devices or DTL vaping, as the high nicotine strength would deliver an overwhelming hit.

6. Usage Preference

• Freebase Nicotine:
  • For Cloud Chasers: Vapers who prefer large vapor clouds and enjoy direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping usually go for freebase nicotine, as it’s suited for higher-wattage, sub-ohm devices that can produce massive vapor clouds.
  • For Low-Nicotine Users: It’s also a good option for those who don’t need high levels of nicotine but still want a noticeable throat hit.
• Salt Nicotine:
  • For Former Smokers: Salt nicotine is ideal for people transitioning from cigarettes to vaping because it mimics the nicotine delivery of traditional cigarettes, offering a faster and more satisfying hit with a smoother throat feel.
  • For Discreet Vaping: It’s great for users who prefer smaller, more portable devices and want a more discreet vaping experience, with less vapor production and a higher nicotine concentration.

7. Nicotine Cravings and Satisfaction

• Freebase Nicotine:
  • Freebase nicotine may take longer to satisfy nicotine cravings due to its slower absorption rate. This often leads to longer or more frequent vaping sessions to achieve the same level of satisfaction.
• Salt Nicotine:
  • Salt nicotine provides a quicker, more potent nicotine hit, which can satisfy cravings faster. This makes it especially useful for former smokers who need higher doses of nicotine to combat cravings.

Summary of Differences:

Conclusion:

• Use freebase nicotine if you prefer DTL vaping with large vapor clouds, lower nicotine levels, and a stronger throat hit. It’s ideal for sub-ohm devices and cloud chasers.
• Use salt nicotine if you want a smoother vaping experience with higher nicotine concentrations, faster nicotine absorption, and are using a pod system or MTL device. This option is best for those transitioning from smoking or looking for a more discreet vaping experience with fewer, shorter draws.