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In the world of vaping, a small revolution is changing the game! Indeed, after years of hegemony, classic nicotine, also called freebase nicotine, is gradually giving way to nicotine salts in e-liquids for electronic cigarettes. Let’s be clear, both substances serve the same purpose: your smoking cessation. However, they have many differences, starting from their chemical nature to their noticeably distinct effects.
So that you can fully understand what differs between the two substances, we are focusing on several points of comparison to consider in order to choose the best solution for you. Absorption speed, compatible hardware, “hit” (sensation in the throat), vaper profile… Everything is scrutinized for a pleasant vaping experience and, above all, a successful cessation.
Let’s start at the beginning: the role of nicotine in vaping. It is an alkaloid naturally present in the tobacco leaf and is also one of the substances that creates dependence. For a gradual cessation and a gentle one, it is added in liquid form to e-liquids. Its role is twofold.
On one hand, nicotine allows former smokers not to feel the withdrawal associated with quitting traditional cigarettes from a purely chemical point of view. On the other hand, it simulates the sensation of the larynx contracting as the smoke passes, which is called the “throat hit”. The way it is processed and formulated will, in fact, directly influence the vaping experience. This is where the differences between nicotine salt and classic nicotine come into play.
Classic nicotine, also known as freebase nicotine or purified nicotine, is the oldest and most widespread form in e-liquids for electronic cigarettes. Present in the tobacco leaf, it is extracted and then purified to obtain a pharmaceutical-grade product.
Chemically, it has a basic (alkaline) pH. It is precisely this high pH that results in a very pronounced “hit” in the throat, a sensation that often becomes irritating at high dosages. Note that it is also this form of freebase nicotine that has historically been used in nicotine replacement therapies like patches or gums.
Nicotine salt, on the other hand, is the form closest… to its natural state in the tobacco leaf. To be used in an e-liquid, it is combined with acids (like benzoic acid or lactic acid).
These additions lower its pH, making it more acidic and therefore much smoother to inhale, even at high concentrations. It is this characteristic that allows for faster and more efficient absorption by the body. The vapor very faithfully reproduces the sensation provided by a tobacco cigarette.
Let’s now look in detail at the concrete nuances between nicotine salt and classic nicotine when they are put into practice in an electronic cigarette.
Classic nicotine causes a powerful, dry, and very noticeable “hit”. The higher the level you choose, the more it increases. This solution is for you if you like this very distinct sensation. However, it can cause quite a bit of irritation and untimely coughing, which is bothersome for many vapers.
As you’ve understood, with nicotine salts, the “hit” is very smooth, sometimes almost non-existent. This makes it an ideal solution for the most sensitive throats, allowing one to vape high levels, for example, 20 mg/mL, without any discomfort.
In terms of absorption, that of classic nicotine is slow and gradual. As a result, your peak satisfaction is reached after several puffs, in 5-10 minutes.
In contrast, nicotine salt offers you fast and almost instantaneous absorption. You reach the peak in a few seconds, simulating the efficiency of a tobacco cigarette. This is ideal, especially, for calming a pressing craving.
Regarding the available levels in each of these substances, this also differs. For a very gradual and, above all, adjustable reduction, classic nicotine offers a wide range of possibilities: 0, 3, 6, 11, 12, 16, 18, or even mg/mL.
For nicotine salt, it’s a different story. It mainly exists in high levels which are intended for a more radical stop to traditional cigarettes. Note that in France and Europe, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) mainly authorizes levels of 10 and 20 mg/mL.
The form of nicotine in your e-liquid will directly influence your choice of hardware. Thus, while classic nicotine is versatile, this is not at all the case for nicotine salts.
Freebase nicotine can therefore be used with all types of electronic cigarettes, from the simplest (pods) to the most powerful (sub-ohm clearomizers, rebuildable atomizers). In contrast, nicotine salt must be vaped with low-power hardware (generally below 20 watts) and high-resistance coils (above 0.8 ohm).
The reason for this distinction is simple: using nicotine salts with a powerful electronic cigarette would deliver too large a dose of nicotine too quickly, and you would risk a nicotine overdose, which is not only unpleasant but also very dangerous.
As you know, nicotine is addictive regardless of its form. Nevertheless, there are some nuances to consider depending on the form you choose. The rapid action of nicotine salts could hypothetically be more complex to manage and create a fairly strong dependence. Classic nicotine acts more slowly and could promote a more controlled cessation.
To help you see things clearly at a glance, here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of nicotine salts.
Main advantages of nicotine salt:
The disadvantages:
Now let’s move on to the advantages and disadvantages of freebase nicotine.
The advantages:
Main disadvantages:
Depending on your consumption habits, one or the other of these solutions will be preferable. Here is some practical advice based on your profile.
Not necessarily, since the molecule is the same. It’s the method of administration that changes everything. If we make an analogy with coffee, for example. You can easily imagine the difference between drinking a cup and receiving caffeine intravenously. Here, it’s the same principle: the rapid peak of salts can reinforce the “reward” circuits and thus dependence. However, this is not automatic.
Technically, it’s possible. However, be careful if you are a beginner; it is absolutely not recommended to play the little chemist without knowing precisely what you are doing. This is reserved for experienced vapers who are looking to achieve a compromise between a light but present hit and slightly faster absorption than freebase alone.
Not at all! This is absolutely crucial information for your safety and health. Only low-power hardware with high resistance is suitable. If you use inappropriate hardware, you risk exposing yourself to a nicotine overdose. You would be exposing yourself to quite severe symptoms like dizziness, headaches, palpitations, or nausea.
Sale prohibited to minors. Product that may contain nicotine, an addictive substance. Use by non-smokers not recommended.