Nic Salt E-Liquids

What Are Nic Salts?

Nicotine salt e-liquids use nicotine in its natural form. It's extracted from tobacco leaf and combined with benzoic acid to lower the pH, which changes how it feels when you vape.

Standard freebase nicotine gets harsh above 12mg. That scratchy, peppery throat hit puts a lot of people off higher strengths entirely. Nic salts don't have that problem. You can vape 20mg comfortably without irritation, which is why they've taken off with smokers making the switch and anyone moving to refillable kits.

And absorption works differently too. Nic salts reach your bloodstream faster, so cravings ease within the first few draws rather than building gradually. If you've used prefilled pod kits before, that quick-hit satisfaction will feel familiar.

Most nic salts come in 10ml bottles (the maximum size for nicotine-containing e-liquid in the UK) with a 50/50 VG/PG ratio. The thinner consistency wicks efficiently in pod kit coils and produces moderate vapour without flooding smaller devices. It also carries flavour well at lower wattages, which is why this blend has become the standard for MTL vaping.

Same Flavours as Your Favourite Kits

Here's something worth knowing. Most big nic salt brands come from the same companies behind popular prefilled pod systems. Same recipes, same flavour profiles. Just in 10ml bottles that work with any refillable pod kit.

• MaryLiq – same flavours as Lost Mary BM6000
• ELFLIQ – same flavours as Elf Bar 600
• IVG Intense – same flavours as IVG Pro 12
• Hayati Pro Max Nic Salt – same flavours as Hayati Pro Max Plus 6K
• SKE Crystal Nic Salt – same flavours as Crystal Bar 600

And the value adds up quickly. One 10ml bottle gives you around 3,000 puffs at roughly £1-2. A prefilled replacement pod costs around £5 for up to 10,000 puffs, but you're locked into that brand's flavour range. With nic salts, you get access to hundreds of flavours across every brand, and the per-puff cost works out lower when you factor in multi-buy deals like 5 for £10.

But what if you're new to refillable kits? Nic salts still have plenty going for them.

Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine

Nic salts or freebase? Both have their place. Which one suits you depends on your device and how you like your throat hit.

Nic salts absorb quickly and stay smooth even at 20mg. They're designed for low-powered MTL pod kits, where you draw vapour into your mouth before inhaling, similar to smoking a cigarette. The 50/50 VG/PG blend wicks easily in higher-resistance coils (0.6Ω to 1.2Ω) and works best between 10-30W. If you're coming from cigarettes or prefilled pods and want efficient nicotine delivery without harshness, nic salts make sense.

Freebase nicotine hits the throat harder. Some ex-smokers actually prefer this because it feels closer to cigarette smoke. It also comes in higher VG ratios (60/40, 70/30 and above) for sub-ohm vaping, bigger clouds, and more vapour production. Freebase suits lower nicotine strengths like 3mg or 6mg in high-powered setups.

Quick rule: pod kit at low wattage, go nic salt. Sub-ohm setup with airflow wide open, stick to freebase at 3mg or 6mg.

Once you've decided nic salts are the way forward, the next question is strength.

Choosing Your Strength

20mg, 10mg, or 5mg? Three main options in the UK. The right one depends on what you're used to and how often you vape.

• 20mg – best for heavy smokers (20+ daily) or anyone used to prefilled pod kits
• 10mg – suits moderate smokers (10-15 daily) or those stepping down from 20mg
• 5mg – ideal for light smokers (under 10 daily) or gradually reducing intake

Most prefilled pods run at 20mg, so if that's what you're coming from, start there. Too strong after a few days? Drop to 10mg. Starting too low usually backfires though. People end up chain vaping or giving up entirely. When in doubt, go higher first.

What Devices Work Best?

Nic salts work best in low-powered pod systems and MTL devices. These kits typically run between 10-30W and use coils rated 0.6Ω to 1.2Ω. This setup ensures you get the best flavour and a smooth throat hit without burning through liquid too quickly.

The OXVA Xlim Pro 3, Vaporesso XROS 5, and Uwell Caliburn G4 are solid choices. Tight draw, good flavour, no fuss.

Sub-ohm tanks? Avoid those. They use low-resistance coils (usually under 0.5Ω) running at 40W or higher, which chucks out far more vapour. That means far more nicotine per puff. 20mg through a 0.3Ω coil at 50W isn't pleasant and can leave you feeling lightheaded. If sub-ohm is your thing, drop to freebase at 3mg or 6mg instead.

One more thing: always prime new coils before vaping. Add a few drops of liquid directly onto the cotton, fill your pod, and wait 5-10 minutes. This lets the wick saturate properly and prevents that burnt taste on your first few puffs.

With your strength and device sorted, it's just about finding flavours you'll enjoy.

Flavour Guide

Fruit

The most popular category by far. Everything from simple single-fruit profiles like strawberry, mango, and grape through to layered blends mixing berries, citrus, and tropical notes. Most lean sweet, which suits all-day vaping without becoming sickly. If you've vaped fruity prefilled pods before, start here.

Menthol & Ice

Two slightly different things. Pure menthol delivers that clean, cooling hit familiar to former menthol cigarette smokers. Iced versions pair fruit or other flavours with a cold exhale. Intensity varies massively though – some barely tingle, others hit like an ice bath. Check product descriptions if you're particular.

Tobacco

Not trying to taste like cigarettes exactly. More that earthy, slightly roasted warmth some vapers prefer. Virginia blends tend lighter and sweeter. Darker options bring nuttier, richer notes. Worth a go if fruit and menthol feel too far from what you're used to.

Dessert & Drinks

Custards, bakery flavours, coffees, colas, and candy-inspired profiles. Work well as a change of pace but can get sickly for all-day use. MaryLiq and ELFLIQ both do solid dessert options if you want to experiment.

Bar-Style

Bold, sweet, and designed to match popular prefilled pod flavour profiles. Brands like ELFLIQ, Bar Juice 5000, and MaryLiq built their ranges around this category. If you're switching from prefilled kits and want something familiar, start here.

Please note: Nicotine is an addictive substance. Our e-liquids are intended for use by adult smokers or vapers aged 18+.

Nic Salt FAQs

Will I vape less using nic salts?

Often, yes. Because nic salts absorb faster and satisfy cravings more efficiently, many people find they take fewer puffs throughout the day. Some vapers report a 10ml bottle lasting twice as long as freebase at the same strength. However, it all depends on user-to-user. 

Are nic salts more addictive than freebase?

Nicotine is nicotine. The addictive potential is the same at equivalent strengths. Nic salts just deliver it more efficiently, so you may feel satisfied with less vaping overall.

Do nic salts produce less vapour?

Generally, yes. The 50/50 VG/PG ratio and lower wattage devices mean smaller clouds compared to high-VG sub-ohm setups. Good news if you prefer discreet vaping.

Do nic salts taste different from freebase?

Slightly. Freebase can have a peppery edge at higher strengths. Nic salts taste cleaner because the lower pH removes that harshness. Same flavour profiles, just smoother delivery.

Why does my nic salt taste peppery or harsh?

Usually means the liquid has oxidised. Nicotine degrades when exposed to heat, light, or air. Check your bottle's colour – if it's darkened significantly, it's past its best. Store in a cool, dark place.

Do nic salts gunk up coils faster?

Depends on the flavour more than the nicotine type. Sweet and dessert flavours with lots of sweetener caramelise on coils faster regardless of nic salt or freebase. Fruit and menthol tend to be kinder.

Can nic salts help me quit smoking?

They're designed for exactly that. The faster absorption mimics cigarette nicotine delivery more closely than freebase, helping smokers transition without feeling like something's missing.

How long does 10ml last?

2-5 days for most vapers using a pod kit. That's around 3,000 puffs from a single bottle.

How should I store nic salts?

Cool, dark place. Heat and sunlight degrade nicotine over time, darkening the liquid and turning the taste harsh. Sealed bottles last 1-2 years.

Can I mix nic salt flavours together?

Yes. Combine two in your tank if you fancy something custom.

Can I use nic salt shots in shortfills?

Absolutely. If freebase nic shots feel too harsh, nic salt shots give you a smoother 3mg mix.

Can I take nic salts on a plane?

Yes, in carry-on luggage. UK and EU rules allow e-liquids up to 100ml in your liquid allowance. Keep bottles sealed and bagged.

Do nic salts have a longer shelf life?

Slightly. The lower pH makes them more chemically stable, so they oxidise slower. Expect 1-2 years sealed, a few months once opened.

How do nic salts compare to prefilled pods on cost?

Prefilled replacement pods run around £5 for up to 10,000 puffs, which is decent value. Nic salts work out similar or slightly cheaper depending on how much you vape, but the real advantage is choice. Prefilled systems lock you into one brand's flavour range. With nic salts, you've got hundreds of options across every brand, plus the flexibility to switch strengths whenever you want.