Freebase Nicotine & Nicotine Salt E-Liquids - What's The Difference? 

Here at EDGE Vaping, we're proud to offer an extensive range of vape liquids. We have a variety of flavours as well as tapered nicotine strengths. However, they're not the only variables that we offer, as we also have vape oils made with different types of nicotine. 

In this blog, we explore and tell you everything you need to know about freebase nicotine e-liquids as well as nicotine salt vape juices. We also go over all of the different ranges available here at EDGE Vaping. Read on to find out more and maybe find your new favourite EDGE Vaping E-Liquid!

What Is Freebase Nicotine?

Freebase nicotine e-liquids have been on the market ever since vaping first began gaining traction and is the more traditional form of nicotine. It is still as popular today with vapers as they were almost a decade a go. 

Freebase liquids are mixed at a 50/50 VG/PG ratio, and are commonly available in varying nicotine strengths. From as low as 3mg, to 6mg, 12mg and finally 18mg being the highest strength available to buy. 

As they are mixed at 50/50 ratio, the throat hit you get will always be there which is down to the PG (propylene glycol). You will also find that the throat hit will increase based on how high the nicotine strength of is.


The common thing people find is that a high strength, such as 18mg , freebase can be quite harsh on the throat, and not provide an enjoyable vaping experience. You should only use a nicotine strength that is suited to your needs and based on how many cigarettes per day you'd previously smoked. If you were only a light smoker, using a 12mg or 18mg freebase may feel harsh on the throat. 

It was the creation of nicotine salt vape juice that opened the door to vapers being able to try a higher strength nicotine content without it being harsh. As well as providing a much more pleasurable vaping experience due to better flavour, as well as a quicker nicotine absorption rate. 

What Is Nicotine Salt?

Whilst nic salt e-liquids haven't been around on the market as long as what freebase nicotine vape liquids have been, they've certainly made a big impact in the short time that they have been around! 

First appearing in the vaping world circa 2018, nic salt e-liquids revolutionized vaping into what it is today. Many vapers are now appreciating the benefits of using nicotine salt e-liquids, rather than freebase nicotine e-liquids. 

Nicotine salt is made by using a traditional freebase nicotine base, and then adding a weakened acid into the nicotine. This neutralizes the pH levels on the freebase nicotine, and this is where it has a huge impact. By reducing the pH levels, it reduces the harshness of the nicotine, making even a high strength nicotine content e-liquid smooth on the throat. Allowing you to chase a bigger nicotine hit.

Different vaping device setups can react a little differently to salts or freebase. To ensure you are using the correct coils for your liquid of choice, we would always suggest checking with the vape kit manufacturer.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Nicotine Salt vs Freebase E-Liquids?

Alongside nic salts being smoother on the throat, they also bring a whole host of other benefits along for the ride and it's why it's fast become the preferred vape juice of choice within the vaping community. We'll go over some of the other benefits of using nicotine salts below;

  • More Flavoursome

    Not only does the weakened acid we mentioned reduce the harshness of the nicotine, but it also can enhance the flavour of the concentrates used to make the flavour of your vape juice.

  • Smooth And Satisfying Nicotine

    As we've mentioned above, nicotine salts are notably a lot less harsh on the throat, even if a high strength is being used. Meaning you'd be able to vape a 20mg nicotine salt e-liquid, and it will be smooth on the throat, as well as packed full of flavour and provided a fast nicotine fix, they're the perfect option for you if you're looking to change your normal vape liquid!

  • Faster Absorption Rate

    Nicotine salts can provide a much faster absorption rate compared to what freebase nicotine e-juices can. This is something which can be crucial for you if you're an ex-smoker recently converting to vaping as you'll be looking to curb your cravings for nicotine in the fastest way possible. 

A Look At Our Freebase Nicotine & Nic Salt E-Liquid Ranges 

Freebase e-liquids are what EDGE Vaping are most well known for. We became the UK's leading vaping brand through our incredible selection of freebase nicotine vape liquids. Such as our EDGE Core range, which is available to buy online, as well as convenience stores and most major supermarkets in the UK. 

Our Core range is still as popular with consumers today as it was when we first started producing juice over a decade ago. Which proves that many still prefer to use freebase nicotine e-liquids as their preferred choice. 

With over 10 different flavours to choose from as well as tapered nicotine strengths that range from 3mg to 18mg, this is the perfect range for any vaper regardless of whether they're a new vaper or an experienced vaper.

EDGE Core

View all

Staying with freebase, we turn our attention to our EDGE Elite range which is exclusive to our online vape shop and not available in stores.

EDGE Elite is our range of freebase nicotine which have been made with double flavour concentrates. Additionally, premium raw materials to produce an elite quality vape liquid for our customers to enjoy.

EDGE Elite

View all

A lot of customers prefer the Elite range due to the richer flavours which comes from the additional flavour concentrates. We wanted to continue to produce rich, bold flavourings in vape juice but instead of using a freebase nicotine, we thought to pair it with our smooth and satisfying nicotine salts. This is how our Bar Salts range was born. 

Bar Salts is our range of nicotine salt juices available to buy online from EDGE Vaping and you may have also noticed them on shelves in UK supermarkets such as Sainsbury's and Morrisons.

Much like the Elite range, Bar Salts are made with carefully balanced double concentrated flavourings alongside a nicotine salt base. This combination creates a flavour packed vape liquid that has a super smooth vaping experience. 

EDGE Bar Salts

View all

If you're new to EDGE Vaping or just want to learn a little bit more about our brand, we'd like to share why you should give us a try! 

EDGE Vaping - The UK's Favourite E-Liquid Range

The UK's Number One E-Liquid Brand

According to the latest data, EDGE vaping's Core range is still the UK's number one freebase e-liquid brand, selling more bottles than any other competing brand in retailers across the country.

Available Everywhere

You're never far away from an EDGE vaping product meaning you will never struggle to top-up your favourite e-liquid flavours! We are available online both from our own store and other leading online vape retailers, as well as in thousands of stores UK-wide including Morrisons, The Co-Op and Sainsbury's.

60,000+ E-Liquids Sold Every Month

Circa 60,000 EDGE E-liquids are sold through our online store every month, not including the thousands more distributed to retailers all across the UK.

300,000+ Happy Customers

We regularly serve over 326,000 happy customers through our online store alone - not to mention the thousands more who buy their EDGE Vaping products from offline retailers across the country.

Affordable Quality and Freedom Of Choice

EDGE customers regularly tell both ourselves and the retailers that stock our ranges that EDGE is their trusted go-to because they love our dependable quality, affordable pricing and the range of flavours and nicotine strengths we offer.

Helping People Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle

While not risk free, vaping is confirmed to be at least 95% less harmful than smoking tobacco. As a part of the UK Government's Swap To Stop Scheme EDGE vaping products are officially provided by Stop Smoking Services across the country including via North Yorkshire and Bury County Councils.