Freebase Nicotine and Nicotine Salts: What’s the Difference?

When looking for your next liquid there’s a few things you need to take into consideration. The most obvious one is figuring out the type of nicotine you prefer. The 3 main options are freebase nicotine, nicotine salts and hybrid nicotine, each offering a different vaping experience. this blog will explain the differences and will help you decide what type of nicotine you would prefer.

What is Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine is the traditional form of nicotine used in most e-liquids. It is extracted from tobacco and chemically altered to make it more potent in vaporised form.

Characteristics of Freebase Nicotine:

• Higher pH level, leading to a stronger throat hit.
• Slower absorption into the bloodstream compared to nicotine salts.
• Available in lower nicotine strengths (typically 3mg to 18mg).

What are Nicotine Salts?

Nicotine salts are a more recent innovation designed to provide a smoother and more efficient nicotine delivery. They contain benzoic acid, which lowers the pH and makes the nicotine easier to inhale at higher concentrations.

Characteristics of Nicotine Salts:

• Lower pH level, resulting in a much smoother throat hit.
• Faster nicotine absorption, closely mimicking the effect of cigarettes.
• Best suited for pod systems and lower-wattage devices.
• Available in higher nicotine strengths (typically 10mg to 20mg).

What is Hybrid nicotine?

Hybrid Nicotine is the middle ground between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine so not quite as smooth as a nicotine salt but not as harsh as the freebase nicotine. So, this is the ideal choice for people who like a small hit but not a major one.

Characteristics of Hybrid Nicotine:

• Faster nicotine absorption similar to nicotine salts.
• More of a throat hit but not quite as harsh as freebase nicotine.
• Best suited for pod systems and lower-wattage devices.
• Available in higher nicotine strengths (typically 10mg or 20mg).
• There tends to be less brand choice for this type of nicotine.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts depends on your vaping style and nicotine needs:

Choose freebase nicotine If:

• You prefer a stronger throat hit.
• You use a high-powered vape device (sub-ohm tank or mod).  
• You prefer lower nicotine levels.

Choose nicotine salts If:

• You want a smoother, less harsh throat hit.
• You need higher nicotine levels for stronger cravings.
• You use a low-powered pod system or vape pen.
• You’re looking for a vaping experience closer to smoking cigarettes.
• You want faster nicotine absorption which gets into your bloodstream quicker for faster relief. 

Choose hybrid nicotine If:

• You want a throat hit between a nicotine salt and a freebase nicotine.
• You Want faster nicotine absorption gets into your bloodstream quicker for faster relief.

Final Thoughts

Choosing what nicotine strength to go for is the most important part of your vaping journey. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages; there is no right or wrong option as it all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a stronger throat hit, then go for freebase or if you are looking for something smoother go for nicotine salts. There is also a good middle ground between both, which is the hybrid nicotine.

Looking for high-quality e-liquids in freebase, nicotine salt or hybrid nicotine varieties? Check out our selection at Vapourium and find the perfect match for your vaping needs!

FAQ

What typical nicotine strengths are available for freebase e‑liquids versus salt formulations?

 Freebase nicotine typically comes in either 3mg, 6mg, 12mg or 18mg (there are exceptions like Ohm Brew which is a nicotine salt brand or Riot Squad which comes in nicotine salt strengths but has a range that’s hybrid – That’s a mix of both nicotine types!) whereas nicotine salts are typically 5mg, 10mg or 20mg.

Can I mix freebase and salt nicotine e‑liquids safely in the same tank?

 Absolutely you can! mixing different strengths might work out in your favour! 

If I’m a heavy smoker, should I start with salts instead of freebase?

Not necessarily, if you prefer throat hit, you might have better luck with the freebase nicotine. 

Are nicotine salts inherently more addictive than freebase nicotine?

No, however, you might find yourself using nicotine salts more frequently and for longer periods of time due to how smooth they are.