18+ only. This content is for adult vapers in the UK. E-liquids containing nicotine are not for sale to anyone under 18. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance.
Nic salts (nicotine salts) are a type of e-liquid made with a different form of nicotine from standard “freebase” e-liquids. They are designed for low-power pod kits and give a smoother throat feel at higher nicotine strengths. This guide explains what nic salts are, how they differ from freebase e-liquid, which strengths are sold in the UK, and which devices they suit.
What Are Nic Salts?
Nicotine in tobacco leaves naturally exists as a salt. Nic salt e-liquids use this salt form, combined with a mild acid (often benzoic acid), instead of the pure “freebase” nicotine used in most traditional e-liquids. The acid lowers the e-liquid’s pH, which is why nic salts feel smoother on the throat than a freebase e-liquid of the same strength.
Nic Salts vs Freebase E-Liquid
| Nic salts | Freebase e-liquid | |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine form | Nicotine salt | Freebase nicotine |
| Throat feel at higher strengths | Smoother | Harsher |
| Common UK strengths | 10mg and 20mg | 0mg to 18mg |
| Best suited to | Low-power pod kits (mouth-to-lung) | A wider range of kits, including higher-power devices |
| Typical bottle size | 10ml | 10ml (nicotine) or 50–100ml shortfills (0mg) |
Nic Salt Strengths in the UK
UK rules (the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016) limit nicotine e-liquids to a maximum strength of 20mg/ml and a maximum bottle size of 10ml. That is why nic salts in the UK are sold in 10ml bottles, usually at:
- 20mg — the highest legal strength. Browse 20mg nic salts.
- 10mg — a lower strength with the same smooth feel. Browse 10mg nic salts.
Some brands also offer 5mg. Every nicotine e-liquid sold legally in the UK must be notified to the MHRA and carry a nicotine warning on the pack.
Which Devices Work With Nic Salts?
Nic salts are made for low-wattage, mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices such as refillable pod kits. These kits usually use coils rated at 0.8 ohms or higher and run at lower power. Using 20mg nic salts in a high-power, sub-ohm tank is not recommended, because the higher vapour output delivers far more nicotine per puff than the liquid is designed for.
If you already own a pod kit, check its coil or pod resistance: if it is 0.8 ohms or above, it is suited to nic salts. Not sure of the difference? See our guide to MTL vs DTL vaping.
Popular Nic Salt Ranges
Most nic salt ranges come in 10ml bottles, either singly or in multi-packs. Ranges available at Vapes Direct Wholesale include:
- Elux Legend nic salts – from £2.99, or £16.99 for a box of 10
- Bar Juice 5000
- Elf Liq nic salts
- Crystal Clear nic salts
- PIXL nic salts
- Hayati Pro Max nic salts
Trade customers can buy multi-packs of 5 and 10 bottles. See the full nic salts range.
How to Store Nic Salts
- Keep bottles upright, sealed and out of direct sunlight.
- Store at room temperature, away from heat.
- Keep all e-liquids out of reach of children and pets. Nicotine can be harmful if swallowed.
FAQs
What are nic salts?
Nic salts are e-liquids made with nicotine in its salt form, combined with a mild acid. They feel smoother on the throat than freebase e-liquids at the same nicotine strength.
What strength of nic salts can you buy in the UK?
The legal maximum is 20mg/ml in a bottle of no more than 10ml. The most common strengths are 20mg and 10mg.
Can I use nic salts in any vape?
Nic salts are designed for low-power, mouth-to-lung pod kits with coils of 0.8 ohms or higher. They are not recommended for high-power sub-ohm tanks.
Are nic salts the same as freebase e-liquid?
No. Both contain nicotine, but nic salts use a salt form of nicotine and a lower pH, which changes how smooth the vapour feels.
Products containing nicotine are for adults aged 18 and over only. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. We do not sell to anyone under 18.
