Nic Strength in an E-liquid: Finding Your Perfect Vape Balance

Published June 03, 2025

By: Nick Nortcliffe

In your vaping journey, you must have experienced some vapes feel just right while others give an overwhelming feeling, leaving you wanting more and feeling overwhelmed. Ever wondered why? The answer is the nicotine strength present in e-liquid. It defines the intensity of inhalation and is vital for managing cravings, enjoying chosen flavours, and experiencing a smooth transition from smoking. Now, it’s crucial to understand the mechanism between fluctuating nicotine levels, as it’s a matter of respiratory health and ignoring health for fun is never a wise decision.

What is Nicotine Strength?

What is Nicotine Strength? Nicotine strength in e-liquids refers to the nicotine concentration present in a given volume of vape juice. It's universally measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). Suppose an e-liquid is labelled "6mg," it means there are 6 milligrams of nicotine in every millilitre of that liquid.

Types of Nicotine in E-liquids

Types of Nicotine in E-liquids Not all nicotine is made equal. There are two main types:

  • Freebase Nicotine: This is the traditional and most potent form of nicotine used in most e-liquids. It’s got a sharper throat hit that smokers might recognise. Usually comes in strengths of up to 6mg/ml, 12mg/ml, and 18mg/ml.
  • Nicotine Salts: Nicotine salts are laboratory-based nicotine that is made with acids to lower pH levels. This form of nicotine is smoother and easier on your throat, even at higher levels. It gets absorbed faster, so you feel the nicotine quicker. This is why nicotine salts can go as high as 20mg/ml or more but still feel smooth, not harsh. They’re great for pod devices and for folks switching from heavy smoking.

UK Nicotine Rules For E-Liquids

UK Nicotine Rules For E-Liquids In the UK, vape liquids with nicotine have a strict limit of 20mg per millilitre (mg/ml), and nicotine-containing vape juice bottles have a limit of 10ml. (These regulations are from the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations, based on EU guidelines.)

Tailor Your Nicotine Journey

Nicotine level in e-liquid is not one-size-fits-all; it’s a personalised journey influenced by users’ past smoking habits and the body’s response to the consumed nicotine.

If you're quitting smoking, a higher strength like 18-20mg/ml is most effective. These specialised nicotine formulations with the 20mg nic salt deliver a rapid yet smooth hit that mimics the immediate satisfaction of traditional cigarettes. This high nicotine content is suitable for nicotine salts and works well in low-wattage kits, like pod systems.

The e-juices with 3mg - 12mg are highly suitable for those on light or occasional smoking, or on the way to reduce nicotine intake. This nicotine strength in freebase e-liquids works well in advanced kits. The ultimate goal is equilibrium, i.e., enough nicotine to keep cravings fulfilled without overvaping.

Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment. Start and adjust until you discover the balance that supports your unique vaping rhythm.

Different Nicotine Strength Levels

Different Nicotine Strength Levels E-liquids come in diverse nicotine concentrations that include:

  • 0mg / 0% (Nicotine-free)
  • 3mg / 0.3%
  • 5mg / 0.5%
  • 6mg / 0.6%
  • 10mg / 1%
  • 11mg / 1.1%
  • 12mg / 1.2%
  • 18mg / 1.8%
  • 20mg / 2% (The maximum legal limit)
Selecting your ideal nicotine strength is key to an easy transition from cigarettes. Note that it's not just the numbers; it's about how well chosen strength pairs with your vaping device and style. Higher nicotine concentrations are ideal for the best Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping experience, and lower strengths are ideal for beyond average Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping.

For an easier choice, consider the following guide:
Nicotine Strength Who It’s For Notes Nicotine Type
0 mg/ml Flavour seekers, no nicotine No buzz, just vapour and taste Freebase & Nicotine Salts
1–3 mg/ml Light smokers, casual vapers Low nicotine, mild hit Mainly Freebase
6 mg/ml Light to moderate smokers Balanced nicotine and flavour Mainly Freebase
12 mg/ml Moderate smokers Nicotine buzz, satisfying Mainly Freebase
18 mg/ml Heavy smokers Strong hit, closer to cigarettes Mainly Freebase
20 mg/ml Heavy smokers switching to vaping Smooth but strong hit Nicotine Salts

The Role of Shortfills

Shortfillshave been trending in the UK vape market after the 10ml limit on nicotine e-liquids. These larger bottles (e.g., 50ml, 100ml) have nicotine-free e-liquids that allow you to add a separate nicotine shot. Thus, you can create larger quantities of their preferred flavour with their desired nicotine strength (adhering to UK regulations).

How to Choose the Right Nicotine Level for You

Choose the Right Nicotine Level How much nicotine you want depends mostly on your smoking habits:

  • If you smoked less than 10 cigarettes a day, 3 to 6 mg/ml might be enough.
  • If you were a pack-a-day smoker, 12mg/ml usually hits the spot.
  • If you’re trying nicotine salts, you’ll probably want something stronger — maybe 20mg/ml, but because salts feel smoother, it won’t be as harsh as freebase nicotine at the same strength.
Also, think about your device. Sub-ohm tanks make big clouds and usually work better with lower nicotine (3-6 mg/ml) in freebase e-liquids, while pod systems that produce less vapour often use higher nicotine levels.

Your Health, Your Choice

The significance of choosing the right nicotine strength is all about satisfaction without compromising well-being. Selecting an appropriate strength can prevent excessive nicotine intake and help avoid undesirable side effects. By understanding the regulations, the science, and your body's needs, you can confidently get your hands on an exciting variety of e-liquids and enhance your vaping experience.

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Nick Nortcliffe

Nick Nortcliffe – Vape Product Reviewer

Store Manager & Content Writter

At VapeGala, our content comes from Nick Nortcliffe, a "VapeSavvy" Chen, who runs the store in Old Swan, Liverpool. Nick himself is an ex-smoker who switched to vaping and is dedicated to helping people do the same. With over 8 years in the vaping industry and over a decade writing for YMYL sites, he is the best at what he does. Now, he is significantly utilising his practical experience and expertise to make vaping easy to understand for everyone by writing product reviews on different products.