WHAT ARE NICOTINE SALTS?
E-liquids with nicotine salts appeared on the vape market towards the end of 2017 and quickly became a great success. Many vapers have chosen to turn to these products at the heart of the trend. According to them, the difference between nicotine and nicotine salts is great.
But what exactly is nicotine salt? What are the advantages it offers to vape enthusiasts? What about the cons? Here is everything you need to know about this key component of modern electronic cigarettes.
What are nicotine salts?
The nicotine used in classic e-liquids is called nicotine-base and it has a pharmaceutical quality. In reality, it is purified nicotine and unlike that found in cigarettes, it has a form suitable for
human inhalation. This is why e-liquids become adequate allies during smoking cessation.
Note that after its extraction from the tobacco plants via a chemical treatment, the nicotine undergoes a purification process. This explains why it contains few toxic substances. According to the scientist and tobacco specialist, Jacques le Houezec, nicotine has a pH of 8.
What about nicotine salts? First of all, it should be emphasized that these are not solids, but liquids. To obtain nicotine salts, acid, in particular benzoic acid, must be added to the nicotine base. This, therefore, becomes a more acidic solution with a pH oscillating between 5 and 6. It has the form closest to natural nicotine. Note that e-liquids with nicotine salts were launched by the company Pax Labs. Currently, other manufacturers are present on the market.
The difference between the effect of nicotine and nicotine salts
The objective of electronic cigarette manufacturers is to allow vapers to find the sensations provided by traditional cigarettes. In general, it all depends on the level of nicotine in the blood obtained after vaping. It must be equal to or close to that provided by traditional cigarettes. To do this, the nicotine concentration of the e-liquid must be high. But this causes a powerful hit.
Note that the hit is a kind of tingling felt in the throat. It should be soft and pleasant. When too strong, it causes irritation and coughing fits. Vapers are then tempted to reduce the concentration of nicotine in e-liquids to no longer have these unpleasant sensations. The problem is that they don’t get the nicotine hit they need. The feeling of lack is assured.
E-liquids with nicotine salts present themselves as a better alternative. The form of nicotine that composes them is easy to assimilate by the body. Thus, vapers can quickly satisfy their need for nicotine. In addition, with a lower PH, nicotine salts are less irritating when inhaled.
The advantages of e-liquids with nicotine salts
For vapers who need a high dose of nicotine, opting for nicotine salt cigarettes is a smart idea. These modern e-liquids can satisfy their need. Indeed, they will be able to quickly obtain the dose of nicotine they need. What is the consequence? They will vape less. Moreover, they do not have to suffer the harmful effects of a too powerful hit.
We must add to the list of advantages of nicotine salt cigarettes the fact that they have a more discreet and more attractive design. Indeed, they are smaller and lighter. Following the success of these new e-liquids, much more qualified equipment may appear on the market. It is useful to specify that e-liquids with nicotine salts are mainly intended for first-time vapers.
They allow you to obtain a good dose of nicotine, which facilitates the transition to vaping. Weaning can therefore progress quickly.
A tour of the drawbacks and precautions to take
According to the tobacco specialist, Jacques Le Houezec, nicotine salts have no harmful effects on health. That said, some scientists still question the risk of inhaling benzene. It should not be forgotten that nicotine salts are born from the association of purified nicotine and benzoic acid.
According to tests carried out by the PMI group on animals, there is no major danger.
Regarding the problem generated by the high doses of nicotine contained in e-liquids with nicotine salts, it remains moderate. However, it is advisable to always use small equipment when vaping.
What about the risk of addiction? According to Professor Le Houezec, it is reduced since, unlike smokers, vapers know how to dose the dose of nicotine to inhale. Switching from vaping to smoking is an unlikely thing.