The Ultimate Guide To Nic Salt E-Liquid
If you are new to vaping or are simply looking to give nic salts a try instead of your usual freebase vape juice, this guide will break down everything you need to know before giving them a go. From the science behind them to the advantages they can offer, by the end of this blog, you will have learned all you need to know to decide whether vaping with nic salt e-liquid is the right move for your journey.
What Is A Nic Salt E-Liquid?
The term “nic salts” is simply the common name for nicotine salt e liquid, and refers to the specific type of nicotine used when blending this kind of vape juice. Asides from this unique type of nicotine, nic salt vape juice contains the same key ingredients as any other vape juice: Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerol (VG), and premium flavourings.
Nic Salt e liquid uses a modified form of nicotine that is designed to deliver a more satisfying nicotine hit which lasts longer so as to help manage even the strongest cravings but without a harsh throat hit. Some Nic Salts occur naturally within the tobacco leaf but can also be created by adding a weak acid to a nicotine base. In science, these combined elements are described as a “salt”, hence the vaping nomenclature “Nic Salt”.
The Science Of Nic Salt E-Liquids - How Do They Work?
What sets nic salt vape juices apart from others is that their unique composition allows them to deliver smoother, faster-acting craving relief than their freebase counterparts, and modern examples also pack a double-concentrated flavour punch, which we will explore more later in this article.
There are many different types of 'salt nicotine' used to create nic salt vape juice, including but not limited to: Nicotine Benzoate, Salicylate, Levulinate and Lactate. Certain effects can vary between them, such as muting certain flavour profiles or adding slight cooling effects, but they all share three common properties: they permeate your body’s blood-brain barrier much faster, deliver a longer-lasting nicotine hit to better manage cravings, and are also incredibly smooth!
The trademark smoothness they offer is specifically linked to the addition of the organic acid we mentioned earlier (brace yourself for more science jargon). Nicotine is naturally incredibly alkaline in terms of pH, and it is this alkalinity that is responsible for the harsh throat hit felt when vaping traditional freebase e-liquids, especially at higher nicotine strengths like 18mg. Nic salts by comparison, have a pH much more aligned with that of our own body.
By adding an extra component to freebase nicotine like Benzoic, Salicylic, or lactic acid (hence the names given above for the different nic salts) the alkali pH is neutralised, delivering an incredibly smooth, hit even at the maximum legal limit for nicotine in an e-liquid in the UK –20mg. Even at these higher strengths, the hit is comparable to vaping a 3mg or 6mg freebase e-liquid, but of course packs a whole lot more craving-busting power; hence their popularity amongst vapers, and particularly those who have recently quit smoking or want to transition from disposable vapes to refillables.
Nic Salt E-LiQuid Vs Freebase Vape Juice: What's The Difference?
While both freebase and nic salt e-liquids are considered "50/50" e-liquids, they offer very different experiences to suit different needs. In short, freebase e-liquids offer a throat hit comparable to smoking cigarettes, more subtle flavour profiles and a wider range of nicotine strengths. Nic salts offer a very smooth inhale with no throat hit, faster-acting nicotine, and bolder flavours.
The standard e-liquids like those in our Original £1 range, contain what is known as freebase nicotine. It is called “freebase” because concentrated nicotine is diluted into Propylene Glycol (PG) and is “freely” suspended in the “base” PG to create a mixture we can then accurately blend as part of our e-liquid recipes. One of the downfalls of freebase, however, is that when vaping at high nicotine strengths, it can create a hit at the back of the throat due to it being so naturally alkaline.
Whether or not this is truly a downfall is a matter of personal taste. Lots of vapers enjoy the throat hit delivered by freebase vape juice because it is closer to that of a cigarette, making it easier to transition from smoking to vaping. For others, however, this throat hit can be a bit much, so if you require a larger dose of nicotine to satisfy your cravings without the hit, nic salts can be a great solution.
Different Types Of Nic Salt E-Liquid Explained
There are few different types of nic salt e-liquid available to buy, so it's important to understand the differences so you can be sure you have chosen the right product!
Bar salts are the most popular and modern example, packing a double-concentrated flavour hit designed to replicate the experience offered by disposable vapes. Traditional nic salts still carry the same smooth nicotine hit, but have less intense flavour profiles more akin to standard freebase vape juice. Nic salt shots are different again; they have no flavour, and are added to shortfill e-liquids rather than being vaped by themselves.
Below, we will explain the most common types of nic salt e-liquid on the market:
What Are Bar Salts?
Bar salts are the most popular nic salt e-liquids available to buy currently. They are blended to replicate the experience offered by disposable vapes.
They use premium double-concentrated flavourings, matching the best-selling profiles (including Blueberry Sour Raspberry Ice, Watermelon Ice, Kiwi Passionfruit Guava & more) from all leading disposable vape brands like SKE Crystal, Lost Mary, Elux and Elf bar. Our £2 bar salts range is paired with smooth nicotine salicylate (our chosen nic salt formula) to deliver high strength satisfaction without a harsh throat hit.
Since disposable vapes are now banned in the UK as of the 1st of June 2025, those looking for the ultimate alternative should try bar salts first and foremost when switching to refillable vapes.
What Are 'Original' Nic Salts?
Traditional/original Nic Salts have been around longer than modern bar salts, but are waning in popularity. While they pack the same satisfying yet smooth salt nicotine punch, they have flavour profiles with an intensity more similar to traditional freebase vape juice, including British Tobacco & Double Menthol.
This means if you find the bar salt style a bit sweet/cool or just too full-on, you have plenty of nic salt e-liquid options that offer a more subtle flavour experience alongside the trademark smoothness.
This toned-down approach to flavour does mean that disposable vapers looking for an alternative may not be satisfied with the experience original nic salts offer.
What Are Nic Salt Shots?
Nic Salt Shots are a companion product not to be confused with 'complete' nic salt e-liquids.
They should not be vaped by themselves and are instead designed to be added to 0mg 50-50 shortfills like our Bar Salt inspired 120ml range, to create custom nicotine strengths.
They do not contain any flavourings and are only available in 20mg as this dilutes down when added to the larger volume shortfill flavour base.
Due to shortfills being better suited to more advanced vapers, new users should instead focus on "complete" 10ml bottled nic salts until they are more confident with their vaping preferences.
Explore Our Nic Salt E-Liquid Ranges
Blueberry Sour Raspberry Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Blue Razz Lemonade Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Blueberry Bubblegum - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Strawberry, Raspberry & Cherry - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Mad Blue - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Watermelon Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Kiwi Passion Guava Ice - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
British Tobacco Original Nic Salt
Double Menthol Original Nic Salt
Empty Shortfill Mixing Bottle 120ml/60ml
Creamed Tobacco Shortfill 100ml
Lemon & Lime Shortfill 100ml
Red Grape Shortfill 100ml
Pineapple, Peach & Mango Shortfill 100ml
Peach Ice Shortfill 100ml
Cotton Candy Ice Shortfill 100ml
Cherry Ice Shortfill 100ml
Why Should I Vape Nic Salt E-Liquids?
As a new vaper, it is an easy pitfall to assume that all e-liquids are essentially the same, and a fair question to wonder why you should opt for nic salts over regular freebase e-liquid.
Vaping is intended to be an alternative for adult smokers looking to reduce the risks of consuming nicotine. The vast majority of current vapers are ex-smokers, and as such, when leaving cigarettes behind, their alternative of choice needs to be able to help them manage cravings effectively.
Nic salt vape juice excels in this area – there is already a wealth of data from the NHS, Action on Smoking & Health (ASH) and the UK Government, that highlights the effectiveness of vaping as a cessation tool. Nicotine salt e-liquid takes this effectiveness to another level by delivering unmatched craving satisfaction.
Cessation effectiveness aside, nic salts also offer the most flavourful vaping experience you can buy, and make for an ideal alternative for disposable vapers looking for an alternative.
Below, we will explore the main benefits offered by nic salt e-liquids:
Faster & Long-Lasting Nicotine Delivery
Thanks to the science we explained above, using nic salts mean you will satisfy your cravings faster, with that satisfaction lasting much longer. This can also mean you end up vaping less, making your e-liquid and money go further.
Smooth Throat Hit
Due to the neutralised pH of the nictine salts used to make e-liquids like bar salts, the throat hit is almost non-existant and delivers a smooth inhale every time.
Bold & Diverse Flavour
While freebase and nic salts both come in a huge range of flavours, modern bar salts pack a double-concentrated flavour punch that is proving to be hugely popular with UK vapers.
Compatible With Most Vape Kits
Nic salts are blended using a balanced 50/50 PG-VG ratio, which means they are compatible with the broadest range of vape kits. This means you have a lot of choice when it comes to finding a compatible refillable vape kit to pair with your new nic salt e liquid!
Are Nic Salt E-Liquids Right For Me?
Nic salt e-liquids won’t be for everyone and in any instance, you should always measure the benefits against your own needs. We have listed some scenarios below that, if relevant to your journey, might mean it’s the right time to try nicotine salt vape products:
- You are trying, or possibly struggling to quit smoking, and would like to experiment with an easier transitional alternative.
- You are a first-time vaper that has just converted from smoking, particularly from a heavy habit.
- You already tried vaping but felt that the nicotine hit and craving suppression were ineffective or the flavour wasn’t strong enough.
- You already tried high strength e-liquids that satisfied your cravings but felt the throat hit was an unpleasant experience.
- You feel like you currently vape too much or too regularly because it’s not providing you with the “same” feeling or satisfaction as cigarettes (e, nicotine rush).
The Best Vape Kits & Coils For Nic Salt E-Liquid
Nic salt vape juice pairs well with any MTL vape kit designed to work with 50/50 e-liquids. This means you have a massive range to choose from to suit both your experience level and budget.
For the best experience, we recommend choosing a pod vape kit, that has coil options ranging from 0.4-1.0 ohm, as this will maximise the double concentrated flavours of modern bar salts and offer a like-for-like experience to disposable vapers looking for an alternative.
Click the link below to read our blog about how to choose the right vape kit for your nic salts, or read on below as we explain the best options.
The Best Vape Kits For Nic Salts
Any standard vaping device will run both freebase and nic salt e-liquids. So long as the device and coil are suited to 50-50 blends, you will be fine.
There are, however, certain kits that really excel when paired with nic salt vape juice such as pod kits like the Vaporesso Xros range, or Elf Bar ELFX Pro, which have specialised coil options and settings that make the most of modern bar salt style nic salts.
These kits often have the added benefit of using refillable pods that have built-in coils, meaning you don’t need to worry too much about understanding ohms and watts, as they almost all feature smart wattage, which matches the power to the rating of the coil, so you will always get a pleasant experience.
Many vape kits advertise their compatibility with different e-liquid types, so take note when buying and double-check that you are investing in the right hardware.
The Best Vape Coils For Nic Salts
While it's true that nic salts will work just fine with any vape coil rated at 0.4 to 1.8ohms, there is a sweet spot that really makes the best of the smooth nicotine and bold flavours of modern bar salts.
Many pod vape kits now offer specialised RDTL coils. RDTL stands for Restricted-Direct-To-Lung, and refers to a specific inhale style that these types of coil offer.
'Sub-ohm' used to refer to coils rated below 1.0ohm, that were exclusively for thicker high-VG e-liquids. RDTL coils are a more modern exception to this rule, being sub-ohm coils rated between 0.4 and 0.8ohms, but with smaller wicking ports designed for thinner 50/50 e-liquid like nic salts.
RDTL coils are the best for modern bar salts, because the extra heat generated from firing the sub-ohm rated coil, combined with a more open airflow, delivers really defined and bold flavour - something highly valued by disposable vapers and nic salt fans in general.
Explore Vape Kits & Coils For Nic Salts
Vaporesso Xros 5 Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus Z2 Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini Pod Vape Kit
Voopoo Argus G3 Pod Vape Kit
Vaporesso Xros Replacement Pods - Pack of 4
Innokin Klypse Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
GeekVape Q Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
Oxva Xlim V3 Replacement Pods - Pack of 3
Aspire Gotek Replacement Pods - Pack of 2
Aspire TG Replacement Pods - Pack of 2
VooPoo ITO Replacement Pods - Pack of 2
Uwell Caliburn G3 Replacement Pods - Pack of 4
How To Use Nic Salt Vape Juice
You can use a nic salt vape juice just as you would any other e-liquid. It needs to be added to the tank or pod of your vape kit , allowed to soak in, and then can be vaped as normal.
Follow the simple steps below to get started:
Step 1: Open
Open your bottle of nic salt e-liquid by twisting and pushing down to break the tamper-proof seal.
Step 2: Fill
Fill your vape pod or tank (most have clear openings or bungs that can be removed to fill) and wait up to ten minutes for the nic salts to soak into the coil. Take care not to overfill!
Step 3: Vape
Attach the filled pod or tank to the battery, ensure the power settings of the device are appropriate for your chosen coil, and enjoy vaping your nic salt vape juice.
How To Inhale Nic Salt Vape Juice
You may have heard the terms MTL and DTL used by vapers when describing their inhale style. There is also a newer style that has become more popular since the rise of disposable vapes called RDTL. We recommend RDTL vaping with appropriate coils when using nic salts, but you should stick to what feels most comfortable for you.
We know this can all sound like jargon, however, understanding what these initials mean can give you an edge when working out how best to enjoy your nic salt e-liquids (or any vape juice for that matter!)
Below, we will explain the three most common inhale styles:
What Is MTL Vaping?
MTL means mouth-to-lung and is the most common way people tend to inhale when vaping, especially when first starting out.
This is where you inhale, hold the vapour in your mouth before drawing it into the lungs and exhaling – similar to smoking a cigarette.
MTL vaping feels most natural when using a low-power vape kit and coils rated 1.0ohm or above.
While MTL vaping is fine for nic salts, it is better suited to freebase 50/50 e-liquid instead, as it helps manage their throat hit.
What Is DTL Vaping?
DTL stands for direct-to-lung and is more typical of HVG vapers, so less preferable when using nic salts.
This is simply the act of drawing the vapour directly into the lung and exhaling in one motion, without any holding in the mouth.
Some vapers find themselves doing this naturally over time as they adjust to vaping over smoking, however, the RDTL approach is a better option for nic salt vapers.
What Is RDTL Vaping?
This is where you inhale as if it were a DTL vape, but with reduced intensity at higher nicotine strengths - think of it as a middle ground between MTL & DTL.
As pod devices have become more tailored to nic salt vaping, particularly those trying to capture the open draw typical of a disposable vape, many brands now offer sub-ohm coils that are still designed for vaping with 50/50 nic salts, like the VooPoo Argus 0.7ohm pod. These are called RDTL, which stands for restricted-direct-to-lung.
If you are a disposable vape user looking to switch to 10ml nic salts and refillable vapes, this is the perfect option for you!
Nic Salt E-Liquid FAQs
After reading this article, you should now have a better understanding of what nic salt e-liquids are and whether they are the right choice for your vaping journey.
If you still have questions, however, check out the FAQs below to learn more:
What Nic Salt Strength Should I Vape?
What Nic Salt Strength Should I Vape?
If you're choosing to use nicotine salts, then you should determine which is the best strength for you based on the nicotine level. Keep in mind nicotine salts are absorbed faster into the body, and there's a considerable difference between vaping nic salts and freebase nicotine vape juice, so you may not want to go for the maximum nicotine strength straight off the bat.
10ml Nic salt e-liquids come in varying nicotine strengths so that they cater to everyone's individual nicotine requirements. Choosing a suitable nic salt strength is pivotal for ensuring that you have a great vaping experience. Vaping a nicotine strength too high with nic salts may be too overwhelming for you, and you won't enjoy it.
5mg - 10mg - These are the two lower strength nic salt vape juice that are available, and only contain a small amount of nicotine. You will still get a good nicotine hit from these, as well as fast absorption, but it will not be as punchy if you were to vape a higher strength like 20mg. We would recommend these if you previously used a 3mg or 6mg freebase nicotine e-liquid and are wanting to switch to nicotine salts.
20mg - This is the strongest nicotine salt e liquid available to buy in the UK to adhere to the TPD regulations set out in 2016. These will give a punchy but smooth nicotine hit when you vape them. We recommend this level if you have previously used higher strength freebase vape juices such as 12mg or 18mg or were a heavy smoker.
Is Using Nic Salt Vape Juice Safe?
Is Using Nic Salt Vape Juice Safe?
All LiQuid products, regardless of their nicotine content, are subject to rigorous testing from start to finish, above and beyond traditional TPD regulations to ensure your total safety and satisfaction. Our Nic Salts are no different and are subject to strict quality controls to ensure they meet your standards every time.
Public Health England’s landmark study has positioned vaping as 95% less harmful than smoking, and is yet to be disputed, with multiple subsequent studies consistently finding vaping to be a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, including Yorkshire Cancer Research’s 2021 Vaping Demystified investigative film. While research is still ongoing, Nic Salts have not been linked to any risks beyond any of those posed by traditional e-liquids (which are very minor vs smoking).
Depending on the needs of your vaping journey, you may find nicotine salt e-liquid to be better for you in other ways than those concerning health. Due to the deeper, vaping nicotine salts can create a longer lasting satisfaction delivered by its unique properties, a Nic Salt e-liquid could last you a lot longer than a normal bottle as you may find your cravings are manageable while consuming far less juice – better for your body and better for your wallet!
Equally, the increased stability of Nic Salts means they remain at their best for longer, cause less coughing thanks to the reduced throat hit and provide a very efficient way to vape, making the switch from smoking a much more manageable process.
While vaping is considered to be less harmful than smoking, inhaling anything other than fresh air will always pose an element of risk – always bear this in mind when deciding if vaping is right for you – if you have never smoked, don’t start vaping!
Will Nic Salt E-Liquid Be Banned In The UK?
Will Nic Salt E-Liquid Be Banned In The UK?
No. The 2025 disposable vape ban in the UK applies to single-use vape kits only. 10ml bottled vape juice will still be available to purchase and combined with refillable vape kits like the ELFX Pro, or Vaporesso Xros series, which means you can still enjoy your favourite disposable bar flavours. Flavours that appeal to children may be affected by the upcoming Tobacco & Vapes Bill but there are no plans yet to restrict those found in our ranges here.
Are Nic Salts A Good Alternative To Disposable Vapes?
Are Nic Salts A Good Alternative To Disposable Vapes?
Yes! The UK ban on single-use vapes might have left you unable to buy your favourite disposable kits, but you can still enjoy the same smooth, bold vape flavours thanks to the 10ml bottled ranges like LiQuid Bar Salts.
Enjoy all your favourites but with even better value for money - simply combine them with a refillable vape kit of your choice, and get even more for your money.
Plenty of UK vapers feel that disposable vapes taste better than standard e-liquids, but we believe you can get an equal or better experience with the information included in this guide!
Where Can I Buy Cheap Nic Salt Vape Juice?
Where Can I Buy Cheap Nic Salt Vape Juice?
We have some incredible ranges of nicotine salt e-liquids available to buy at LiQuid, from our own range starting at just £1 per 10ml, to guest brands such as ElfLiq Nic Salts, there's no need to shop around finding the best nic salt vape juices as we've got plenty to choose from here.
Bar Salts is our own take on the popular flavours used in disposable vapes, and now available in 10ml bottles for just £2 each! These are available in the standard 10mg and 20mg nicotine strengths, but we're proud to say that Bar Salts are also available in 5mg, which means there's a nicotine strength for everyone!
Don’t worry – we know other Nic Salt products out there can be more expensive, not here at LiQuid. We make all of our e-liquids in the UK at our state of the art facilities in Manchester. Rest assured that you're getting premium quality vape juice at the cheapest price possible.
Our prices are low because we have spent a decade perfecting our manufacturing and warehousing to the point where our company group now encompasses the full scope of the vaping industry from raw material production, to manufacturing the e-liquids themselves, plus warehousing and dispatch - we even carry out all our own laboratory testing using ISO 17025 accredited methodologies verified by official authorities. It's taken us a long time to get to this stage but we are able to control our costs with peak efficiency and pass those savings on to you without sacrificing quality!
Why Buy Nic Salt E-Liquid Online From LiQuid?
Why Buy Nic Salt E-Liquid Online From LiQuid?
Quality, Safety, Price - these are the three best reasons to choose the LiQuid brand as our trusted vape supplier, whether you are looking for nic salts or indeed any vaping product.
We have been proudly serving hundreds of thousands of customers every month for ten years, selling millions of bottles of e-liquid and constantly evolving our ranges through extensive testing, R&D and customer feedback. When you buy a bottle of e-liquid from LiQuid, you get the benefit of a decade of industry expertise, dedication to quality, and a commitment to low prices. You simply won't find a higher quality e-liquid for less in the UK.
We have developed an end-to-end manufacturing process that gives us unmatched control over the quality of our raw ingredients and e-liquid blending. This is combined with our full scope of laboratory testing that allows us to ensure the strictest standards are upheld at every stage of production to guarantee your satisfaction.
Beyond our promise of quality and value, becoming a member of the LiQuid community gives you access to unique benefits as a vaper, including our subscription service and LiQuid loyalty point scheme to help you get even more from your vaping journey.
