Nic Salt Strength Guide: 10mg vs 20mg Explained
08 October 2026 · Vapes Direct Wholesale
Almost every 10ml nic salt in the UK comes in two main strengths: 10mg and 20mg. Picking the right one makes a big difference to how your vape feels. This guide explains what the numbers mean and how to choose.
What does 10mg or 20mg mean?
The number is the amount of nicotine in each millilitre of liquid. A 20mg nic salt contains 20mg of nicotine per ml, which is 2% nicotine. A 10mg nic salt contains half that, or 1%. Under UK law (TRPR), 20mg/ml is the maximum strength allowed, and nicotine e-liquid can only be sold in bottles of up to 10ml.
10mg vs 20mg at a glance
| 10mg nic salt | 20mg nic salt | |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine per ml | 10mg (1%) | 20mg (2%) |
| Feel | Lighter, gentler hit | Fuller hit, closest to a cigarette or bar-style vape |
| Who often picks it | Lighter vapers, or those cutting down | Heavier vapers and those moving from bar-style vapes |
| Best device | Low-power pod kits (MTL) | Low-power pod kits (MTL) |
How to choose your strength
- Coming from a bar-style vape or prefilled pod? Most of these are 20mg, so 20mg nic salt will feel the most familiar.
- Find 20mg too harsh? Try 10mg. Nic salts are smoother than freebase at the same strength, but 20mg can still feel strong in some devices.
- Using a higher-power kit? Nic salts are made for low-power pod kits with coils of around 0.8 ohm and above. In a high-power or sub-ohm device, use a lower-strength freebase or a shortfill instead.
- Want to cut down? Some vapers step down from 20mg to 10mg over time. Mixing a 20mg and 10mg bottle gives roughly 15mg.
Shop by strength
We have made it easy to filter: browse 20mg nic salts, 10mg nic salts or the full nic salt range from Elf Bar, Lost Mary, SKE Crystal, IVG, Hayati, Elux and more. Not sure about nic salts at all? Read nic salts vs freebase.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20mg the strongest nic salt in the UK?
Yes. 20mg/ml is the legal maximum for nicotine e-liquid in the UK.
Is 5mg nic salt available?
Some brands make 5mg, but 10mg and 20mg are by far the most common strengths in the UK.
Can I use 20mg nic salt in a sub-ohm kit?
It is not recommended. High-strength nic salts are designed for low-power pod kits. In a sub-ohm device the hit can be much too strong.
Vapes Direct Wholesale sells to adults aged 18 and over only. Vaping products containing nicotine are not for use by non-smokers. This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.
