Difference Between Nic Salt and E Liquid: Complete Guide
Nick Nortcliffe
Updated: 22 October 2026
Nicotine salt and freebase are two distinct formulations of nicotine used in e-liquid, each with their own unique characteristics. You can learn more here:
To learn more about e-liquids in general, click the links below:
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Nicotine salts, also know as nic salts, combine nicotine with an acid, often benzoic acid. This changes the liquid's pH level and the nicotine at the chemical level. Nicotine salts feel less harsh than freebase at the same strength when vaped. They are common in low-powered pod kits and are a popular choice for mouth-to-lung starter kits.
Nicotine salts do not always reach the bloodstream faster. Research shows differences in delivery, but results depend on strength, device power and vaping habits. A smoother throat sensation may also encourage the user to take longer or more frequent puffs.
What Is Freebase Nicotine E-Liquid?
Freebase nicotine is another form of nicotine used in e-liquid. It has a different acid-base balance and commonly produces a stronger throat sensation at comparable strengths. Typical strengths include 3mg/ml, 6mg/ml, 12mg/ml and 18mg/ml.
Freebase is common in lower-strength liquids for higher power tanks and devices as well as in low-power mouth-to-lung pens and starter kits.
Nic Salts vs Freebase: Side-by-Side Comparison
|
Feature |
Nicotine salt e-liquid |
Freebase nicotine e-liquid |
|
Nicotine formulation |
Nicotine combined with an acid |
Nicotine in a less acidified form |
|
Throat sensation |
Often less harsh at comparable strengths |
Often more noticeable at higher strengths |
|
Common UK strengths |
Frequently 5mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml |
Frequently 3mg/ml, 6mg/ml, 12mg/ml and 18mg/ml |
|
Typical equipment |
Compatible low-power pods and MTL kits |
MTL pens, refillable pods and suitable higher-output equipment |
|
VG/PG ratio |
Commonly 50VG/50PG, but varies |
50/50 or higher VG, depending on product |
|
Nicotine delivery |
Depends on device and behaviour; can be higher in some comparisons |
Depends on device and behaviour; not a fixed slower dose |
|
Running cost |
Depends on bottle price and daily liquid use |
Depends on bottle price and daily liquid use |
MTL means mouth-to-lung inhaling, usually through restricted airflow. DTL means direct-to-lung inhaling, often with more open airflow and greater vapour production. The type of e-liquid does not determine how you should inhale.
Nic Salt Strength Guide: 10mg vs 20mg
In the UK, nicotine concentration is labelled in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). A 10mg/ml liquid contains 10 milligrams of nicotine in each millilitre (1%). A 20mg/ml liquid has twice that concentration (2%).
For a 10ml bottle, that equates to 100mg of nicotine in the liquid at 10mg/ml, compared with 200mg at 20mg/ml. This isn’t the amount of nicotine you consume with each puff. Actual exposure depends on liquid consumption, power, coil and puff duration.
A higher strength is not automatically preferable. The NHS advises adult smokers switching to vaping to use enough nicotine to manage cravings. A Stop Smoking Service or pharmacist can advise you further. Excessive nicotine may cause nausea or dizziness.
Can You Use Nic Salts in a Sub-Ohm Device?
5mg/ml nicotine salts work for most people in sub-ohm devices. Anything stronger than that can cause irritation, especially at high power (50 watts and upwards). Sub-ohm refers to a coil resistance below one ohm, but this description covers different power ranges. Compact sub-ohm pods and high-output DTL tanks can produce very different amounts of vapour.
High-strength nicotine salts intended for small MTL pods are generally not appropriate for powerful, open-airflow DTL setups. A higher-output device can deliver more liquid and potentially more nicotine with each draw. The result may be uncomfortable or cause irritation in the throat and/or coughing.
Product Examples
Elux Legend Lemon Mint Nic Salt 10ml
A 50VG/50PG nicotine salt e-liquid with lemon and mint flavour notes. Available in 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml strengths and well suited for pod kits and starter kits.
Doozy Seriously Fusionz Tropical Ice 10ml
A 50VG/50PG nicotine salt liquid with tropical fruit and cooling flavour notes. Available in 5mg/ml, 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml strengths and perfect for MTL starter kits and low power pod kits.
Blue Sour Raspberry IVG Pro Salts 10ml
A 50VG/50PG salt e-liquid with blueberry and raspberry flavour notes, available in 10mg/ml and 20mg/ml. Great for refillable pod and other compatible low-power equipment.
A perfect vape kit to use with nicotine salt e-liquids. It has a 1600mAh battery, up to 35W power output, adjustable airflow, a 2ml pod capacity and comes with three refillable pods.
Cost per Day: Nic Salts vs Freebase
Cost depends on price, liquid consumption and replacement parts. Higher power equipment may use more liquid.
For a simple calculation, suppose a 10ml nicotine salt bottle costs £2.50 and a 10ml freebase bottle costs £3.00. These are assumed final retail prices, not a live quotation for any particular product.
|
Daily liquid used |
Nic salt at £2.50 per 10ml |
Freebase at £3.00 per 10ml |
|
1ml |
£0.25 per day |
£0.30 per day |
|
2ml |
£0.50 per day |
£0.60 per day |
|
3ml |
£0.75 per day |
£0.90 per day |
Each figure equals bottle price divided by 10, multiplied by daily millilitres. Consumption is held constant; nicotine delivery and device costs are not included.
UK Vaping Products Duty came into force on 1 October 2026 at £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid, regardless of whether or not it contains nicotine. Retail prices are expected to rise accordingly but these figures are not final until sometime in spring 2027.
UK Nicotine Rules and Safe Handling
Regulated nicotine e-liquid in the UK is limited to 20mg/ml. Nicotine refill bottles (including nicotine shots) cannot exceed 10ml, and vape tanks and pods are limited to 2ml capacity (this does not cover replacement pods as thes are classed as accessories). Higher strengths advertised for overseas markets should not be presented as legal UK consumer options.
Always use manufacturer-labelled liquids, keep bottle caps securely closed and store them away from children and pets. Swallowed nicotine can cause poisoning. Stop using a product causing concerning symptoms and seek advice.
Nicotine vaping is considered substantially less harmful than smoking by the NHS for adults who smoke, but it is not risk-free. Children, young people and non-smokers should not use nicotine products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between nicotine salt and e-liquid?
Nicotine salt is an e-liquid. It contains nicotine formulated with an acid, whereas freebase e-liquid uses a different form of nicotine. Both may contain PG, VG and flavourings. The practical differences are often throat sensation, compatible equipment and nicotine delivery.
Are nicotine salts stronger than freebase?
Not necessarily. A 10mg/ml nic salt and a 10mg/ml freebase liquid contain the same amount of nicotine. However, nicotine delivery can differ between formulations in particular devices, so equal strengths do not guarantee identical absorption.
Can I use nicotine salts in a sub-ohm tank?
Only if the coil, device output and liquid concentration are compatible. Many high-strength salts are intended for lower-powered MTL systems rather than powerful DTL tanks. Check the manufacturer's guidance before use.
Should I choose 10mg or 20mg nicotine salt?
The appropriate strength depends on previous smoking, user preference, the vape device and how much liquid is consumed. The NHS advises adult smokers who switch to vaping to use enough nicotine to manage cravings.
Do nicotine salts cost more than freebase?
Not always. Prices vary by brand, bottle size and retailer. Compare the total cost per millilitre and your actual daily consumption. A higher-output setup can use more liquid even when the bottle itself is inexpensive.
Final Summary
Nicotine salts and freebase are two formulations of nicotine-containing e-liquid. Salts often feel less harsh at comparable nicotine strengths, while freebase can produce a more pronounced throat sensation. Neither is inherently safer, and neither is automatically suitable for every vape. Check nicotine concentration, VG/PG ratio, coil compatibility and complete running costs before making a comparison.
Sources and Further Reading
MHRA, E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products
NHS Better Health, Vaping to quit smoking