Understanding how to use nic salts starts with why many adults choose them. Nicotine salts deliver a smoother, faster hit than standard freebase e-liquids, which can make higher strengths feel more comfortable and controlled. They’re made for low-power mouth-to-lung devices (MTL) devices such as pod kits and simple starter vapes that suit steady, relaxed puffs. Once you get used to the softer inhale and the way nic salts deliver nicotine, it becomes easy to keep your vaping pace consistent and get a familiar, settled draw from session to session.
Nicotine salts are a type of e-liquid made with nicotine in its natural, more stable form. This makes the vapour smoother to inhale and allows the nicotine to absorb more quickly, giving a calm and steady feeling without the sharp throat hit that some users experience with standard freebase nicotine. Many adult vapers choose nic salts because they offer a familiar, settled sensation even at higher strengths.
Freebase nicotine, used in most traditional e-liquids, can feel harsh when the strength increases. The peppery note becomes more noticeable and the inhale can feel noticeably stronger on the throat, which may be uncomfortable for anyone trying to use 18mg or 20mg. Nicotine salts solve this by using a different formulation that keeps the inhale comfortable, even at the UK’s legal limit of 20mg. This makes them especially popular for people who want a stronger or more consistent vape without needing to take long or forceful puffs.
Nic salts are designed for low-power, MTL, such as pod kits and compact starter vapes. These devices heat the liquid gently, which helps nic salts deliver their smoother feel and quicker nicotine uptake. While a few legacy disposable products still exist, nic salts are now mainly used in refillable pod kits and replaceable-pod systems following the UK disposable vape ban.
If you want a deeper explanation of how nicotine salts work and how they differ from freebase liquids, you can read our full guide here: What Are Nic Salts?
Nicotine salts remain one of the most widely used e-liquid types in the UK because they offer a balanced, comfortable vape with reliable nicotine delivery, all within the TPD limit of 20mg for adults aged 18+.
Nicotine salts are easy to use once you understand the basics of setting up your device. Follow these steps for a smooth, consistent experience from the first puff.
Start with a fully charged device to ensure steady power and predictable vapour production.
Low-power pod kits work best with nic salts, and most modern devices use USB-C cables for faster, more reliable charging.
Older or smaller kits may still use micro-USB. A full charge helps the coil heat evenly, which keeps the inhale smooth and prevents weak or inconsistent performance as the battery drops.
If you’re using a refillable pod, remove the rubber bung or side plug to access the fill port, then tilt the pod slightly and add your nic salt e-liquid up to the line, never overfill.
Re-seat the bung securely and check for any spills around the port. For prefilled pods, such as those used with the Elf Bar Mate 500 or similar systems, simply click the pod into place until you hear a firm snap. Prefilled pods remove the need to refill manually and are a straightforward option for beginners.
Once the pod is filled, let it sit for at least five minutes before vaping.
This allows the cotton inside the coil to fully absorb the liquid, which helps prevent burnt or dry hits. Refillable pods with fresh coils may need the full 10 minutes, especially if the cotton looks dense or tightly packed. Taking your first puffs too soon can permanently damage the coil.
Nic salts are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which means drawing vapour into your mouth first and then inhaling, similar to how many people smoke.
Take slow, relaxed puffs rather than sharp or deep inhales. Pause briefly between draws to give the coil time to re-saturate. This style produces a calm, steady vape without overwhelming the throat or device.
Nic salts come mainly in 10mg and 20mg strengths. A 20mg bottle will feel stronger and more immediate, so slow your pace if you notice the inhale feels too intense.
If you find yourself vaping often or feeling that the throat hit is sharper than you prefer, consider moving to 10mg. Finding the right balance is key to a comfortable, controlled experience.
Nic salts work best in low-wattage MTL devices because they heat the liquid gently and produce a smoother, more controlled inhale. These smaller vapes deliver the steady airflow and cooler vapour that nic salts are designed for, making each puff feel consistent without overwhelming the throat. Most adult vapers choose pod systems because they’re simple, compact and reliable for everyday use.
Popular options include the Elf Bar Mate 500, Vaporesso XROS range and OXVA Xlim series. Each of these kits offers easy pod changes, balanced airflow and coils designed to handle higher-strength liquids without feeling harsh.
When choosing a device, you’ll generally pick between:
Both styles deliver the gentle, steady draw nic salts are known for, so the right choice depends on whether you prefer convenience or flexibility.
No. Nic salts are not suitable for sub-ohm or high-wattage devices. These vapes produce hot, dense vapour, which can make higher-strength nic salts feel too intense and deliver more nicotine than intended. Using nic salts in a powerful device may also create a sharp throat hit or cause you to take in more vapour than you’re comfortable with.
For the best experience, stick to low-wattage MTL kits where nic salts can be enjoyed at their intended strength and temperature.
Nicotine salts are most commonly available in 10mg and 20mg, and choosing the right strength depends on how strong you want each inhale to feel. A 10mg nic salt is a good fit for light or moderate users who prefer a gentler sensation or vape steadily throughout the day. A 20mg option delivers a firmer, faster hit and is often chosen by adults who previously used stronger nicotine products or prefer a more immediate effect.
All nic salts in the UK are capped at 20mg under TPD regulations, so these two strengths cover most needs without going beyond the legal limit.
Here’s a quick guide:
If you ever decide to adjust nicotine levels more precisely, you can use a nic shot and follow our mixing guidance here: nicotine shot calculator.
Nic salts work best with a slow, steady vaping style. Take gentle MTL puffs and leave a short pause between each one so the coil can re-saturate. This keeps the vapour smooth and stops the pod from running dry. Avoid chain vaping, as nic salts absorb quickly and can feel stronger if inhaled repeatedly without breaks.
MTL devices are ideal because they produce a cooler, tighter draw that matches how nic salts are formulated. DTL setups, which create large, warm clouds, deliver far more vapour at once and can make high-strength liquids feel overwhelming.
For a smoother session, sip water regularly to avoid dryness, especially during long vaping periods. Taking brief breaks also keeps the flavour consistent and prevents the coil from overheating. With relaxed pacing and simple pauses, nic salts deliver a calm, controlled experience that feels balanced from start to finish.
Storing nic salts correctly helps preserve flavour, maintain nicotine stability and keep your liquids safe. A few simple steps can extend the life of your e-liquid and ensure it performs well each time you fill your pod.
Nicotine salts last longest when kept away from heat, sunlight and moisture. Warm temperatures can thin the liquid, weaken the nicotine and cause the flavour to fade more quickly. Sunlight can also darken the e-liquid over time, which may affect its overall taste.
For best results, keep your bottles in a cupboard, drawer or shaded box rather than on a windowsill or near a radiator. A cool, stable environment keeps the ingredients balanced and prevents unnecessary degradation.
All nicotine products should be stored securely and well out of reach of children and pets. Although nic salt bottles use TPD-compliant child-resistant caps, they should still be treated as hazardous items.
The safest approach is to keep your liquids in a closed drawer, a high shelf or a small lockable container. This prevents accidental access and keeps your vaping gear organised in one place.
Nicotine salts typically have a shelf life of one to two years, depending on the brand and storage conditions. Using them within this period helps maintain flavour accuracy and consistency.
Before filling a pod, check for any changes in colour, thickness or smell,signs that the liquid may be past its best. Slight darkening is normal over time, but strong discolouration or an unusual odour means it’s better to replace the bottle.
Proper storage ensures every refill tastes fresh and performs as expected.
A few common errors can lead to harsh hits, weak flavour or unnecessary wear on your device. Avoiding these mistakes keeps your vape smooth and predictable.
Nicotine salts are not risk-free and designed for adults only, so using the correct device and pacing your sessions helps keep the experience comfortable and controlled.
Nic salts work best when paired with a low-power MTL device and used at a steady pace. Start with the strength that suits you, 10mg for lighter use or 20mg if you prefer a firmer inhale, and keep your pod primed and topped up for consistent flavour. Small adjustments to your puff style or strength can make a big difference to how settled the vape feels.
Quick tips:
Shop all nic salts at Vape and Go – same-day dispatch before 5pm.
Nic salts are straightforward to use once you understand the basics, but new users often have a few common questions about strength, legality and how they compare to standard e-liquids. These quick answers cover the points adult vapers ask most so you can use nic salts confidently and comfortably.
Yes. Nicotine salts are fully legal in the UK as long as they follow TPD regulations, which include a maximum strength of 20mg and 2ml pod capacity. All products sold at Vape and Go meet these requirements and are intended for adults aged 18+.
It’s technically possible to mix the two, but it isn’t recommended. Each type behaves differently in a coil, so blending them can lead to inconsistent vapour, reduced flavour and shorter coil life. Most vapers choose to use one type at a time for a more predictable experience.
It depends on your nicotine needs. For many adults, 20mg provides a stronger, faster hit, while 10mg offers a gentler inhale. If you’re unsure, starting at 10mg is usually a sensible choice and you can move up if you find yourself vaping too often.
There’s no fixed amount, as everyone’s nicotine needs differ. Some adults find that around 1ml of nic salt liquid can feel similar to several cigarettes worth of nicotine delivery, while others may vape more slowly through the day. Use your comfort level as a guide.
You can find a wide range of TPD-compliant nic salt e-liquids at Vape and Go, including fruit, menthol, dessert and classic blends. We stock leading brands and offer fast UK dispatch for adults aged 18+.
Nic salts can feel smoother and more immediate than standard e-liquids, giving a familiar-feeling inhale. They are not a health product and are intended for adult smokers and vapers only.
Salman Essap is the founder and CEO of Vape and Go, a leading online retailer of high-quality vaping products and accessories. Alongside his crucial involvement in the company, he is passionate about vaping and is committed to helping others switch from harmful tobacco products to safer alternatives. Salman is an expert in the vaping industry and has extensive knowledge of the latest trends, technologies, and innovations.
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