Is nicotine salt stronger than freebase nicotine?

The strength printed on the bottle or pod is the amount of nicotine per millilitre, and the UK maximum is 20mg/ml for both types. The difference is in the formulation, not a higher legal limit.

Can I use nicotine salts in a sub-ohm tank?

Nicotine salt liquids are generally made for lower-power devices. Check the manufacturer guidance for your device and the VG/PG ratio shown on the product page.

Nicotine

What are nicotine salts?

What nicotine salt e-liquid is, how it differs from freebase nicotine, and which devices it suits.

Published 17 Sept 2026Last reviewed 17 Sept 2026

Nicotine salt e-liquid, often shown as "nic salt", uses nicotine combined with an acid, most commonly benzoic acid. Freebase nicotine e-liquid does not include that added acid.

How it differs in use

The acid lowers the pH of the liquid, which many users describe as a smoother throat sensation at higher strengths than freebase nicotine at the same strength. Nicotine salt liquids are usually sold at higher strengths, up to the UK legal maximum of 20mg/ml.

Which devices suit it

Nicotine salt liquids are normally made for lower-power pod kits and mouth-to-lung devices rather than high-power sub-ohm devices. The product page lists the strength and the VG/PG ratio so you can match the liquid to your device.

Nicotine is an addictive substance. Nicotine salt products are intended for adult smokers and vapers aged 18 or over, and are not suitable for non-smokers, under 18s, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Questions

Is nicotine salt stronger than freebase nicotine?: The strength printed on the bottle or pod is the amount of nicotine per millilitre, and the UK maximum is 20mg/ml for both types. The difference is in the formulation, not a higher legal limit.
Can I use nicotine salts in a sub-ohm tank?: Nicotine salt liquids are generally made for lower-power devices. Check the manufacturer guidance for your device and the VG/PG ratio shown on the product page.