What are nic salts?
Nic salts are e-liquids made with a form of nicotine that is smoother at higher strengths. That means a stronger e-liquid can still feel gentle on the throat.
They are made for low-powered devices such as pod kits. Most come in 10ml bottles with a 50/50 VG/PG mix. Browse our nic salt e-liquids.
What is freebase e-liquid?
Freebase is the traditional form of nicotine in e-liquid. It gives a sharper throat hit, so it is usually used at lower strengths.
Freebase suits mouth-to-lung tanks and starter kits, while high-VG freebase juice is made for sub-ohm tanks and bigger clouds. See our freebase e-liquids.
Nic salts vs freebase at a glance
- Throat hit: nic salts are smoother; freebase is harsher at the same strength.
- Strength: nic salts are often 20–50mg; freebase is usually 3–12mg.
- Device: nic salts suit pod kits; freebase suits tanks and mods.
- Clouds: freebase in high-VG mixes makes bigger clouds.
- Bottle size: nic salts come in 10ml–30ml; freebase and shortfills in 50ml–120ml.
How to choose a nicotine strength
Match the strength to your device and your habits. Higher strengths such as 35mg or 50mg nic salts are designed for very low-powered pods. Use them in a high-powered tank and the hit will be far too strong.
If you are unsure, start lower. You can always step up. Many people find 20mg nic salts a comfortable middle ground in a pod kit.
What about nicotine-free vape juice?
Shortfill e-liquids are sold with no nicotine, so you can vape the flavour on its own or add a nicotine shot yourself. Shop nicotine-free vapes and shortfill e-liquids.
Safety tips for e-liquid
- Keep e-liquid and devices out of reach of children and pets. Nicotine is poisonous if swallowed — if it happens, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (healthdirect advice).
- Store bottles upright, closed and out of direct sunlight.
- Only use e-liquid in devices made for it, and follow the maker’s instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Are nic salts stronger than freebase?
Not by nature. Nic salts are usually sold at higher strengths because they feel smoother, so the same throat hit carries more nicotine.
Can I use nic salts in a sub-ohm tank?
It is not recommended. Sub-ohm tanks vaporise much more liquid per puff, so high-strength nic salts would be far too strong.
What does 50/50 or 70/30 mean on e-liquid?
It is the ratio of VG (vegetable glycerin) to PG (propylene glycol). More VG gives thicker clouds; more PG carries flavour and gives a sharper hit.
Is there nicotine in shortfills?
No. Shortfills are sold nicotine-free, with space in the bottle to add a nicotine shot if you choose.