Nic salts are nicotine-containing e-liquids designed to provide a smoother throat hit than traditional freebase nicotine, particularly at higher strengths. They are most commonly supplied in 10ml bottles and used with refillable pod kits, starter vape kits and other low-powered mouth-to-lung devices.
Since the UK ban on single-use disposable vapes came into force on 1 June 2025, more adult vapers have moved towards reusable pod kits filled with bottled nicotine salt e-liquid. Nic salts provide the familiar flavour and nicotine satisfaction many disposable users are accustomed to, while allowing the device to be reused and the e-liquid, pod or coil to be replaced separately.
In this guide, we explain what nic salts are, how they work, which devices and pod resistances suit them, and how the UK’s new Vaping Products Duty may affect prices from October 2026.
Quick Answer: What Are Nic Salts?
Nic salts, short for nicotine salts, are a form of nicotine used in vape juice.
They are created by combining nicotine with an acid, most commonly benzoic acid, although manufacturers may use other acids. This changes the chemical form of the nicotine and generally creates a smoother sensation when inhaled than an equivalent strength of traditional freebase nicotine.
Nic salts are particularly popular with:
- Adult smokers switching to vaping
- Former disposable-vape users moving to reusable kits
- Vapers who want higher nicotine strengths with a smoother throat hit
- People who prefer compact pod kits and mouth-to-lung vaping
- Vapers who want satisfying nicotine delivery from shorter vaping sessions
Nicotine is highly addictive. Nic salt e-liquid is intended only for existing adult smokers and vapers.
How Do Nic Salts Work?
Traditional e-liquid usually contains freebase nicotine. Freebase nicotine has a relatively high pH and can feel increasingly harsh on the throat as the nicotine strength rises.
Nic salt formulations combine nicotine with an acid. This alters the pH and usually produces a smoother inhale, allowing strengths such as 10mg and 20mg to be used more comfortably in a suitable low-powered pod kit.
How strong a nic salt feels will still depend on several factors, including:
- Nicotine strength
- Device power
- Pod or coil resistance
- Airflow
- Puff length
- How frequently you vape
- The specific e-liquid formulation
This means the same 10mg nic salt can feel noticeably different in a tight 1.2Ω mouth-to-lung pod compared with a warmer 0.6Ω cartridge that produces more vapour.
Nic Salts vs Freebase Nicotine
Nic salts and freebase e-liquids both contain nicotine, but they provide a different vaping experience.
Nic salts generally offer a smoother throat hit at higher strengths and are most commonly used in compact pod kits. Freebase nicotine usually provides a more noticeable throat hit and is available across a wider range of e-liquid styles, from 50/50 vape juice to high-VG shortfills.
| Feature | Nic Salts | Freebase Nicotine |
|---|---|---|
| Throat hit | Generally smoother at higher strengths | More noticeable as strength increases |
| Common use | Pod kits and MTL devices | MTL, RDL or DTL, depending on the liquid |
| Typical strengths | Commonly 5mg, 10mg and 20mg | Commonly 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg |
| Typical VG/PG ratio | Usually 50VG/50PG | Available in 50/50 and high-VG blends |
| Typical bottle format | 10ml bottles | 10ml bottles or nic shots for shortfills |
Neither type is automatically better. Your choice will depend on your preferred nicotine strength, throat hit, device and vaping style.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our complete guide to nic salts vs freebase nicotine.
What Nic Salt Strength Should I Choose?
Nic salts are commonly available in 5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths, although individual ranges may offer different options below the UK maximum of 20mg/ml.
As a general starting point:
- 20mg is commonly chosen by heavier smokers or people who need stronger nicotine satisfaction.
- 10mg may suit moderate smokers and existing vapers who find 20mg too strong.
- 5mg can work well for lighter smokers or with pods that produce more vapour.
These are only starting points. The right strength also depends on your device, pod resistance, airflow, puff length and how frequently you vape.
A strength may be too high if vaping causes dizziness, nausea, headaches or an unpleasantly intense nicotine sensation. It may be too low if you continue experiencing cravings or find yourself vaping almost constantly.
For more detailed guidance, read our complete guide to choosing the right nicotine strength for your vape juice.
What Are the UK Rules for Nic Salt E-Liquid?
Nicotine-containing vape products sold to UK consumers are subject to several product restrictions.
These include:
- A maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml
- A maximum bottle size of 10ml for nicotine-containing refill liquid
- A maximum capacity of 2ml for a nicotine-containing vape tank or pod
- Child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging
- Required nicotine warnings and product information
- Restrictions on certain ingredients
The legal maximum is 20mg/ml. This does not mean that only 5mg, 10mg and 20mg strengths can be sold. Manufacturers can offer other strengths provided they remain within the legal limit and meet the relevant notification, packaging and safety requirements.
Which Vape Kits Are Best for Nic Salts?
Nic salts are generally best used with refillable pod kits, vape pens, and low- to moderate-powered mouth-to-lung devices.
A suitable nic salt device will normally offer:
- A small refillable pod or tank
- Moderate vapour production
- A mouth-to-lung or restricted direct-to-lung draw
- Adjustable airflow or a naturally restricted draw
- Pods or coils designed for 50/50 e-liquid
- Lower power than a typical sub-ohm cloud kit
Popular device families commonly used with nic salts include:
- Vaporesso XROS
- OXVA Xlim
- OXVA NeXlim
- Uwell Caliburn
- Voopoo Argus
- Geekvape Wenax
Browse our refillable pod kits to compare reusable devices.
You can also read our:
These guides explain the differences between the current devices, pods and features within each range.
Can You Use Nic Salts in a 0.6Ω or 0.8Ω Pod?
Yes. Many modern 0.6Ω and 0.8Ω pods are designed for 50/50 e-liquid and can be used with nicotine salts.
However, lower-resistance pods generally produce more vapour with each puff. This can make the nicotine feel significantly stronger, particularly when using a 20mg liquid.
| Pod resistance | Typical vaping experience | Nic salt consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0Ω–1.2Ω | Cooler, tighter MTL draw | Often suitable for 10mg or 20mg |
| 0.8Ω | Balanced MTL vape | Commonly paired with 10mg; 20mg may suit some users |
| 0.6Ω | Warmer vape with more vapour | Often better suited to 5mg or 10mg |
| 0.4Ω and below | Airier draw and higher vapour output | High-strength nic salts are generally unsuitable |
These are general guidelines rather than fixed rules. Device power and airflow also affect vapour production, so always check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If a lower-resistance pod makes your usual nic salt feel too strong, reduce the nicotine strength rather than continuing to use an uncomfortable setup.
Can You Use Nic Salts in a Sub-Ohm Vape?
High-strength nic salts should not normally be used in powerful sub-ohm devices.
Sub-ohm kits produce a much larger volume of vapour with each puff. Using a 10mg or 20mg nic salt at high wattage may deliver far more nicotine than expected and can feel extremely unpleasant.
For a powerful sub-ohm kit, a low-strength freebase e-liquid or a specifically formulated low-strength nic salt is normally more appropriate.
Never assume that an e-liquid is suitable simply because it can be poured into the tank. Always check:
- Nicotine strength
- VG/PG ratio
- Coil resistance
- Recommended wattage
- Device manufacturer guidance
What VG/PG Ratio Is Best for Nic Salts?
Most bottled nic salts use a balanced 50VG/50PG blend because it works well in refillable pod kits and other low-powered devices.
A 50/50 liquid is usually thin enough to wick efficiently through smaller pod coils while still providing clear flavour and a satisfying inhale.
High-VG e-liquids, such as 70VG shortfills, are thicker and are normally intended for more powerful sub-ohm devices. They may not wick properly in smaller mouth-to-lung pods.
Always check the product description and your device manufacturer’s recommendations before filling your pod.
For a fuller explanation of e-liquid ratios and device types, read our beginner’s guide to vaping.
What Is the Difference Between Nic Salts and Bar Salts?
Bar salts are a type of nicotine salt e-liquid.
The main difference lies in the flavour profile rather than in the nicotine itself.
Traditional nic salt ranges may include fruit, dessert, tobacco, menthol and beverage flavours. Bar salts are typically designed to recreate the bolder, sweeter, and often icier flavour profile associated with disposable and prefilled vapes.
Both are commonly:
- Supplied in 10ml bottles
- Available in strengths such as 5mg, 10mg or 20mg
- Made with a balanced 50VG/50PG blend
- Designed for refillable pod kits
- Intended for mouth-to-lung or restricted vaping
Read our complete guide to what bar salts are for a fuller explanation and current range recommendations.
Refillable Nic Salts vs Prefilled Pods
Nic salt e-liquid is available in two main formats: bottled liquids for refillable kits and sealed pods already filled.
Bottled Nic Salts
Bottled nic salts are used to refill an open pod system.
The benefits include:
- A wider choice of flavours and brands
- Greater control over nicotine strength
- Lower ongoing device waste
- The ability to change e-liquid without changing your whole device
- Better access to multi-buy offers
Browse our complete nic salt e-liquid collection to compare current flavours and strengths.
Prefilled Pod Kits
Prefilled pod kits use sealed pods or refill containers that contain e-liquid.
The benefits include:
- No bottles or manual refilling
- Minimal maintenance
- Consistent flavour and coil pairing
- A straightforward transition from disposable vapes
- No need to choose a separate e-liquid
Explore our prefilled pod kits if convenience is more important than having the widest possible flavour choice.
Which Nic Salt Flavours Are Available?
Nic salts are available in almost every major flavour category, including:
- Fruit
- Ice and menthol
- Drinks and soda
- Sweets and candy
- Desserts
- Tobacco
- Mint
- Disposable-inspired bar flavours
Popular ranges available at Legion of Vapers include:
- Elux Legend Nic Salts
- OXVA OX Passion
- Bar Juice 5000
- Riot Bar EDTN
- Vaporesso Dojo Liq
- PIXL Nic Salts
- Drifter Bar Salts
- Wick Liq Bar Salts
- Just Juice Bar Reborn
- SKE Crystal Original Nic Salts
Available strengths and flavours vary between ranges, so always check the individual product listing before ordering.
Are Nic Salts Good for People Switching From Smoking?
Nic salts can be useful for adult smokers who need satisfying nicotine delivery but find stronger freebase liquids uncomfortable.
Their smoother inhale, higher available strengths and compatibility with compact pod kits make them a popular option for mouth-to-lung vaping. A tighter mouth-to-lung draw can also feel more familiar to someone accustomed to smoking a cigarette.
However, no single nicotine strength or device works for everybody. Previous cigarette consumption does not translate perfectly into a particular e-liquid strength because vaping behaviour and device output vary.
The most suitable setup is one that controls cravings without causing discomfort or encouraging constant vaping.
How Will the 2026 Vaping Products Duty Affect Nic Salts?
The UK Vaping Products Duty begins on 1 October 2026.
The duty will be charged at £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid, equivalent to 22p per millilitre. It applies to both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vaping liquids.
| Quantity of vaping liquid | Vaping Products Duty |
|---|---|
| 2ml | £0.44 |
| 10ml | £2.20 |
| 50ml | £11.00 |
| 100ml | £22.00 |
These figures show the duty itself. VAT and any additional retailer or supply chain costs may also affect the final price customers pay.
Products intended for sale after the duty comes into effect will also need to meet the relevant duty-stamp requirements.
The duty applies to the e-liquid rather than determining whether a device is refillable or prefilled. Refillable pod kits will still allow users to keep the same battery device and replace only their liquid and pod when required.
Nic Salt FAQs
What are nic salts?
What is the strongest nic salt available in the UK?
Are nic salts stronger than normal vape juice?
Can I use nic salts in any pod kit?
Can I use 20mg nic salts in a 0.6 ohm pod?
Can I use nic salts in a sub-ohm tank?
Do nic salts contain table salt or sodium?
What is the difference between nic salts and bar salts?
Will nic salt prices rise in October 2026?
Find the Right Nic Salts for Your Pod Kit
The best nic salts should provide enough nicotine to control cravings while remaining comfortable in your chosen device.
Start with a suitable 50VG/50PG e-liquid, match the nicotine strength to your previous smoking or vaping habits and choose a pod resistance that delivers the draw and vapour level you prefer.
Explore the complete nic salt e-liquid range at Legion of Vapers to compare current flavours, strengths and multi-buy offers.
Nic salts remain one of the most practical e-liquid options for adult vapers who want smooth nicotine satisfaction from a compact refillable pod kit.
