Nicotine Strength in E-Liquids Guide
If you’re looking to make the switch from cigarettes to vapes, choosing the right nicotine strength e-liquid is essential to ensure a smooth and comfortable transition. Getting enough nicotine from your e-cigarette (not too much and not too little) is key to help you quit smoking for good.
Nicotine is the reason why anyone vapes in the first place as vapes act as a great nicotine delivery alternative to cigarette smoking, without the tar and carbon monoxide produced with the burning of tobacco leaves. Vapes have become a popular stop smoking aid in the UK as research suggests they are far less harmful than cigarettes, and can help you quit smoking for good.
Choosing the right nicotine strength will have an impact on how much nicotine is delivered to the bloodstream with each inhale. Take into consideration that nic salt e-liquids more effectively deliver nicotine to the body, and some vape devices deliver a larger amount of nicotine per dose such as sub-ohm vapes.
Join us as we delve in and answer all your questions related to nicotine and the best nicotine strength to choose for you and your needs for successful quitting.
What is Nicotine?
Nicotine is an addictive stimulant that belongs to a family of compounds called alkaloids which occurs naturally in the tobacco plant, as well as in tomatoes, aubergines and potatoes in much smaller doses. Nicotine releases a chemical in our brains called dopamine which is a neurotransmitter, which acts as a ‘reward centre’ to provide feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, reward and motivation.
Nicotine is not generally considered to be a carcinogen (cancer-causing), but is often consumed with the burning of tobacco in a cigarette form which produces tar, carbon monoxide and thousands of other chemicals, many of which are toxic.
Vapes or electronic cigarettes allow you to inhale nicotine in a vapour rather than a smoke to help you manage your nicotine cravings, significantly reducing the risks.
What Does Nicotine do to the Body?
When nicotine is inhaled it provides a stimulating buzz as adrenaline is released. The nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream providing a temporary feeling of increased levels of euphoria, relaxation, concentration and alertness.
Is Nicotine Addictive?
Yes, nicotine is an addictive substance found in tobacco products including; cigarettes, nicotine pouches, cigars, tobacco pipes and vapes. Due to the addictive nature of nicotine, it should only be consumed by those with existing nicotine dependencies and those over 18 years of age. While nicotine is an addictive substance, its relatively harmless.
What Does mg/ml Mean?
A number followed by mg/ml on your e-liquid bottle tells the user how many milligrams of nicotine is present per millilitre of e-liquid (one mg is 1/1000 of a gram). It measures the concentration of nicotine - the lower the number, the less nicotine is present.
For example: 6mg/ml vape juice has 6mg of nicotine per 1ml of vape liquid.
Nicotine levels may also be indicated as a percentage, showing the percentage of nicotine per volume of e-liquid.
For example: 6mg/ml vape juice may also be represented as a percentage of 0.6%.
Nicotine is blended with PG (propylene glycol), VG (vegetable glycerine) and flavourings. When the e-liquid solution is heated it produces an aerosol or vapour that can be inhaled to provide a dose of nicotine. E-Liquids are available in different strengths allowing you to control how much nicotine you need to help alleviate cravings.
What Nicotine Strength Should I Vape?
The nicotine concentration you should choose is determined by how many cigarettes you smoke daily. The strength you choose is a personal choice, ensuring the dose of nicotine is enough to keep you from resorting back to cigarettes. Some beginner vapers start at a medium or high strength and work their way down to lower strengths gradually reducing over time. Just remember that a stronger dose will most likely keep your cravings at bay for longer periods, when compared to a lower strength that may be used more often.
Below we have created a guide, to help you choose the right e-liquid strength for your personal needs, but remember the choice is yours. Each vaping journey is different and what works for you may not work for someone else.
Freebase E-Liquid:
Freebase vape juice is the purest form of nicotine found in e-liquids which will provide a throat hit similar to traditional cigarettes. A wide range of nicotine strengths are available to cater for all vapers including light smokers, medium smokers and heavy smokers.
- 0mg or 0% (nicotine free)
0mg e-liquids are recommended for social smokers, or those looking to lower their nicotine intake and wean themselves away from using nicotine altogether. Nicotine-free (0% nicotine vapes) are the perfect option for vapers at the last leg of their nicotine journey. These vape liquids contain zero milligrams of nicotine per millilitre. The PG (propylene glycol) in the e-liquid will provide a slight ‘throat hit’, but these liquids contain no addictive nicotine, just great flavour.
- 3mg or 0.3% (very low nicotine strength for social smokers)
3mg e-liquids feature the lowest concentration level of nicotine available in e-liquid. 0.3% e-liquids are recommended for smokers who consume 1-5 light cigarettes per day. These very low vaping nicotine strength liquids can also be useful for those who are looking to quit nicotine altogether and only require a low dose to satisfy their cravings.
- 6mg or 0.6% (low-medium nicotine strength for light smokers)
6mg e-liquids are classed as low-medium strength. If you are looking to lower the amount of nicotine in your vape, this strength could be for you. 0.6% e-liquids are recommended for smokers who consume 1-10 cigarettes per day. These low-medium strength liquids will provide a slight nicotine hit to satisfy the needs of light-medium smokers or those who use light cigarettes.
- 12mg or 1.2% (medium nicotine strength for average smokers)
12mg e-liquids are classed as medium strength and are a great choice for average smokers who smoke 10-20 cigarettes per day. If you are new to vaping, this is a great nicotine dosage to start your vaping journey. If you feel 1.2% nicotine e-liquid is too harsh you can easily decrease to 0.6%, and if you feel the dose is too low you can increase to 1.8%.
- 18mg or 1.8% (high nicotine strength for heavy smokers)
18mg e-liquids are classed as high nicotine strength juices, designed for heavier smokers who consume a pack of cigarettes each day or more. 1.8% e-liquids are the highest strength we offer in freebase e-liquids, they will provide a throat hit similar to smoking a cigarette. When making the switch to vaping from smoking, you want to ensure you are getting enough nicotine to satisfy your cravings so starting at a high strength and decreasing to a lower strength could help you stay away from cigarettes.
Nicotine Salt E-Liquid:
Nic salt vape juice is made by combining nicotine with acid (most commonly benzoic), this mixture creates a more stable form of nicotine which is smoother than classic freebase e-liquid and delivers nicotine to the body at a faster rate to quickly satisfy nicotine cravings.
- 5mg or 0.5% (low nicotine strength)
5mg nic salt e-liquids are classed as low strength, suited to light cigarette smokers who consume 1-5 cigarettes per day. Unlike freebase alternatives, salt nicotine-based vape juice provides a super effective nicotine delivery method so you may find yourself vaping less. 0.5% nicotine salt e-liquids will provide a slight nicotine buzz with a silky smooth puff.
- 10mg or 1.0% (low/medium nicotine strength)
10mg nic salt e-liquids are classed as low-medium strength, suited to average smokers who consume 5-10 cigarettes daily. 1.0% e-liquids will deliver a satisfyingly smooth draw with a rapid dose of nicotine to help you quit smoking.
- 15mg or 1.5% (medium/high nicotine strength)
15mg nic salt e-liquids are classed as medium-high strength, suited to smokers who consume 10-15 cigarettes each day. 1.5% vape juices are designed to provide a more intense throat hit compared to 10mg, but a lesser intense draw compared to 20mg.
- 20mg or 2.0% (high nicotine strength)
20mg nic salt e-liquids are categorised as high strength, as contain the highest concentration of nicotine legally allowed in the UK following TPD/TRPR regulations.
2.0% e-liquid is an excellent place to start on your vaping journey, these liquids deliver a strong dose of nicotine which feels less harsh on the throat when compared to high strength freebase e-liquids. The quick release of nicotine into the bloodstream often results in you vaping less. High nicotine levels are suited to smokers who consume 20-20+ combustible cigarettes per day.
It's important to remember that everyone’s tolerance for nicotine can differ, depending on the brand of cigarette you smoke, the strength of tobacco you use and the nicotine delivery method you choose. Explore the options available and choose the strength that satisfies your own personal cravings most effectively.
Take your time before reducing your vaping frequency or nicotine strength to ensure you don’t go back to smoking. If you feel that you fancy a cigarette, increase your nicotine strength or vaping frequency until your cigarette cravings go away.
If you are looking for a smokeless and vapourless alternative but still require nicotine, why not try nicotine pouches available in a variety of nicotine pouch strengths and flavours.
Are Nicotine Free E-Liquids Available?
Yes, zero-nicotine e-liquids are available for vapers who enjoy the flavour, mild throat hit and hand-to-mouth action associated with vaping, without the nicotine content. Choose from a wide selection of nicotine-free flavour options, to see which best suits your personal taste. We carry no nicotine content e-liquids from all the largest vape brands in the industry made with high-quality ingredients and available in a choice of bottle sizes for all vaping devices and tanks.
Does Nicotine Free Vape Give you a Buzz?
Nicotine-free e-liquids do not contain any nicotine whatsoever, therefore there is no active ingredient to give you a buzz or nicotine kick.
The PG (propylene glycol) in the e-liquid mix will provide a gentle throat hit, but much gentler than nicotine liquids. The absence of nicotine in e-liquids will amplify the flavour of the e-juice for a more vibrant and tastier flavour.
Is 10mg of Nicotine a Lot in Vape?
10mg or 1.0% nicotine is generally classed as medium strength in the UK and blended for the average smoker who used to finish a pack of cigarettes per day.
Whether 10mg nicotine is a lot depends on your previous smoking habits and your tolerance to nicotine. 10mg vape juice is a good place to start on your vaping journey as you adjust to vaping. You can increase or decrease your nicotine strength to match your preferences.
“Vaping is not risk-free, but it is substantially less harmful than smoking. Although nicotine is addictive, its relatively harmless to health. It’s normal to vape more than you used to smoke, and this is not more harmful. It is important to use your vape as much as you need to help you stop smoking and stay quit.”
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/vaping-myths-and-the-facts/
How Strong is 2% Nicotine?
2% nicotine is the same as 20mg/ml which is classed as high strength in the UK. This is the maximum allowed nicotine strength for vapers in the UK following regulations set by the TPD/TRPR.
How Much Nicotine is in a Cigarette?
A pack of 20 cigarettes contains 200 to 300mg of nicotine, which delivers approximately 20 to 30mg of nicotine to the smoker.
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/vaping-myths-and-the-facts/
What Nicotine Strength Should I Choose for MTL (Mouth to Lung) Vaping?
MTL vape kits are versatile devices that can accommodate a wide selection of e-liquid strengths anywhere from 0mg (0%) to 20mg (2.0%) and everything in-between.
What Nicotine Strength Should I Choose for DTL (Direct to Lung) Vaping?
DTL vape kits or sub-ohm kits produce larger vapour clouds per puff compared to MTL devices, therefore you will need a lower nicotine strength to satisfy your cravings. 6mg and 3mg e-liquids are best for direct-lung vaping, as higher the nicotine strength, the harsher on the throat.
What is Throat Hit?
Throat hit is the kick sensation at the back of your throat when you inhale. High strength freebase vape juices provide a stronger, harsher and scratchier feeling compared to high strength nic salt strengths which are smoother, milder and more comfortable.
What is the Highest Nicotine Strength Available in the UK?
20mg/ml (2%) is the highest concentration of nicotine allowed in a bottle of e-liquid in the UK following TRPR regulations.
Is Nicotine Harmful?
While nicotine is highly addictive, it is relatively harmless to your health.
Smoking cigarettes is extremely dangerous because of the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke. Nicotine itself does not cause cancer, lung disease, heart disease or stroke and has been used safely for many years in medicines to help people stop smoking.
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/vaping-myths-and-the-facts/
Always purchase your vape supplies from reputable suppliers including specialist vape shops to ensure you are buying official high-quality products which are tightly regulated for safety and quality.
What Nicotine Strength Is Right For Me? Quick Guide
- Are you an occasional or social smoker? Try a nicotine-free option 0mg nic strength
- Are you a very light or occasional smoker? Try 3mg nic strength
- Smoking up to 10 light cigarettes per day? Try 5-6mg nic strength
- Smoking up to 15 light cigarettes daily? Try 10-12mg nic strength
- Smoking 10 or more cigarettes per day? Try 18mg-20mg nic strength
- When vaping nicotine there is a strength available for everyone, with a little exploration and experimentation with various vaping strengths you will discover your nicotine preferences and keep your nicotine cravings at bay.
We always recommend MTL vaping for beginner vapers as the inhaling action closely resembles that of cigarette smoking to comfortably bridge the gap as you transition.
Nicotine management is also important to ensure you don’t overconsume as potential side effects in rare cases can include; dizziness, headaches, nausea and abdominal cramps.
We recommend not to reduce your nicotine consumption too suddenly, take at your own pace to avoid relapsing to smoking. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can include; stress, depression, anxiety, irritability and poor sleep.
