In all Elfbar and Lost Mary Products use liquids with nicotine salt instead of traditional nicotine (freebase). We'll explain the differences and advantages and disadvantages of both types of nicotine in detail.
Differences between nicotine salt and classic nicotine
| feature | Classic nicotine | Nicotine salt |
| Throat hit | Strong | Mild |
| Nicotine intake | Slow | Fast |
| Ideal for | Sub-ohm devices | Pod systems, MTL vapers |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Suitable for high strengths? | No | Yes |
Nicotine salt: Mild throat hit – high nicotine content
Nicotine salts are being used in more and more e-cigarettes today. The main reason for this is that nicotine salts are less harsh on the throat than traditional nicotine. This makes it possible to use much higher nicotine doses in e-liquids without causing an unpleasant scratch when vaping. Furthermore, the nicotine salt is absorbed more quickly, resulting in a strong "nicotine kick." Since many smokers are also accustomed to a strong nicotine kick from tobacco cigarettes, Elfbar e-cigarettes with nicotine salt e-liquids offer an optimal alternative.
Freebase nicotine: Strong throat hit with low nicotine content
Classic nicotine, also known as freebase nicotine, provides a noticeable throat hit even at low nicotine doses (e.g., 3 mg/ml). High doses of freebase nicotine (e.g., 20 mg) result in a strong scratchy throat sensation, which many vapers find unpleasant. E-liquids or vapes with freebase nicotine therefore offer the advantage of providing a good throat hit even at low nicotine levels. Classic nicotine is a good choice, especially for those looking to reduce their nicotine consumption.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a natural alkaloid found primarily in tobacco plants. It stimulates the central nervous system by releasing dopamine, leading to feelings of reward and pleasure—one reason why nicotine is considered addictive.
How is nicotine used in e-cigarettes?
In e-cigarettes, nicotine is vaporized in liquid form for the user to inhale. Unlike smoking, no harmful byproducts such as tar or carbon monoxide are released.
What is classic nicotine (freebase nicotine)?
Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine used in e-liquids. It is chemically treated to convert nicotine into a free, easily absorbed form. This method was originally developed by tobacco companies to make nicotine more efficiently available.
Characteristics
- Effect : Freebase nicotine requires higher temperatures and produces a stronger throat hit .
- Absorption : It is absorbed more slowly by the body, so the nicotine kick occurs with a delay.
Advantages
- Stronger Throat Hit : For a smoke-like sensation similar to smoking cigarettes.
- Cost-effective : Freebase nicotine is generally cheaper than nicotine salt.
Disadvantages
- Aggressive at high doses : Can cause an unpleasant scratchy throat at higher nicotine strengths.
What is nicotine salt?
Nicotine salt is a form of nicotine that occurs naturally in tobacco leaves. Unlike freebase nicotine, which is chemically converted into a free form, nicotine salt is stabilized by the addition of acids. This makes it smoother and more pleasant to inhale, especially at higher nicotine strengths. Nicotine salt thus offers an alternative to freebase nicotine that many vapers find more pleasant.
How is nicotine salt produced?
Nicotine salt is produced using benzoic acid or other organic acids. These acids neutralize the nicotine, transforming it into a more stable and less alkaline form. This chemical change lowers the pH of the nicotine, resulting in a smoother throat hit. This technology was first developed and popularized by JUUL to enable a more enjoyable nicotine experience.
Properties of nicotine salt
- Effect : Nicotine salt offers a smoother throat hit , even at higher nicotine strengths, making it ideal for vapers who prefer higher nicotine doses without a scratchy throat.
- Absorption : Nicotine salt is absorbed by the body faster than freebase nicotine, resulting in a more direct and faster nicotine hit .
Benefits of nicotine salt
- Less scratchy : Even at high nicotine strengths, nicotine salt feels gentler in the throat, which is particularly attractive for those switching from cigarettes.
- Ideal for pod systems : Nicotine salt works best in smaller, lower-wattage devices, such as disposable vapes and MTL pod systems that produce less vapor.
- Faster Nicotine Hit : The rapid absorption of nicotine salt ensures that the user feels the nicotine hit faster, which satisfies nicotine cravings faster.
Disadvantages of nicotine salt
- Less Throat Hit : For vapers seeking a more intense smoking experience, the lower throat hit of nicotine salt may be too mild.
- More expensive : Nicotine salt is more complex to produce, which often makes it more expensive than freebase nicotine.
Nicotine salt is therefore particularly suitable for vapers looking for a gentler alternative and prefer smaller, less powerful devices. It's ideal for users who want to absorb nicotine quickly and effectively without the vapor scratching their throat.
Who is nicotine salt suitable for?
- People switching from cigarettes who need a quick nicotine hit.
Users of MTL pod systems.
People looking for a smoother vaping experience with higher nicotine strengths.
Health considerations and risks
Both forms, freebase nicotine and nicotine salt , pose health risks because nicotine is highly addictive. Different consumption patterns can affect cravings and tolerance.
Differences in nicotine consumption
- Freebase nicotine is absorbed more slowly, which may require vapers to consume larger amounts or more frequently to achieve the desired effect. This can lead to higher nicotine absorption.
- Nicotine salt is absorbed more quickly and satisfies cravings more quickly. This may reduce consumption, but it also increases the risk of developing nicotine addiction more quickly, as higher strengths are easier to consume.
Dependence
Nicotine salt may lead to higher nicotine absorption due to its gentler absorption, while freebase nicotine may limit consumption at higher strengths due to its stronger throat hit. However, both forms can lead to long-term addiction.
What is the right choice for you?
- Looking for a strong throat hit? → Classic nicotine.
- Want to get more nicotine with less vapor? → Nicotine salt.
- If you use a sub-ohm device → Classic nicotine
- Do you use an MTL pod system? → Nicotine salt.
- Do you like disposable vapes? → Nicotine salt.
FAQs
Can I use nicotine salt in my sub-ohm device?
Technically, you can use nicotine salt in a sub-ohm device, but it's not recommended. Nicotine salt is optimized for low-wattage devices, as it produces smoother vapor at high nicotine strengths. However, sub-ohm devices produce much more vapor, which could lead to excessive nicotine absorption when using nicotine salt, especially at higher strengths.
Why is nicotine salt more expensive than freebase nicotine?
Nicotine salt is more complex to produce because it requires an additional chemical process that uses acids such as benzoic acid to stabilize the nicotine. This technology and the additional production effort result in higher costs, which are reflected in the price of the e-liquids.
Is nicotine salt safer than traditional nicotine?
Nicotine salt is not inherently safer than traditional (freebase) nicotine. Both forms contain nicotine, which is addictive and poses health risks. The main difference lies in the way the nicotine is absorbed by the body. Nicotine salt offers a smoother inhalation and faster absorption, which may be more pleasant for some users, but the safety risks of both nicotine types remain similar.
How do I choose the right nicotine strength for me?
The right nicotine strength depends on your previous nicotine consumption:
- Light smokers (less than 10 cigarettes per day) should consider lower nicotine strengths (3-6 mg/ml for freebase or 10-20 mg/ml for nicotine salt).
- Moderate to heavy smokers (10-20+ cigarettes per day) can use higher nicotine strengths (6-12 mg/ml for freebase or 20 mg/ml for nicotine salt). Also consider the device you're using: pod systems work better with nicotine salt, while freebase nicotine is more suitable for sub-ohm devices.
Tip: Also visit our guide, “ Which Elfbar nicotine strength to choose ” to help you make your purchase decision.
