As an alternative to smoking, vapes have become much more popular in the 20th century.
Vaping e-liquids often include salt nicotine, often called salt nic, as a form of nicotine. You can find nicotine salts naturally in tobacco leaves. Nic salts work best with pod systems, although any tank that has a high-resistance coil may utilize them. Sub-ohm devices are compatible with low-nicotine salts, which provide a throat punch in addition to powerful flavor.
Nicotine salts were found in 13% of e-juice, mostly in the e-liquid that comes in pods (73% of them) and e-liquids registered after 2018 (over 25% of them). The smoother and greater nicotine sensation is what draws many people to the
best salt nicotine device.
Along with the increasing popularity, there is another buzzing- Are salt nic vapes bad for you? Find out what possible negative effects studies have found about salt vapes.
Introducing Salt Nic Vapes
The nicotine in most conventional e-liquids is freebase. However, salt nic is chemically changed to make a better and stronger nicotine delivery method. This change is usually made by mixing nicotine with benzoic acid.
Manufacturers use this method to create vape products with more nicotine that don't burn the throat. Tobacco products containing nicotine could irritate the throat due to their high pH balance, often known as alkalinity. Using freebase nicotine is the standard in vaping. The pH level is just right, hovering about 7 or 8.
- Chemical Structure: Salt nicotine is more solid because it contains nicotine and an acid.
- pH Level: Because salt nicotine is less acidic, it is gentler on the throat.
- Nic Concentration: Salt nicotine increases the nicotine level without making the vapor harsher.
The production of nicotine salts lowers the pH level, which in turn causes less discomfort. Users can vape heavier dosages with more comfort, which raises the possibility of undesirable side effects.
Difference Between Salt Nicotine and Freebase Nicotine
| Feature |
Salt Nicotine |
Freebase Nicotine |
| Chemical Structure |
Combined with benzoic acid to form a stable compound |
The purest form of nicotine |
| pH Level |
Less alkaline, resulting in smoother inhalation |
More alkaline can be harsh at high levels |
| Nicotine Concentration |
Higher concentrations achievable without harshness |
Higher concentrations can be harsh on the throat |
| Absorption Rate |
Rapid absorption similar to traditional cigarettes |
Slower absorption |
3 Potential Health Risks From Nic Salt Vapes
Nicotine (salt and freebase) is not inherently dangerous or carcinogenic, but it is addictive. It has moderate side effects for most individuals. Those sensitive to the effects may feel them more quickly and intensely than when they vape.
One major issue with vaping; especially salt-nic vapes is the lack of extensive research. Given how young both electronic cigarettes and salt nicotine are, little research has examined their long-term impacts.
CDC and other health organizations have emphasized the importance of doing more research to ascertain the long-term effects of these goods on human health.
Whatever the kind of nicotine, vaping may irritate the lungs and lead to additional respiratory problems.
Because nicotine salts alter the way that lung cells react to inflammation, respiratory illness may become more common.
Research indicates that those who use electronic cigarettes run a higher chance of getting chronic bronchitis and asthma.
Prolonged health consequences about which specialists are concerned include:
Vascular Bronchitis
One such is termed "popcorn lung," bronchiolitis obliterans, an inflammatory obstruction of the small lungs' passages.
Airways may get blocked and scars left by chemicals and respiratory viruses inflaming and damaging these bronchioles. Popcorn lung may result from the diacetyl found in several e-cigarette products.
Lipoid Pneumonia
E-cigarettes often cause lipoid pneumonia. Lung inflammation and fluid accumulation occur when lipids (fats and oils) enter the lungs. Because of the oils used to make e-cigarette juice, vaping carries the risk of lipoid pneumonia.
Collapsed Lung
Collapsed lungs usually occur when the room between the lungs and the chest becomes too full of air, but they can also happen if air blisters on the lung's upper part burst. Smoking and vaping increase the chance of blisters bursting, which are usually harmless.
Are Salt Nic Vapes Worse? (Check The Differences)
Now, more people choose salt nic vapes over freebase nicotine vapes because of the increased nicotine content and the better inhaling they give. Comparisons with alternative options, such as freebase nicotine vapes and traditional cigarettes, may help you determine the safety of salt nic vapes.
Check the differences between Nic Salt Vs. Freebase here.
| Nic Salt |
Freebase |
| Better nicotine hit — Nic salts provide nicotine in 6-7 seconds, like cigarettes. |
Does a good job with mixing complicated flavors.
When you vape sub-ohm or direct-to-lung, you get thick, fluffy clouds. |
| Nic salts are more expensive at first, but they release nicotine much more effectively, which may lead to fewer vapes. |
Comparatively less expensive. |
| Nic salts are more chemically stable than regular E-liquids. So, you can store them better, last longer, and the nicotine purity doesn't degrade. |
You can use Freebase E-Liquids for both mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung smoking, which means the formulas are more flexible. |
| Food-grade benzoic acid improves nicotine absorption for a smoother onset and quick nicotine rush. |
The throat impact is an extra effect that some former smokers find appealing. |
Also, check out the differences between Nic-Salt Vapes and traditional cigarettes here.
| Nic Salt Vapes |
Traditional Cigarettes |
| Smooth, highly concentrated Nicotine delivery |
Variable nicotine delivery |
| High addictive potential |
High addictive potential |
| Fewer than cigarettes, but still contain |
Contains tar, carbon monoxide, and numerous carcinogens |
| Limited vapor |
High smoke exposure |
| Respiratory and other long-term effects |
Lung Cancer, respiratory diseases, heart diseases |
So, as you can see from the above comparison, they don't burn. Users of salt nic vapes may be less exposed to carcinogens and other potentially dangerous substances than those in regular cigarettes. However, they still pose health risks, including nicotine addiction, and put toxins into the lungs.
Picking the best e-liquid comes down to personal preference.
Freebase E-Liquid is perfect for cloud chasers and anyone with a high nicotine need. Again, freebase is the way to go if you're a fan of a more diverse range of flavors. Nic salts, on the other hand, are a great option if you want heavier nicotine levels without the unpleasant throat impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Worse, Smoking Or Salt Nicotine?
It would be inaccurate to suggest that vaping with salt nicotine—or any e-cigarette—is inherently better or less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.
Even while nicotine salts and other forms of vaping do not include tobacco, they nevertheless introduce nicotine into your system. Independently, nicotine poses health risks, according to the American Cancer Society (Trusted Source). It raises the probability of seizures and may harm the heart and lungs.
What Effects Does Salt Nicotine Have On The Human Body?
With salt nicotine, you may quickly and easily increase your body's nicotine content. The dose and amount used are different for each brand. No matter how much you take, the effects will be stronger than with regular cigarettes or
vapes.
According to
research, potential adverse consequences of nicotine such as:
- reduced hunger
- irregular heartbeats
- higher blood pressure
- hyperalertness
- Nausea
By Chris Bates
