Nicotine salt - Worth knowing

As every year, Vapexpo is the place for all discoveries in terms of steamboating. 2017 was no exception to the rule, since nicotine salts attracted so much attention that it was the focus of all discussions. This little innovation could change our habits of vaporizing. But then, what are these nicotine salts and what can they do? Let's find out!

Nicotine: Facts and Harms

Avant toute chose, un petit rappel sur la nicotine peut être utile. La nicotine classique, c’est-à-dire sous forme de liquide, est le composé présent dans certains e-liquides. Purifiée et donc traitée, elle permet aux gros fumeurs de cigarettes traditionnelles de débuter un sevrage efficace avec la e-cigarette. Son traitement subit plusieurs phases chimiques dans l’optique d’une transformation en produit de qualité pharmaceutique. Même si cette purification permet une intégration sûre à l’organisme humain, tout ce processus de traitement dénature le produit de base pour affecter les effets ressentis. La nicotine traitée est ainsi beaucoup moins efficace qu’à son état naturel.

By incorporating nicotine in the liquids of electronic cigarettes, the goal is to allow the user not to lose his or her smoking habits. This withdrawal can indeed be effective only if the nicotine dosage is high. It is the sensation of hit that is sought by repentant smokers, that only nicotine can cause. But this sensation at too intense a level can lead to irritation of the respiratory tract. E-fluids with a very high nicotine level can therefore cause unpleasant sensations, which forces users to turn to consumption with lower dosages, and therefore not adapted to their needs. Note that a conventional cigarette is equivalent to a nicotine feeling lasting 10 seconds, compared to 10 minutes for an e-cigarette.

Nicotine salts: an interesting alternative

But then how are nicotine salts so different from basic nicotine? These salts are found directly in the tobacco leaves intended for use with the regular cigarette. Despite what their name might suggest, these salts are not crystals but liquids. The term "salts" comes from the alkaloid, which is the nitrogen molecule that appears as salts. Nicotine salts are thus the most natural form of nicotine.

The primary advantage of nicotine salts is that they offer better stability than treated nicotine, as well as improved throat smoothness. By consuming these nicotine salts with the e-cigarette, the feeling of vapour will be very close to the tobacco puffs. The perception of the hit will be softer and therefore less violent for the throat, improving their effectiveness over time.

Nicotine salts could be a good solution for beginner vaporisers whose goal is to begin effective smoking cessation. But it is often the case that e-liquids with more traditional nicotine do not succeed in filling this recent gap. Former heavy smokers can find in nicotine salts a more sustainable way to weaning, the sensations felt are close to the traditional cigarette. Rather than having the e-cigarette constantly fixed in the mouth, this public extremely addicted to tobacco and nicotine can benefit from more spaced out but with a similar degree of efficiency.

Vous retrouverez d’ailleurs ces sels de nicotine dans les chichas électroniques jetables, aussi appelées puff.

How to consume nicotine salts?

Nicotine salts are certainly a good alternative to purified nicotine, but they are still a kind of nicotine! It is important to bear in mind that these salts have a high dosage equivalent to 20 mg/ml on average. It is thus recommended to privilege equipment intended for indirect inhalation, and under no circumstances atomizers developed to reach high powers.

By using relatively low-powered equipment, the liquid consumed does not give the impression of inhaling a high dose of nicotine, but the intake will be just as high. As a result, the frequency of the vapour will be reduced, while enjoying permanent nicotine satisfaction. This is also a great way to save money!

It is also possible to combine basic nicotine and nicotine salts in the same e-liquid, thus increasing the PH of this fusion. As nicotine salts are at the beginning of their technology, it is therefore recommended not to experiment with this type of mixture. Indeed, the French limitation in terms of nicotine dosage is currently set at 20 mg/ml.

Nicotine salts: the new Odyssey of the vaporizers?

This is now becoming a habit, each new innovation at Vapexpo drives the market crazy. Despite their obvious effectiveness, nicotine salts are suitable for a niche market and will hardly be able to extend to all types of vaporizer profiles.

As mentioned above, the sensation of a hit is meant to be very soft, and therefore far too much below the expectations of heavy smokers. Just as a powerful material will prohibit any use of nicotine salts, risking an overdose. Note that the boxes, mods, clearomieurs or powerful atomizers are very common on the market, and it is therefore difficult to ignore.

In terms of price, nicotine salts are more expensive than basic nicotine because of their higher production cost. This price difference is largely explained by the perceived sensations, but may be too great for a large proportion of consumers.

Nicotine salts thus correspond to a precise need, which will hardly be the same for all user profiles.

what are the health effects and/or risks?

As soon as a new technology takes its first steps on the market, the question is always the same; what are the health effects and/or risks? However, this legitimate question still has no clear answers today. It is, however, accepted that basic nicotine and nicotine salts have a very similar effect on the human organism.

Nicotine experts do not hide their enthusiasm for the effectiveness of this product, but accompany this enthusiasm with a certain amount of caution. Because the advantage of nicotine salts is clearly to help reduce nicotine consumption, which obviously delights the specialists. The main problem would come from the manufacture by small independent companies, not from the tobacco industry. Vigilance must therefore be stepped up with regard to the origin and composition of these products.

Thus, nicotine salts are intended to be more of an effective supplement to basic nicotine than a real revolution. It is nevertheless a real alternative; the e-liquids concerned provide sensations similar to those of the traditional cigarette. This is a great advantage for tobacco addicted smokers who want to achieve a lasting withdrawal. Rather intended for beginners vaporisers not very adept at the pronounced hit, nicotine salts should be consumed with a suitable equipment to benefit from their virtues.