Why are nicotine salt e-liquids buzzing ?

Why are nicotine salt e-liquids buzzing ?

New liquids have been introduced on the market since the beginning of the year with the mention "nicotine salt" on the label... But what are they ? And why are they buzzing in the vape world ? We’ll try and answer these questions as well as comparing them with the nicotine usually found in classic e-liquids. First, we’ll see what traditional nicotine is, its pros and cons, then we’ll do the same with nicotine salts to understand the difference.

First, what’s "traditional nicotine" ?

Often referred to as "pharmaceutical nicotine", this is the nicotine found in 90% of our e-cigarette liquids. It’s processed during extraction and then purified (what’s called "purified nicotine"). This basic nicotine has the advantage of being easily assimilated by the body.

On the other hand, and many of us have experienced this, the hit in the throat is relatively irritating at levels above 10 mg/ml (Related article). This is a real concern for first-time users who often get discouraged after trying e-cigarettes because they encounter unpleasant sensations that bother or worry them.

So the researchers then tried to get a nicotine with the same effects as those found in traditional cigarettes, i.e. a more efficient nicotine. Purified (pharmaceutical) nicotine is a lot less efficient than the nicotine in conventional cigarettes. We often hear vapers talk about the rule that 10 seconds of smoking is equivalent to 10 minutes of vaping. Although this comparison lacks precision and remains very relative, it’s true that we don’t get a "shoot" of nicotine when using an e-cig.

That’s great, but what's the difference with nicotine salts ?

To create nicotine salts, the extraction process is different, and the result is a lower PH of 5-6, similar to the nicotine used in traditional cigarettes. To this date, as Jacques Le Houezec, a renowned tobacco specialist, points out, it has not yet been proven that the speed and rate of assimilation by the body is higher with nicotine salts... There are not yet enough in-depth studies on the subject to talk about it with any certainty. On the other hand, as nicotine salts are more acidic, this solution will be much less irritating and easier to inhale. And that's a big plus for vapers.

The scientists' point of view

To quote a recent article on nicotine salts seen by Jacques Le Houezec, published by the Vapingpost, here’s his explanation :

"First of all, a nicotine salt e-liquid is not very different from a nicotine base liquid base. Liquid nicotine is a weak base in the chemical sense, with an alkaline pH. Nicotine salts, originally in crystalline form, will be diluted in the PG/VG mixture to get a more acidic liquid.
But nicotine is still nicotine ! It will be absorbed in a similar way by the lungs.

The big difference is that the steam obtained with a liquid with nicotine salts will produce less irritation in the throat (the famous "hit"). Smoker, like vapers, know how to dose the nicotine they absorb (titration phenomenon). This will allow smokers, beginner vapers, to be less irritated and to inhale more easily a nicotine steam well dosed to fill more easily their needs".

This innovation will undoubtedly enable heavy smokers (for whom the 20 mg/ml limit is insufficient), or those with very irritated respiratory tracts, to tolerate a higher dosage and be able to more easily go through the weaning period and successfully stop smoking.

Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos, a cardiologist renowned for his research on vaping, emphasizes that "nicotine salts have a definite potential in reducing consumption. A vaper will need to absorb less of them to reach its level of satisfaction, with a softer throat hit".

Inhaling basic nicotine e-juices can be unpleasant, irritating and sometimes even painful above a certain level (10-12 mg/ml). This encourages vapers, especially those who practice "power chasing", to use lower concentration levels, but these will often be insufficient for their nicotine needs. This will then imply an over-consumption of liquid and consequently an increase in the "vape" budget. However, with nicotine salt juices, users will be able to vape high levels of nicotine easily !

Are nicotine salt juices suitable for all vape devices ?

Absolutely not ! We must insist on the fact that these e-liquids are dedicated to MTL devices which means mouth-to-lung, indirect vaping producing little steam. We recommend their use in Pods and/or clearomizers with coils higher than 1 ohm. A use in sub-ohm would lead to an over-consumption of nicotine which could result in headaches, nausea or vomiting, even if this case remains very rare.

But then, who are these e-liquids for ?

Even if it’s not yet certain that they are more effective in terms of the rate and speed of assimilation by the body, these e-liquids are already a real alternative for former heavy smokers and neo-vapers. This profile of consumers has a significant need for nicotine, very attachment to the tight draw since it reminds them of classic cigarettes.

To conclude, let’s get back to basics. The efficiency of vaping depends on an adapted nicotine concentration rate, and a device that meets the needs of the vaper. That’s the best way to successfully stop smoking for good and to avoid any relapse. To help you choose, we suggest visiting one of our shops where our experts will be happy to help you.

Thank you for reading. See you soon for a new article.

Sweetch Team