Is 10mg Or 20mg Nic Salt E-Liquid Right For You?
Nic salt e-liquids are becoming more and more popular, with many vapers looking to move from traditional freebase 50/50 vape juice to salts, as well as those who are looking for an alternative ot disposable vapes. In either of these cases, the transition to nic salt vape juice can be confusing, as the nicotine salt strengths work differently to other e-liquids, and offer more choice than disposables.
That is why, in this guide, we will explain how nic salt strengths work and give you the info you need to make an informed choice when deciding which option is best for your vaping journey.
Understanding E-Liquid Nicotine Strengths
E-liquids are available in a variety of different nicotine strengths to suit different needs. As vaping is intended to be a method of tobacco harm reduction for adults, choosing a nicotine level that manages your cravings effectively is vital if your vaping journey is to be a success.
An e-liquid nicotine strength is the amount of nicotine present in each millilitre of vape juice. This measurement is most often shown in milligrams(mg) or as a percentage. At LiQuid, we use milligrams. Converting nicotine strength from mg to a percentage is as simple as dividing by 10. For example, an 18mg e-liquid has a percentage nicotine strength of 1.8%.
Freebase e-liquids are sold in strengths of 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg and 18mg, whereas nic salt e-liquids are available in 5mg, 10mg, 15mg & 20mg. This difference can be a little confusing if you want to switch from freebase to salts while maintaining a similar nicotine intake.
Read on to discover more about nicotine salt strengths, or click the button below to learn more about freebase nicotine strengths.
Nic Salt Strengths Explained: Why Are They Different?
The main reason nic salt vape juice comes in 5, 10, 15 & 20mg vs freebase e-liquid's scale of 3, 6, 12 & 18mg is because it is simply more recognisable and understood by the people who buy them most often. This is because disposable vapes, which are now banned in the UK as of June 1st 2025, were primarily sold in 20mg, with some brands offering a 10mg option, although extremely rarely.
This means that a significant number of current nic salt vapers were introduced to this type of e-liquid via disposables, and so the nicotine strength increments of 10ml bottled nic salts follow this established standard.
Why 10ml Bottled Nic Salts Have More Strength Options Vs Disposable Vapes
Manufacturers like LiQuid have introduced additional nic salt strengths beyond 10 or 20mg, including 5mg and 15mg, to give you more options and greater freedom to not only find a strength that better aligns with your needs, but also step down your nicotine intake in a controlled way if that is your goal.
As we mentioned above, the vast majority of disposable vapes were only available in 20mg (2%). The problem with this is that 20mg is a very high nicotine strength, the highest legally permitted for vaping products in the UK. While most disposable vapers didn't give this a second thought, the reality is that many will have worsened their dependence on nicotine as a result of vaping 20mg for so long. A strength this high should only be used by vapers who smoked heavily before making the switch, and have powerful cravings to manage.
This is why more responsible manufacturers produce 10ml bottled nic salts in a wider range of strengths. More options allow you to properly match your nicotine intake to your cravings, without worsening your dependence, and while still enjoying the smooth and flavourful experience that makes nic salt vape juice so popular.
Which Nic Salt Vape Juice Strength Is Best For You?
As we explained above, the most common nic salt strengths out there are 20mg and 10mg, but some manufacturers (like us!) have gone further, offering a 5mg and 15mg option to give you even more choice.
Below, we will explore each nic salt strength, and provide guidance so you can work out which best suits your needs, whether you are trying nic salts as a new vaper who has quit smoking, a freebase vaper looking for a new product type, or a disposable vaper looking for an alternative.
Remember: no matter which nic salt strength you choose, they are all very similar in terms of throat-hit, as nic salts are designed to be incredibly smooth. If switching to salts from freebase e-liquids, this lack of throat hit will be very noticeable; if you enjoy a throat hit when vaping, nic salts are not the best option.
Should I Vape 5mg Nic Salts?
5mg is the lowest nic salt strength available from our store and we are one of the only brands to offer it. It's handy for vapers who want to satisfy mild cravings fast, with minimal vaping.
If you are a recent ex-smoker looking to try nic salts:
5mg nic salts are better for light smokers (less than 5 cigarettes per day).
If you want to switch from freebase to nic salt e-liquid:
5mg nic salts should be suitable for those who previously vaped 3-6mg freebase e-liquids.
If you are looking for an alternative to disposable vapes:
Unless you are looking to signifcantly reduce your nicotine intake, 5mg nic salts may not be ideal for ex-disposable vapers who will be more used to 20mg. It would be better to start with either 20mg or 15mg and work your way down to 5mg.
Should I Vape 10mg Nic Salts?
10mg is a good mid-range nic salt strength and is commonly available across many brands. It is very versatile, able to satisfy the majority of cravings thanks to fast and long-lasting nicotine absorption.
If you are a recent ex-smoker looking to try nic salts:
10mg nic salts are better for moderate smokers (5-10 cigarettes per day).
If you want to switch from freebase to nic salt e-liquid:
10mg nic salts should be suitable for those who previously vaped 6-12mg freebase e-liquids.
If you are looking for an alternative to disposable vapes:
Even though 10mg is half the strength of most disposable vapes, people underestimate how satisfying it can be. You may still prefer to start at 20mg or 15mg and work down, but it could be worth trying 10mg if you are concerned about the amount of nicotine you are using.
Should I Vape 15mg Nic Salts?
15mg is a rare nicotine salt strength and we are one of the only brands to offer it. Many of our customers requested it to help bridge the gap between the more common 10mg and 20mg nic salt strengths.
If you are a recent ex-smoker looking to try nic salts:
15mg nic salts are better for heavy smokers (10-20 cigarettes per day).
If you want to switch from freebase to nic salt e-liquid:
15mg nic salts should be suitable for those who previously vaped 12-18mg freebase e-liquids.
If you are looking for an alternative to disposable vapes:
15mg nic salts are a good starting point for disposable vapers moving over to refillable vape kits, especially if you felt that 20mg in disposables was a little too much for your needs when you had no other choice.
Should I Vape 20mg Nic Salts?
20mg (2%) is the most commonly known nic salt strength as it was often the only option available in disposable vapes. It is, however, the highest strength legally permitted by UK law, and should really only be used by people who have very strong cravings to manage.
If you are a recent ex-smoker looking to try nic salts:
20mg nic salts are better for very heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes per day).
If you want to switch from freebase to nic salt e-liquid:
20mg nic salts should be suitable for those who previously vaped 18mg freebase e-liquids.
If you are looking for an alternative to disposable vapes:
If you had been using disposable vapes for a long time before they were banned, your body will have gotten used to a high level of nicotine consumption, which makes 20mg nic salts an ideal starting point when switching to refillable vapes and 10ml e-liquid refills. You can always start working down to 15mg, then 10mg, etc... if you want to reduce this intake.
Browse Our Bar Salt Vape Juice Collection
Iron Soda - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Lemonade - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Fruit Punch - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Orange Soda - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Grapefruit Soda - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Mango & Guava Soda - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
Strawberry Soda - Nicotine Salt Vape Juice
In Summary
After reading this guide you should have a better idea of the different nic salt e-liquid strengths available to try, and which will best suit your lifestyle.
Nic salt vape juice is very versatile and can help keep even the strongest cravings at bay, but you should always consider your needs before deciding to try them out.
Freebase vapers who enjoy a throat hit for example, are less likely to enjoy salts as they are designed to have little to no throat hit at all.
Equally, disposable vapers who have become used to 20mg, should not necessarily jump straight into using a 5mg nic salt e-liquid as it just won't satisfy; however, the incremental strengths we offer here at LiQuid can help you reduce your nicotine intake gradually over time, ensuring you stay in control and can vape with confidence.
Ultimately, when deciding what nic salt strength is best for you, remember to think about:
- The goals for your vaping journey (reducing nicotine intake / better craving management etc...)
- Your previous smoking or vaping habits (number of cigarettes per day / freebase nicotine strength etc...)
- Your preferred vaping experience (faster or slower nicotine impact / throat hit or no throat hit etc...)