What is nicotine salt?

Since 2017, nicotine salt has been a new ingredient found mainly in e-liquids. But what is the difference between nicotine salt and conventional nicotine? And above all, what is said about its effects?

The difference between nicotine salt and conventional nicotine

If you thought nicotine salt came in crystal form, think again: it does not. Its name in fact comes from the alkaloid, its main chemical compound. Nicotine salt is a liquid. It is described as closer to the form found in the leaf than nicotine itself, and manufacturers present it as less irritating for the throat and more stable than pharmaceutical nicotine.

The nicotine found in e-liquids until now is known as pharmaceutical nicotine. It is processed twice: the first treatment makes extraction easier, the second purifies it. That purification makes it less potent, but easier for the body to absorb. In other words, pharmaceutical nicotine acts less strongly than the nicotine contained in a cigarette.

What is said about the effects of nicotine salt

As noted above, it is presented as less corrosive for the throat and as delivering nicotine more efficiently. It is also said that ten minutes of vaping are needed to obtain the same effect as ten seconds of smoking. Those are the arguments put forward for nicotine salt.

The throat sensation with nicotine salt is much the same as with a cigarette. The nicotine level is lower, yet the vaper is said to feel satisfied all the same. Nicotine is absorbed faster, which according to the makers means the user reaches that point sooner and vapes for less time. E-liquids based on nicotine salts can be used by any type of vaper.