Many people start vaping because they are interested in quitting smoking and see it as a way to still consume nicotine without harmful smoke and tar. While vape juice comprises only a few main ingredients, including Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and flavourings, nicotine is almost always present, although some juice is nicotine free. 

Nicotine in vape juice can be either salt nic or freebase nicotine. Let’s check out what they are.

Freebase Vape Juice

The original nicotine in e-liquid Canada is freebase nicotine. This conventional vape juice contains pure nicotine with a high ph and usually high VG. It is more potent than salt nic and absorbs quickly in the body.

Vape juice nicotine levels:

• • 0mg
  • 3mg
  • 6mg
  • 12mg

Freebase is made by adding ammonia to pure nicotine to make it more potent for the body. The particles in nicotine don’t move across organic membranes very well until it is bioavailable (more absorbent to the body) through freebasing. You will find freebase in the vast majority of e-liquids on the marketplace.

Freebase creates a powerful throat hit but can be too strong at higher nicotine strengths. Freebase is the way to go for people who are regular vapers and do it mainly for pleasure. They are not looking to transition off cigarettes, and while it is harsh on the throat, some people enjoy that sensation or take smaller puffs more often throughout the day.

Freebase nicotine is better suited to mods or sub-ohm devices with higher wattage and more power. Cloud chasers also prefer this type of nicotine hit because it is an advanced vaping experience. There is a wider variety of flavour combinations with vape juice freebase nicotine.

Freebase vape juice typically has a PG/VG ratio of 70/30, but it varies slightly. Smaller devices like vape pens and pod systems can use a 50/50 ratio because they can get more flavour without requiring much power. With 70/30 or 80/20, a more powerful device is needed to create those large clouds, and a strong flavour hit.

Finally, freebase can be used in all devices, but the flavour may be sacrificed with a higher nicotine dosage.

Salt Nic

Salt nic is the other nicotine option in vaping. The nicotine salt is a naturally forming compound on the tobacco leaf, which is ideal for those transitioning off cigarettes because it’s the same. 

Benzoic acid is used to lower the ph levels and increase the nicotine content. It makes the e-liquid less harsh and can rapidly get into the bloodstream. Salt nic is available in nicotine levels:

• • 25mg
  • 30mg
  • 50mg

It usually has a PG/VG ratio of 50/50, so you get stronger nicotine hits like a cigarette. You also get stronger pulls with salt nic, which helps with quitting smoking, and it is smoother, even at higher doses, to provide that nicotine satisfaction. People love it so they can wean off the toxic cigarettes and slowly lower their nicotine content over time.

There are some great salt nic flavours out there, like: 

• • Mango Ice
  • Crispy Coffee
  • Watermelon Breaker
  • Vimto Crush
  • Virginia Tobacco

It’s best to keep looking for more flavours as salt nic is becoming more popular and the variety is increasing.

Salt nic works well with lower-powered devices and pod vapes, so users can be a cheaper option, especially when first getting into vaping. Salt nic contains more additives than vape juice, so you may want to switch over once your cigarette habit beats. 

Salt Nic vs Vape Juice

What your pick may depend on the device you have. High-powered devices thrive on freebase vape juice. Cheaper, low-wattage devices work better with salt nic.

How much nicotine can you handle? Salt nic gives you that cigarette throat hit, while vape juice is smoother will a lot of thick vape clouds. 

How about the flavour profile? Freebase vape juice has a sweet vapour that can take away from the thick juice flavour with its high VG ratio. With salt nic, your flavour stays more balanced and intact. This all comes down to the PG level.

Salt Nic

• • Higher strengths
  • Strong throat hit
  • No big clouds
  • Smooth at higher doses
  • Longer shelf life
  • More expensive
  • Less liquid needed
  • Better for quitting smoking
  • Absorbs faster for quick nicotine relief

Freebase Vape Juice

• More flavour choices 
• Slower absorption rate
• Large cloud production
• Less expensive 
• Better for medium to low nicotine levels
• Higher-powered devices required
• Low or no nicotine levels can be harsh at higher doses
• No additives
• Handles larger flavour complexity

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You started vaping for all the benefits it can provide you, regardless of what other people prefer. You are the ultimate winner in the battle of salt nic vs. vape juice.