What Nic Salt Strength Should I Use?

Nic salts are now one of the most popular types of e-liquid in the UK, and it is easy to see why. They deliver nicotine more smoothly and quickly than standard freebase e-liquid, which makes them a natural choice for people who are switching from cigarettes or stepping up from a disposable. The question most people ask when they start buying nic salts covers 10mg, 20mg, and 5mg for those stepping their nicotine right down.

What Are Nic Salts?

Nic salts use a different form of nicotine to standard e-liquid. Where freebase nicotine can feel harsh at higher strengths, nic salts are smoother on the throat even at 20mg. That smoothness is the main reason they work so well in low-wattage pod kits, which are the devices most commonly used with them. The nicotine reaches your system faster than freebase too, which helps with cravings.

The Difference Between 5mg, 10mg and 20mg

All three strengths work in the same way. The difference is simply how much nicotine you get per puff.

20mg is the maximum legal strength in the UK and is the right starting point if you are a regular smoker making the switch, or if you find yourself vaping frequently between cravings. It satisfies quickly, so you tend to vape less overall.

10mg suits lighter smokers, people who have already been vaping for a while and are gradually stepping their nicotine down, or anyone who finds 20mg feels too strong. It is also a good option if you already have a good handle on your cravings but still want the smoothness of a nic salt over a freebase liquid.

5mg is for vapers who have significantly reduced their nicotine intake and want to keep it low without switching to freebase entirely. It still gives you the smooth delivery nic salts are known for, just at a much lighter level. Not ideal if you are still in the early stages of switching from cigarettes — the hit may not be enough to satisfy cravings.

How Nic Salts Differ from Freebase

Standard freebase e-liquid comes in a wider range of strengths, from 0mg up to 18mg, and tends to suit higher-wattage devices. The higher the wattage, the more vapour you produce, and the more nicotine you absorb per puff. That is why freebase liquids at 3mg or 6mg can still hit well in a sub-ohm tank.

Nic salts are designed specifically for lower-wattage pod kits, where you get a tighter, more cigarette-like draw. If you are using a pod kit, nic salts are almost always the better fit. If you want to know more about the difference between draw styles, our MTL vs DTL vaping guide covers it in detail.

Which Strength Is Right for You?

A rough guide:

• Heavy smoker (20+ a day): start at 20mg

• Moderate smoker (10-20 a day): 20mg or 10mg, depending on how often you reach for the device

• Light smoker or social smoker: 10mg

• Already vaping and looking to reduce nicotine: drop from 20mg to 10mg, then consider a low-strength freebase when you are ready

• Already at low nicotine and want to step down further: try 5mg

If you are not sure, start at 20mg. It is much easier to step down than to start too low and end up reaching for a cigarette because the vape is not doing its job.

If you want to work out how much nicotine is in a specific product or mix, our nicotine shot calculator does the maths for you.

Browse Our Nic Salts Range

We stock a wide selection of nic salts in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg from brands including Elfliq, IVG, and Wizmix, available in store in Southampton and for UK delivery. If you are not sure which brand or flavour to try first, come in and ask. We will point you in the right direction.