If you're new to vaping and choosing your first e-liquid, you'll probably come across terms like freebase, nic salts, shortfills, and high VG e-liquids. These vape liquids are used with different vape kits, and understanding their difference can help you choose the best option to meet your preferences.
They all contain vegetable glycerine, but there is a world of difference between freebase and nicotine salt e-liquids. From freebase vs nicotine salts and different VG and PG ratios and vape flavours, this e-liquid guide will cover everything you need to know about e-liquids.
E-liquids, also known as vape juice or e-liquid, are the liquids used in e-cigarettes or vape devices to produce vapour that mimics the feel of cigarettes. In addition to producing the vapour you inhale, they also give your vape its flavour and deliver nicotine.
They are typically made up of a few different ingredients, including propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), nicotine and flavourings. E-liquids are often considered a safer way to enjoy smoking without the adverse effects associated with tobacco products.
The vape device's battery powers the coil that heats the vape juice, turning it into vapour or aerosol. This vapour is then inhaled through the device's mouthpiece, delivering flavour and nicotine to the user.
E-liquids are made up of several ingredients that are safe to inhale. The ratio of these ingredients determines the characteristics of the e-liquids. Below are the main components of vape liquids:
Propylene Glycol (PG): A synthetically made compound responsible for creating a throat hit.
Vegetable Glycerine (VG): Made from plant-based materials, it is thicker in consistency than PG and helps produce vapour clouds.
Flavourings: They typically make up 5% to 20% of an e-liquid, giving it its distinctive flavour.
Nicotine: It is extracted from a tobacco leaf and found in strengths ranging from 0mg to 20mg in the UK.
Below are the most common types of e-liquids you are likely to come across:
10ml starter e-liquids or 50:50 are a type of e-liquid that contains equal parts of PG and VG, offering throat hit, balanced flavour, and vapour production. They typically come in 10ml bottles and with various nicotine strengths.
Nic salts or nicotine salts contain a higher concentration of nicotine and are created by combining freebase nicotine with benzoic acid. These e-liquids are commonly used in low-power devices and pod systems, providing a smoother throat hit and faster nicotine satisfaction.
Freebase e-liquid is a type of vape liquid that uses freebase nicotine, the purest form of nicotine found in most e-liquids. It usually delivers a powerful throat hit and is used with higher-powered vape devices and lower-resistance vape coils to produce a noticeable throat hit and larger vapor clouds.
Looking after your vape is just as important as choosing the right e-liquid. Read our vape maintenance guide to learn how to keep your device clean and working properly.
| Characteristics | Freebase Nicotine | Nicotine Salts |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Pure, unmodified form of nicotine | A modified form of the same nicotine |
| Throat Feel | Bright and crisp | Smooth and soft, even at higher strength |
| Nicotine Strength | 3mg to 6mg | 5mg to 20mg |
| Cloud Production | Big and billowy | Discreet and small |
| Best Devices | Sub-ohm tanks and box mods | Pod systems |
| Overall Vaping Experience | Slower nicotine absorption | Faster absorption, quick satisfaction |
