Nicotine, a natural constituent found in tobacco leaves, is an alkaloid, which is an alkaline substance found in tobacco leaves in the form of a salt. Nicotine is known for its stimulant effects, as confirmed by various studies. Its abilities include enhancing short-term memory, improving concentration, stimulating the body and achieving a state of relaxation.

However, it is important to emphasise that it is a highly addictive substance which, in larger doses, can be toxic or even fatal to the body. The nicotine content of e-cigarettes is carefully controlled to prevent poisoning.

In the production of liquids, nicotine is evaporated from the tobacco leaves, giving it an alkaline form. In English, the term 'free base nicotine' is often used for this form. Although this form evaporates well and performs its function, it may tend to irritate the throat or cause coughing in stronger devices or at higher doses.

In tobacco leaves, nicotine is found in the form of a salt. To extract it, manufacturers separate the nicotine from the acid, creating so-called separated nicotine. In 2015, the US company PAX Labs found that adding a certain acid produces a more solid form of nicotine, which has many advantages over separated nicotine. With the addition of the right acid, the pH of the nicotine will level out and a nicotine salt will be formed.

Typically, benzoic acid, a substance commonly used in foods such as beverages, mustard, spices or fruit products, is added to separated nicotine.

Make no mistake, nicotine salt is not really salty. It's just a chemical definition; anything with a pH below 7 is an acid, above 7 is a base. Salts are right at pH 7. For example, even water has a neutral pH, only seawater is salty.

Now let's unpack this a little bit. Nicotine salt has a lot of advantages over separated nicotine:

• It doesn't scratch your throat - you can enjoy as many puffs as you like
• Disappears like steam over a pot - nicotine salt allows for better vaporization even at lower temperatures for weaker devices
• Great absorption - nicotine salt is absorbed into the body faster and stays in longer. This means greater enjoyment and effectiveness on par with conventional cigarettes
• Better tasting liquids - balanced pH allows for better tasting liquids
• Saves your pocket - with nicotine salt you use less liquid because you have enough nicotine and don't have to keep rolling. And that saves your device's battery too.

Nicotine salt is good for those switching from cigarettes to vaping. This is a similar experience to nicotine as with tobacco cigarettes. The separated nicotine does not give the hit that is typical of cigarettes. 

Next, nicotine salt is primarily for those who need more nicotine. Those who are used to a higher dose of nicotine should choose nicotine salt over separated nicotine. You won't get as much into you with classic liquids, even more so if you have weaker devices. 

Conversely, nicotine salt is generally not suitable for DL vaping, which releases a lot of vapor. There could be a risk of nicotine overdose, which is associated with headaches, dizziness, flushing or nausea. In short, nicotine salt is ideal for replacing conventional smoking.

We recommend our classic nicotine-separated liquids to anyone who wants to enjoy vaping with all the trimmings, including DL vaping. But for those who need a bigger dose of nicotine and want to replace smoking classic cigarettes with a serious kick, we recommend our Nic Salt liquids.