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Nicotine in vaping: everything you need to know
Nicotine is addictive and must be used with judgement. But it should be said clearly: it is not the main cause of the extreme harm from tobacco. The major problem with combustible cigarettes is smoke: tar, carbon monoxide and thousands of toxicants generated by combustion.
This content is intended for adult smokers. Nicotine products are not intended for minors, non-smokers, pregnant women or users with medical concerns without first consulting a healthcare professional.
Back to Index1. What is nicotine?
Nicotine is an alkaloid naturally present in the tobacco plant. It is the substance that creates dependence in cigarettes, but it should not be confused with tobacco smoke or combustion products.
It can also be found in very small amounts in some plants from the nightshade family, such as tomato, aubergine or potato. This does not mean nicotine use is harmless; it simply helps separate concepts: nicotine is not the same as burned tobacco.
How it is used in vape liquids
In regulated vape liquids, nicotine must meet quality, strength, labelling and safety requirements. In the European Union, nicotine-containing refill liquids have a maximum limit of 20 mg/ml and must follow specific safety and presentation requirements.
Key idea
Nicotine creates dependence, but the most serious harm from smoking comes mainly from combustion smoke. This distinction is essential for understanding harm reduction.
2. Nicotine and health: separating facts from fear
Tar causes cancer, carbon monoxide increases cardiovascular risk, and nicotine causes dependence.
This sentence summarises an essential idea: nicotine is not harmless, but it is not the main toxicant in tobacco smoke.
Nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, and it may affect sleep or cause symptoms if used excessively. But the extreme harms of smoking are mainly explained by combustion and smoke toxicants.
Does nicotine cause cancer?
Health evidence used in nicotine replacement therapy clearly separates nicotine from tobacco smoke. Nicotine itself is not responsible for the cancer caused by smoking; the main problem is the carcinogens in smoke and combustion tar.
Can there be too much nicotine?
Yes. Too much nicotine may cause dizziness, nausea, headache, palpitations or discomfort. The answer is not to endure it: lower the strength, reduce frequency or review the device.
3. Addiction, withdrawal and throat hit
Nicotine acts on receptors in the nervous system and is linked to dependence. But cigarette addiction is more complex: it combines nicotine, ritual, draw, delivery speed, repeated habits and thousands of smoke compounds.
In vaping, nicotine has a practical role for adult smokers: reducing withdrawal sensation and providing throat hit. That “hit” helps the draw feel recognisable for someone coming from cigarettes.
Do not reduce nicotine too quickly
Reducing nicotine too early can leave an adult smoker under-supplied and increase the risk of returning to cigarettes. It is better to stabilise the replacement of tobacco first and reduce later step by step, if that is the goal.
4. What are nicotine salts?
Nicotine salts are a form of nicotine formulated to provide a smoother draw at higher strengths. In practice, they are mainly used in low-power pods and tight-draw devices.
- Smoother draw: they may feel less harsh than freebase nicotine at the same strength.
- Pod use: they fit especially well in small, low-power MTL devices.
- Higher strength: they require more attention to dose and frequency of use.
Attention: do not use nicotine salts in high-power or sub-ohm devices. High strength combined with high vapour production may be excessive.
5. Oral health, weight and sleep
Does it yellow teeth?
Typical smoker tooth yellowing is mainly associated with tobacco smoke and tars that stick to enamel. Nicotine may influence colouring, but the major step is removing combustion and smoke.
Weight and appetite
Nicotine may reduce appetite and modify reward sensation. This is why some people gain weight when they quit tobacco if they do not manage habits, anxiety and eating patterns well.
Sleep
Nicotine is a stimulant. Using too much nicotine, especially at night, can make sleep more difficult in a similar way to caffeine.
DO NOT LOWER NICOTINE TOO FAST
The first goal for an adult smoker is not to vape with the lowest possible nicotine from day one. The first goal is to stop smoking combustible tobacco. After that, if desired, nicotine can be reduced step by step.
Medical explanation of e-liquid components by Dr. Bueno (Medicina Clara).
6. Which e-liquid should I buy first?
To leave combustible tobacco behind, the key is choosing a flavour you can use daily and a nicotine amount high enough to avoid being under-supplied. Starting too low is one of the most common mistakes.
Quick guide
- Medium or low dependence: starting with 3-6 mg/ml freebase may fit, depending on device and previous consumption.
- High dependence: 10-12 mg/ml or nicotine salts in a low-power pod may make sense.
- Heavy smoker or very tight draw: 18-20 mg/ml nicotine salts may be an initial option in suitable pods.
To start, it is better to play it safe: recognisable flavours, a simple device and a nicotine strength consistent with your previous smoking level. Then it can be adjusted.
View top-selling e-liquidsFrequently asked questions about nicotine in vaping
Is nicotine the main danger in tobacco?
No. Nicotine causes dependence, but the most serious harm from combustible tobacco comes from smoke, tar, carbon monoxide and combustion toxicants.
Is it better to start with little nicotine?
Not always. If you are an adult smoker and start with too low a strength, you may be under-supplied and return to cigarettes. It is better to adjust properly at first and reduce later if that is your goal.
What is the difference between freebase and nicotine salts?
Freebase usually has a more pronounced throat hit at higher strengths. Nicotine salts are usually smoother and are mainly used in low-power pods.
Can I use nicotine salts in any device?
No. Nicotine salts should be used in pods or low-power devices. They are not suitable for sub-ohm or high-power equipment.
Can nicotine affect sleep?
Yes. Nicotine is a stimulant and, if used excessively or at night, it can make sleep more difficult. Adjusting strength and timing helps avoid this.
Sources and recommended reading
- NHS. Vaping myths and the facts. NHS.
- CDC. Quit-smoking medicines are much safer than smoking. CDC.
- European Commission. Electronic cigarettes: safety and quality requirements. European Commission.
Want to know which device to choose to start vaping?
Go to Chapter 5: What do I need to start vaping?