Choosing the right nicotine strength can make or break your vaping experience – too much, and you’ll be left with a head rush and a harsh throat hit; too little, and you might find yourself chain-vaping just to stay satisfied. Whether you're a seasoned smoker making the switch or a current vaper trying to cut down, understanding how nicotine works in e-liquids is key to finding your perfect balance.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about nicotine strengths, how to match them to your smoking history, and how you can adjust your intake over time. Let’s help you get the most out of your vape – without the guesswork.

Understanding Nicotine Strengths

When browsing e-liquids, you'll often see nicotine levels listed in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). Common strengths include:

• 3mg – Very low
• 6mg – Low
• 10mg–12mg – Medium
• 18mg–20mg – High
  
  

These numbers reflect how much nicotine is present in each millilitre of liquid. For example, a 10ml bottle at 6mg contains 60mg of nicotine total.

But not all nicotine hits the same – that’s where the type of nicotine comes into play.

Freebase vs Nicotine Salts: What’s the Difference?

Nicotine in e-liquids typically comes in two forms: freebase and nicotine salts (nic salts).

Freebase Nicotine

This is the more “traditional” form used in earlier e-liquids. It offers a stronger throat hit – something some ex-smokers actually enjoy – and is most common in lower strengths (like 3mg or 6mg). Freebase works well in sub-ohm devices and is better suited for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.

Nicotine Salts

Nic salts are a newer innovation designed to deliver nicotine more smoothly and quickly. They use a different pH level to make the throat hit gentler, even at higher strengths like 10mg or 20mg. That makes them ideal for new vapers or those using low-powered pod systems.

Superior Vapour stocks a wide range of nicotine salt e-liquids in various strengths and flavours – ideal for anyone looking for a smoother vape or making the switch from smoking.

Matching Nicotine Strength to Your Smoking History

A good starting point for choosing your nicotine level is how many cigarettes you used to smoke daily. Here’s a rough guide to help you out:

Light Smoker (Fewer than 5 cigarettes a day)

You're probably fine starting with 3mg to 6mg in freebase or 5mg to 10mg nic salts. This will give you a satisfying experience without overwhelming you.

Moderate Smoker (5–15 cigarettes a day)

This is where 10mg to 12mg in freebase or 10mg to 20mg in nic salts might be ideal. Nic salts are especially helpful here if you’re using a small pod kit and want a smooth, cigarette-like hit.

Heavy Smoker (15+ cigarettes a day)

If you were on a pack a day or more, don’t be afraid to start at 18mg to 20mg. Nic salts are recommended here because they deliver a quick nicotine hit without the harshness of high-strength freebase liquids.

Can You Lower Your Nicotine Over Time?

Absolutely – and for many people, that’s the goal. One of the major advantages of vaping is the ability to gradually reduce your nicotine intake at your own pace.

Many vapers start high (especially those coming straight off cigarettes), and once they’re comfortable, they begin to step down. For example, you might go from 20mg salts to 10mg, then eventually down to 6mg freebase, and maybe even nicotine-free.

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some vapers reduce within a few months, others take a year or more. The key is to stay consistent, listen to your body, and avoid going too low too quickly – otherwise, cravings can creep back in.

Device Matters: How Your Vape Kit Affects Nicotine Strength

The device you’re using plays a big role in how nicotine feels and functions.

• Low-powered pod kits (like the Uwell Caliburn or Vaporesso XROS) work best with nic salts or freebase liquids up to 12mg.
• Sub-ohm kits (which produce more vapour and use lower resistance coils) are designed for low-strength freebase e-liquids, usually 3mg or 6mg.
  
  

Using high-strength nic salts in a powerful sub-ohm device can lead to an overwhelming experience – think too much nicotine at once. So be sure to pair the right liquid with the right device.

Need help finding a kit to match your preferred strength? Superior Vapour’s team are always on hand to point you in the right direction – whether you’re starting out or levelling up.

What If You’re Still Craving?

If you’re finding yourself vaping constantly but still not feeling satisfied, there’s a chance your nicotine strength is too low. On the flip side, if you're feeling dizzy, nauseous, or getting a sore throat, you might be going too high.

It’s normal to experiment a little in the early days. That’s why it’s a good idea to try a few different strengths – or even have two bottles on hand – to see what suits you best.

A Nicotine Strength for Every Journey

At Superior Vapour, we understand that every vaper is different – which is why we stock a massive range of e-liquids in every strength imaginable. Whether you're easing off cigarettes, managing cravings, or just want a smoother ride, we've got options to match your goals.

Our collection of nicotine salt e-liquids includes trusted brands like Bar Juice, Elfliq, Pod Salt, and Riot Salts – perfect for those using compact pod kits or transitioning away from smoking. For those with more advanced kits or who prefer a punchier throat hit, we also offer a great selection of freebase e-liquids in 3mg to 18mg.

Need help picking the right one? Our team is here to guide you – no jargon, no pressure, just honest advice.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right nicotine strength might seem like a small decision, but it can have a huge impact on your success with vaping. The good news is, there's no wrong place to start – and plenty of room to adjust as you go.

Whether you're quitting cigarettes, cutting down, or just looking to tailor your experience, Superior Vapour has everything you need to vape smarter.

Explore our full range of e-liquids today and find your perfect strength.