Nicotine salts VS Freebase nicotine, what are the differences?
There are two types of nicotine, Freebase (most commonly used) and nicotine salts (nic salts). In this article we will explain the difference between the two.
Freebase nicotine
Freebase nicotine is a form of nicotine that is easy to evaporate. Freebase nicotine only needs the carrier substances PG and VG to be converted into vapour during heating. This type of nicotine is extracted from tobacco plants. The nicotine protons are isolated, as a result freebase nicotine remains. The pH value of this type of nicotine is higher than in nic-salts which results in a sharper throat-hit. In addition, freebase nicotine is absorbed by the body more slowly and less efficiently than nic-salts.
Nicotine salts
Nic-salts are most similar to the natural form of nicotine, which is found in normal cigarettes. Unprocessed, this form of nicotine requires an extremely high temperature to evaporate and is therefore processed to make the nicotine suitable for an e-cigarette.
This is done by adding the substance benzoic acid to the nicotine. Despite the complicated name this substance is found in many products, such as honey, yogurt and many different fruits. The pH value decreases due to the addition of benzoic acid, resulting in a lighter throat- hit while vaping. In addition, nicotine salts are absorbed faster by the body than freebase nicotine, and therefore feels more like a traditional cigarette in terms of the 'nicotine kick'. View our collection of nicotine salts .
To summarize:
Freebase nicotine is found in most normal e-liquids containing nicotine and feels sharper in the throat. This form of nicotine is absorbed slower into the bloodstream.
Nicotine salt e-liquids are less common and have a light throat hit. In addition, the nicotine is absorbed faster and more efficiently by the body and the 'kick' is more like a traditional cigarette.
