What nicotine strength should I vape?
When it comes to vaping, choosing the right nicotine strength for you is essential for making sure you get the most positive experience possible.
Of course, the right strength will differ for each person; someone who’s smoked a lot previously is better off starting on a high strength than someone who’s never smoked at all (or rarely).
Too much nicotine, and you may become overwhelmed and addicted quickly. Too little, and it might not be enough to satisfy your cravings. So, how can we find your sweet spot? Keep reading to find out.
Once you know what strength is right for you, you can shop our e-juice by nicotine strength.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is an alkaloid (nitrogen-containing chemical) that is harvested from tobacco plants.
Since it’s a natural stimulant, it’s a highly addictive drug that absorbs quickly into the bloodstream, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. It stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain, providing that satisfying feeling after smoking, often helping people unwind.
Nicotine is toxic in large quantities, which is why many people are switching to vapes to help wean themselves off of it. Ex-smokers tend to start off on a higher dosage to make the transition easier, until they work their way down to nicotine-free e-liquids.
Nicotine strength labels explained
Nicotine labels can look very technical on the bottle, especially to someone who is new to shopping by strength.
The good news is that nicotine strength is shown in two different ways; both are easy to understand once you break them down.
What “mg/ml” means
Most of the time, nicotine strength will be presented in mg/ml. Here’s a little guide for each one:
- mg = milligrams (a tiny unit of measurement)
- ml = millilitres (a small amount of liquid)
- mg/ml = how many milligrams of nicotine are in each 1 ml of e-liquid
For example, if a bottle says it contains 10mg/ml, that means that every 1ml of that e-liquid contains 10mg of nicotine. The higher the mg/ml of an e-juice, the more nicotine it contains.
Why do some bottles show a percentage instead?
Sometimes an e-liquid bottle will present nicotine strength in percentages rather than mg/ml.
Nic salts, disposables, and pod-friendly e-liquids tend to do this, but they’re not much harder to decipher. Just remember this: 1% nicotine = 10mg/ml.
Here’s how it’s shown:
- 0.3% = 3mg/ml
- 0.6% = 6mg/ml
- 1% = 10mg/ml
- 2% = 20mg/ml
A lot of beginner vapers find % easier to read, but you’ll find that most brands in the UK label their nicotine strength in mg/ml.
Choosing your strength based on smoking habits
If you’re a previous cigarette smoker who is moving on to vapes, this quick guide is an easy way to know where you ideally should be starting with nicotine vapes.
1–5 cigarettes/day (or occasional smoking)
Aim for a 3–6mg freebase vape or a 5–10mg nic salt, depending on the type of device you have.
6–14 cigarettes/day (regular)
If you’re a light-to-moderate smoker, use a 10mg nic salt with a pod kit to get you started or a 6–12 mg freebase e-liquid if you’re using a different vape device.
20+ cigarettes/day (heavy)
To make a smooth adjustment, a person who smokes 20+ cigarettes a day is best starting on a 20mg nic salt and working their way down over time.
Of course, this is just a general guide. The right amount of nicotine for you will depend on a variety of factors, such as your body mass, lung capacity, and any existing illnesses that may impact the effect nicotine has on you.
If you’ve never been a smoker but you’re looking to start vaping, bypassing nicotine altogether with a nicotine-free e-liquid is highly recommended.
Nic salts vs freebase nicotine (and why it matters)
Nic salts and freebase nicotine both contain nicotine. However, the nicotine isn’t delivered the same way, resulting in different types of throat hits, vapour production, and absorption into the body.
Nic salts are more common with ex-smokers, since they deliver the same type of hit associated with cigarettes. They also produce less vapour than freebase nicotine, which is better suited to those who want to create big clouds.
|
Feature |
Freebase Nicotine |
Nicotine Salts |
|
pH Level |
High (Alkaline) |
Low (Neutralised with acid) |
|
Throat Hit |
Strong/harsh (especially at high mg) |
Smooth (even at high mg) |
|
Absorption |
Slower, steady release |
Fast, mimics a cigarette "rush" |
|
Nicotine Strength |
Low to medium (3mg – 12mg) |
High (20mg – 50mg) |
|
Best Device |
High-wattage/sub-ohm |
Low-wattage/pod systems |
Is vaping nicotine the same as smoking it?
The number one question people ask is whether vaping nicotine has the same effect as smoking it. After all, if you’ve switched to vaping to be healthier, what’s the point if it’s only having the same effect?
While vaping nicotine can be just as satisfying as smoking it, the nicotine is absorbed differently into our bodies, so it doesn’t have the exact same effect.
When you smoke a cigarette, you aren’t just inhaling nicotine but also smoke that contains tar, carbon monoxide, and many toxic chemicals linked to cancer, lung disease, and heart and circulation disease.
Vaping doesn’t involve burning tobacco. Instead, the e-liquid is turned into vapour, which usually contains nicotine, flavourings, and base liquids (such as propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin). Therefore, even if the nicotine strength is the same, you’re exposed to far fewer toxins and at lower levels than with cigarettes.
What nicotine strength is best for my vape device?
Different types of vape devices produce different amounts of vapour, which means the nicotine strength won’t have the same effect on them all.
That means the same strength of nicotine in one device might not feel as strong in another, so it’s important to factor this in when determining which strength is right for you.
Usually, MTL vape mods require a higher nicotine e-liquid, since they produce less vapour per puff. With these, you pull into your mouth first, then inhale, since they have a tighter, more restricted draw.
If you’re using a DTL sub-ohm device, use a lower nicotine e-liquid, as these produce more vapour per puff. These devices require you to inhale directly into your lungs, resulting in a harsher throat hit and bigger clouds. DTL devices can only be used with e-liquids up to 6mg.
Is your nicotine too high or too low?
If your nicotine is too high, you’ll likely experience the following:
- Cravings come back quickly
- You keep “chain vaping” without feeling like you’ve had enough
- Left feeling unsatisfied while vaping constantly
If your nicotine is too low, you might notice these effects:
- A harsh feeling in your throat
- Light-headedness
- Nausea
- Headaches
Find the right match at Juicemate
At Juciemate, we make it easy to find the right e-liquid for you.
All of our e-liquids are available to shop by nicotine strength, so you can find exactly what you’re looking for without the extra fuss. With popular e-liquid brands like Hangsen and Vapemate, you can browse a range of delicious flavours, all for a great price.
Your new favourite e-juice is waiting for you.