Nicotine Salts – the trend that’s taking over?
We’ve witnessed huge innovation in the vaping industry over a short period of time. So how exactly have Nic Salts revolutionised the game?
Nicotine Salts (commonly abbreviated to nic salts) have been around in e-liquids for a couple of years now. Yet have only recently exploded in popularity as a monumental vaping innovation. Let just get this straight now also, Nicotine Salt contains NO Salt and will not influence your sodium intake.
Their popularity in particular initially rocketed in the US, closely linked to the JUUL closed vaping pod system which packed a powerful punch of 50% nicotine salts based e-liquid in America. Only lately has this been available in the EU thanks to the stricter regulations set by the Tobacco Products Directive, which sees maximum nicotine levels capped to 20%.
In response to this rapid rise in popularity and demand, we’ve extensively researched and developed our own nic salts e-liquids range to be amongst the most innovative in the world. We’ve carefully crafted this guide to help you fully understand nic salts, so that you can make an informed decision about whether they’re the right vape for you.
What’s freebase nicotine?
It’s best to also properly understand the most common alternative form of nicotine available – freebase, to fully explain the differences to nicotine salts.
Freebase nicotine originates from the 1960s when Phillip Morris International (who’s Marlboro brand) undertook research that discovered freebasing nicotine could make a purer and more enjoyable product, hence it is very popular in cigarettes, nicotine replacement products (including gum and patches etc) and vape e-liquids.
The freebasing process involves changing nicotine from its ‘salt’ state which occurs naturally, into its base ‘purest’ form. This way of increasing potency, without increasing the dose is why it’s popular amongst vapers as it can potentially make for a more cost-effective solution. As the name suggests the salt protons are stripped away using ammonia (an alkaline) which raises the pH level and modifies it to a deprotonated ‘freebase’ state.
However this may not provide the most optimal experience for all vapers, so why exactly would some vapers benefit from using nicotine salts over freebase?
The big difference
Most vapers share the common goal of wanting the sensation they get from vaping to most closely replicate that of smoking a cigarette. Hence to function most effectively, the delivery of nicotine has to replicate that of a regular cigarette as efficiently as possible.
Previously vapers only had the option of having freebase nicotine in their vape juice, which with its higher pH value is more on the alkaline end of the spectrum meaning users can find it harsh in higher doses.
Depending on the users previous smoking and vaping experience, a high quantity of freebase nicotine can deliver a throat hit too severe to fully enjoy. The consequence of this is newer vapers would often reduce the nicotine content of their liquid, to be gentler on their throat.
However this can prove very risky in cases as by reducing nicotine levels too quickly there’s a high risk they may be tempted to relapse back onto cigarettes when they’re not getting their early intense cravings satisfied.
There is the alternative also of taking more drags from their vape so the cravings are satisfied, however this results in more e-liquid having to be used which diminishes the cost savings promised which can prove demotivating.
Hence when developing our Nicotine Salt E-Liquid ranges we wanted to find the optimal trade off point between wholly satisfying nicotine cravings, and getting a silky smooth vape experience that can be used as frequently as needed. First we’ll give you a full run through on what a nicotine salt actually is, before revealing the secret we discovered to achieve it.
What’s nicotine salt exactly?
We’ll begin by most importantly clarifying, it is NOT based around common sodium chloride also known as table salt. Therefore it won’t make your vape juice taste salty, or increase you’re your sodium intake.
The term comes from chemistry, where a salt is made up of a chemical reaction containing both a positive (acid) charge and a negative (base) charge.
In tobacco leaves the nicotine which occurs has the chemical composition of a salt. More importantly perhaps tobacco leaves only contain nicotine in its salt state, its these exact nicotine salts that are then chemically modified to produce freebase nicotine.
Yet interestingly nicotine salts chemical composition has a week base which seeks out positively charged particles (protons) so that they can become stable (ionised). Since ions have difficulty moving through our cell membranes, its hard for them to reach our bodies nicotine receptors.
Unmodified nicotine salts that could be added to the PG/VG that makes up e-liquid, would need to be vaped at extremely high temperatures for the nicotine to become effective. Even if that were possible, absorption of nicotine would still be inferior to its freebase equivalent. Hence to make it most effective for vaping, nic salts still need a touch of chemical tweaking themselves.
Optimising Nic Salts for vaping
Whilst a chemist might love to hear all the technicalities we could throw at you now about how we perfected our formula, we don’t want bore or overwhelm you with exactly how we changed the molecular breakdown (but please drop us a message if you do). To make a long story short, it all comes down to pH levels.
Our clever scientists in the lab theorised that to make the most vapable nicotine salts, you need to boost the acidity of the nic salt you can deliver higher doses of nicotine without straining the throat as much.
Acids and nicotine bond well together, and there’s certain acids that naturally occur in every cell of the human body which we’ve discovered make nicotine salts very effective when vapourised.
In our e-liquids we use Benzoic and Citric acids depending on what’s optimal for the nic salt flavour, to deliver three undeniable benefits:
It changes the nicotine’s chemical structure so that it can be much more quickly absorbed by our bodies.
It substantially reduces the temperature the nic salts vapourise at.
It decreases the pH level which culminates in a much smoother experience for the throat when vaped.
Through optimising the nicotine salt like this, we are able to deliver the most similar concentration of nicotine to the bloodstream as a regular tobacco cigarette would, also crucially in a similar time period.
The Nic Salt vs Freebase battle
Since you’re now clued up on the science, we can swiftly compare the key differences between freebase and nicotine salts so you can decide which is best for you.
Nicotine Salts Core Facts
Will contain Benzoic or Citric acid for optimising
Fast absorbing in the bloodstream
Still smooth in higher doses
Limited flavour complexity
Constrained cloud production
Suits the mouth-to-lung vaping technique
Potentially more expensive by volume
Available in the highest nicotine strengths
Optimal for newbie vapers and mixed users
Works best with lower power wattage devices
Can achieve cigarette like nicotine hit with less e-liquid
Longest shelf life due to slower oxidation
Freebase Nicotine Core Facts
Contains zero additives
Slower absorbing in the bloodstream
Becomes harsher at higher doses
Maximum flavour complexity
Larger cloud production
Suits both direct-to-lung and mouth-to-lung vaping techniques
Often less expensive by volume
Available in the lowest nicotine strengths
Optimal for vapers with low nicotine needs
Works best with higher power wattage devices for most effective vaping
Potentially more e-liquid required for cigarette like nicotine hit
Shorter shelf life due to faster oxidation
Is there any difference in safety?
When it comes to differences between having nic salt e-liquid and freebase nicotine vape juice, there only one and it’s the added Benzoic or Citric acid. Since both naturally occur in our bodies, nicotine salts are going to be no safety is compromised to its freebase counterpart.
Furthermore the World Health Organisation’s renowned International Program on chemical safety also advises that humans consume a maximum of 5mg of theses acids per kilogram of bodyweight per day, this works out to roughly 420mg for the average 84kg UK man, or 350mg for the average UK woman. Given that 1ml of nic salt vape juice contains just a few milligrams of Benzoic or Citric acid, its virtually impossible anyone would be able to vape such a dangerous amount.
Which should I choose?
If any of the following statements apply to you, then nicotine salts would be a suitable choice:
I want to quit smoking
I’ve tried vaping before however unsuccessfully
I don’t want an overly technical or expensive vaping device
I need a nicotine level higher than freebase e-liquids can provide
This guide should have hopefully provided you with everything necessary to make an informed decision about which nicotine e-liquid variant is best for you. However if you still have unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Vape Perth for further impartial expert advice and guidance.
Australia is already the only Western democracy to require a nicotine prescription to vape. Vaping is framed as a threat to public health, rather than an opportunity to improve it.
Public consultation is currently being conducted on the draft Strategy, until March 24.
The previous National Tobacco Strategy 2012-2018 was an embarrassing failure. A target of 10 percent adult daily smoking was set for 2018, but only 13.8 percent was achieved. The draft 2022-2030 Strategy has now set the same target of 10 percent for 2025. However, without ready access to vaping, this goal is certain to be missed once again.
"In Australia, it will remain much easier to buy deadly cigarettes than the far safer alternative."
In sharp contrast, neighboring New Zealand recently set a 2025 daily adult smoking target of less than 5 percent, for all population groups, in its Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan. Vaping is a key element of this plan: “Those who are not ready to quit, or are unable to, now have an alternative at much less cost and risk to health,” it states.
Concerns over the criminalization of Māori people make New Zealand’s increasingly prohibitionist approach to smoking highly controversial. At the same time, its plan would make vaping products more accessible than cigarettes. In Australia, meanwhile, it will remain much easier to buy deadly cigarettes than the far safer alternative.
Even without the planned anti-smoking measures, the benefit of vaping has been clearly demonstrated in New Zealand. Over the last 12 months, since new vaping legislation was introduced, there has been an unprecedented 20 percent decline in the adult (daily and non-daily) smoking rate (from 13.7 percent to 10.9 percent). This decline is likely to be almost entirely due to vaping, as there have been no other significant tobacco policy changes during this time. In contrast, the adult smoking rate in Australia fell by 10 percent in six years from 2013-2019 (16.4 percent to 14.7 percent).
Article written by COLIN MENDELSOHN MARCH 8, 2022, read more: https://bit.ly/oz-restrictions
(Here's the official government announcement - see link https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/preventing-nicotine-uptake-by-young-australians-with-prescription-based-vaping).
Some might say we have won half the battle (Well, some would say we have lost the battle instead), but we do think that the war is still on and we still have a slight chance of getting this law reversed and making nicotine sales legal in Australian vape stores. *cross fingers*
Get you family & friends to sign the Legalise Vaping Petition – see link https://www.legalisevaping.com.au/vaping-ban
Email your opposition to the Governor General – honours@gg.gov.au
You may heard that you can't buy nicotine vape juice in Australia for your private use? It's not true!
THE TRUTH IS...
You CAN buy e-liquid containing nicotine if you live in Australia, you just have to order them from outside Australia (overseas) and order a 3-month or less supply for personal use. However, nicotine liquid (pure) are bound by TGA laws which in most states requires a valid prescriptions from Australian medical practitioners.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING NICOTINE E-LIQUID IN AUSTRALIA
Based on the current law regarding Nicotine e liquid or Nicotine vape juice in Australia means we are not able to manufacture/sell our nicotine products within Australian soils (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, South Australia, etc). Hence, all our pre-mixed nicotine products for sale are based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and shipped worldwide with standard express international air mail.
We truly understand your frustration and thousand of others has expressed it at
https://www.change.org/p/australian-government-legalize-e-cigarettes-and-nicotine-e-juice-in-australia
Updated as at 26 June 2020
Great news! As of 26th June 2020, the office of MP Greg Hunt has officially extended the implementation timeframe by six (6) months to 1st January 2021...
]]>Updated as at 26 June 2020
Great news! As of 26th June 2020, the office of MP Greg Hunt has officially extended the implementation timeframe by six (6) months to 1st January 2021.
Updated as at 19 June 2020
Australian Government Department of Health have announced draconian measures that will prevent Vapers from importing nicotine e-liquid from the 1st July.
The government now only requires the rubber stamp of the Governor-General in Council to impose legislation that will “Prohibiting the importation of e-cigarettes containing vaporiser nicotine (nicotine in solution or in salt or base form) and nicotine-containing refills unless on prescription from a doctor”, punishable with a fine up to $220, 000.
(Here's the official government announcement - see link https://www.tga.gov.au/behind-news/prohibition-importing-e-cigarettes-containing-vaporiser-nicotine)
Get you family & friends to sign the Legalise Vaping Petition – see link https://www.legalisevaping.com.au/vaping-ban
Email your opposition to the Governor General – honours@gg.gov.au
You may heard that you can't buy nicotine vape juice in Australia for your private use? It's not true!
THE TRUTH IS...
You CAN buy e-liquid containing nicotine if you live in Australia, you just have to order them from outside Australia (overseas) and order a 3-month or less supply for personal use. However, nicotine liquid (pure) are bound by TGA laws which in most states requires a valid prescriptions from Australian medical practitioners.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING NICOTINE E-LIQUID IN AUSTRALIA
Based on the current law regarding Nicotine e liquid or Nicotine vape juice in Australia means we are not able to manufacture/sell our nicotine products within Australian soils (Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, South Australia, etc). Hence, all our pre-mixed nicotine products for sale are based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and shipped worldwide with standard express international air mail, or for an extra fee, opt for FedEx Priority Express to get your orders delivered in just 2 business days!
We truly understand your frustration and hope you may spend time to sign this petition by clicking below link to bring change to nicotine e liquid Australia law.
https://www.change.org/p/australian-government-legalize-e-cigarettes-and-nicotine-e-juice-in-australia
As of today's date here is what is the legal way for Australians to purchase e-cigarette products with nicotine as far as we interpret it. Here is an official Aussie government site on the subject which is the definitive answer.
In order to purchase vaping products with nicotine, you must order them from outside the country and have them imported. The law in Australia states it is legal to import a 3 month supply of e-liquid nicotine for personal use. But what is considered a 3 month supply? That answer is still unclear, so use good personal judgement when ordering.
There is no import prohibition from customs on electronic cigarettes with nicotine for personal use. Also, there are no customs fees for orders under $1000 AUD.
If you are residing outside of Australia, please ensure you are fully aware of your country’s laws regarding e-liquid/e-cigarette before checking out. We are not responsible for orders seized by customs or other law enforcement, or for buyers not holding the relevant import authorization. The buyer will assume all risk associated with their international purchase and is responsible for ensuring their purchase is within their country’s laws.
Australian Customs
At this point of time, there is no prohibition on importing vaporizers, e-cigarettes or e-cigars into Australia, so they will not confiscate your products at the border. Keep your order under A$1,000 declared value (before any discount or shipping) to avoid customs fees.
Rest assured that all items shipped internationally will be declared. Customs forms will all be marked honestly, with accurate product and product value details in accordance with Shipping Laws. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for products is provided when required. In addition, International orders may be subject to import taxes and duty fees which will be bear by the buyer.
Aussies, no worries! You can now order your e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers, and nicotine e-liquid online from Vape Perth, and have them delivered directly to your door without breaking the law!
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