When making the switch from smoking to vaping, or if you simply want to mix up your vaping experience to achieve a new goal – understanding nicotine strengths is really important.
Understanding your own needs, and then knowing which product will best suit them is vital. Don’t worry though – while we know it can seem like a daunting task, it isn’t too complicated to get your head around.
Stick with us, and we’ll get you through the basics in our guide below!
Nicotine Strengths in E-Liquid
While there are some variants between brands, most e-liquids use the same scale as our 10ml range here at LiQuid.
Nicotine is measured in mg (milligrams), and is often given on vaping packaging as mg/ml. This means milligram per millilitre. So, if you see a label saying 18mg/ml on a 10ml bottle of vape juice, it means it has 18mg of nicotine in each ml of juice.
Sometimes, brands give their strength in percentages – this can sometimes make them seem a lot lower than they actually are. For example, many disposable vapes say 2% nicotine on them. This doesn’t sound like much, but in reality, this is the same as 20mg/ml – the maximum legal limit for the UK!
In the same logic, in case you find other strengths in percentages, here is a little guide to help translate so you know what you are buying:
0.3% = 3mg
0.6% = 6mg
1.2% = 12mg
1.8% = 18mg
2% = 20mg
Choosing the Right Strength for You
0mg Vape Juice
AKA nicotine free – this could be the start of your journey, or the end! If you want to experiment with a new flavour without the potential throat hit, then 0mg vape juice can be a good way to go.
Equally, if you have worked your way down towards a nicotine free goal, but aren’t quite over the habitual aspects of vaping, then you can puff a 0mg without worrying about taking a step backwards.
3mg Vape Juice
This is our lowest nicotine strength, and it’s very smooth. Ideal for those who don’t get strong cravings, but still want a little something to keep them going. Along with 6mg, 3mg e-liquids are a very popular strength, especially for high-VG e-liquids, as it is smooth enough to be vaped in high-power sub-ohm devices.
6mg Vape Juice
A great middle ground for many people, and the highest strength you will typically find a HVG e-liquid to be for the same reasons as 3mg.
A balance of smoothness, but with a very slight tickle from the low nicotine. While low, those who only had a light smoking habit might consider starting with 6mg e-liquid to avoid taking in more nicotine than you did when smoking. You will always be able to increase to 12mg if it doesn’t satisfy!
12mg Vape Juice
For may people this will be the best place to start your vaping journey is with a 12mg e-liquid. You have room to move up or down depending on your experience – if it’s a little harsh for your tastes, try a 6mg, if it doesn’t beat your cravings then consider an 18mg.
18mg Vape Juice
This is the highest strength we offer our 10ml standard e-liquid in. In terms of the amount of nicotine you will inhale and absorb, even the most extreme smoking habits should be well matched with an 18mg e-liquid.
It is worth noting, that while some people enjoy this aspect – 18mg vape juice can be quite harsh. No matter the flavour, that much nicotine tickles the throat much like burning a cigarette.
If you have cravings that demand a high nic strength, but don’t want the harshness, you do have another option – Nic Salts.
Nicotine Salt E-Liquids
Without going into the long science stuff, nicotine salts work in the exact same way as a normal e-liquid, the difference is – you guessed it – the nicotine.
Normal e-liquids use ‘freebase nicotine’ but nic salts, use salt nicotine – this is the same nicotine combined with a salt acid when manufactured. This acid neutralises the naturally very alkali taste of the nic – which means it no longer tickles your throat!
The neutral taste allows you to enjoy max nic strength but with a draw as smooth as a 3mg or 6mg!
They are a fantastic place to start your journey, and indeed could serve you indefinitely unless you want to reduce your intake.
Nic salts tend to only come in two strengths:
10mg Nic Slat Vape Juice
The smoothest you’ll likely find, 10mg has the deep satisfaction from the salt nic, but is unbelievably easy to vape. Your humble author uses 10mg salts as they balance craving beating power with smooth flavour delivery!
20mg Nic Salt Vape Juice
Maximum nic, minimal harshness – a match made in heaven for many vapers but especially new starters. This is your best options if you can’t make an 18mg work.
Take note though – while nic salts are a great option for many reasons, their smoothness belays their addiction potential. If you are a very light smoker, and you start using a 20mg nic salt, yes it will be smooth enough for you to enjoy, and will beat your cravings, but you are inhaling a significantly higher amount of nicotine than even your cigs gave you!
Consider your true needs and experiment to find the right products - don’t double-down on your addiction just to make the switch!
Know What You Want?
Great news – if you’ve already cracked your perfect vape formula and know what you like, then why not subscribe? You’ll never have to worry about running out, and you’ll save time and money! Plus, you’ve got total flexibility to pause, switch or unsubscribe at any time.
