Vape Town News

Choosing the right nicotine vape strength can be confusing, especially if you have only recently switched from smoking to vaping. Even if you have some idea of how much nicotine you were smoking, vape nicotine levels are expressed very differently and might not make much sense if you are new to vaping or have never handled e-liquid before. 

With our beginner vapers in mind, we have created this comprehensive guide to introduce you to nicotine strengths, how each vape nicotine level compares to various smoking habits, and how to fine-tune your nicotine intake to keep your cravings at bay.

What Is Nicotine, and Why Is it Used in E-Liquid?

Derived from the tobacco plant, nicotine is a stimulant that causes chemicals to be released in our brain, most notably dopamine. Produced in the hypothalamus, commonly referred to as the ‘pleasure centre’ of our brain, dopamine increases alertness and boosts our mood. This is why tobacco products, as well as other products containing nicotine, remain so popular to this day.

Cigarettes are the most popular tobacco product on the market and are the way that most people get their nicotine fix. As many vape users transitioned from smoking cigarettes to using vape kits as a quitting aid, they rely on the nicotine levels of their vapes to stave off cravings and stop them from returning to cigarettes. 

How Do You Measure Vape Nicotine Levels?

The nicotine level of a vape or bottle of e-liquid is usually measured relative to the number of milligrams (mg) of nicotine per millilitre (ml) of liquid. For example, a 10ml bottle of e-liquid that contains 20mg of nicotine would have a nicotine level of 20mg/ml.

Some manufacturers display the strength of their e-liquids as a percentage (%) of the total contents of the bottle. In this case, a 10ml bottle of e-liquid with 20mg of nicotine in it would be written as 2%.

As of May 2017, the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) restricted the nicotine contents of any single bottle of e-liquid sold in the UK to a maximum vape nicotine level of 20mg/ml.

What Are the Different E-Liquid Nicotine Levels?

While the amount of nicotine in an e-liquid will vary depending on the vape juice flavour and whether it is intended for mouth-to-lung or direct-to-lung vaping, there is a range of vape strengths available to suit various kinds of cigarette smokers. Whether you are a social smoker or you were getting through a pack a day, there should be an e-liquid with a nicotine level that is right for you. 

We have included a list of the most common vape nicotine levels below, drawing comparisons between the nicotine content and a range of prior smoking habits:

• 0mg e-liquid

Many mainstream e-liquid brands now offer nicotine-free versions of their most popular flavours. These are ideal for previous social smokers or long-time vapers who no longer experience nicotine cravings but enjoy the oral sensation of inhaling vapour. This vape nicotine level is similarly favoured by vaping hobbyists, who use their advanced vape kits to perform vape tricks rather than for habitual use.

• 3mg e-liquid

This is the lowest commercially available nicotine level and is also a favourite of experienced vapers who have been able to reduce their nicotine intake over a period of time. This vape strength would similarly be suited to a smoker who has already been able to cut down their smoking to a few cigarettes a day. 

• 5-6mg e-liquid

This is still a reasonably low nicotine content compared to other vape strengths on the market, with many e-liquid brands offering 5mg as their lowest nicotine option. While you are more likely to feel a nicotine rush from these vape nicotine levels, 6mg of nicotine is not a lot by most smokers’ standards and is best-suited to anyone accustomed to smoking half a pack of light cigarettes a day. 

• 10-12mg e-liquid

This is the average nicotine level for vape juice and is perfect for beginner vapers who are used to smoking up to a pack of cigarettes a day. 

• 18-20mg e-liquid

These are the highest vape strengths available in the UK and are intended to satisfy the cravings of any smoker who would get through more than a pack of strong cigarettes on a daily basis.

How Much Nicotine Is in a Vape vs a Cigarette?

The nicotine content of cigarettes is almost as variable as it is in e-liquids, with some cigarette companies offering a range of regular, light and ultra-light options in the same way that vape brands provide a range of vape nicotine levels. 

We have provided an overview of the nicotine strengths of different types of cigarettes below, as well as some familiar brands as examples:

• Regular straight cigarettes, such as Marlboro Red, Camel and Benson & Hedges, contain approximately 1.2mg of nicotine in each cigarette, which equates to 24mg of nicotine per pack.
• Light cigarettes, such as Marlboro Gold, Superkings Menthol and Lucky Strike Reds, contain approximately 0.7mg of nicotine in each cigarette, or 14mg of nicotine per pack.
• Ultra-Light cigarettes, which include Marlboro Menthol, Silk Cut and Lucky Strike Silvers, contain approximately 0.4mg of nicotine in each cigarette, for a total of 8mg of nicotine per pack.

It’s important to remember that nicotine from a vape and a cigarette are taken into our bodies in very different ways; cigarette smoke transfers nicotine into your bloodstream much faster than e-liquid vapour, which can take a few minutes to take full effect. 

If you’re unfamiliar with how to vape, you might take multiple hits while you’re waiting to feel the effects of the nicotine, only to be struck by an unpleasant nicotine rush minutes later. We recommend new vapers be patient when they first start vaping, giving some time between puffs to make it easier to gauge how much nicotine they are having.

How Do I Choose the Right Vape Strength?

Now that you have a clearer understanding of what vape nicotine levels are available and how they relate to prior smoking habits, our best advice is to experiment with a few different vape strengths and styles until you have found one that suits you. We have included a few tips below that should help you on your way:

• Start with disposables

Disposable vapes are a good place to start, as their mouth-to-lung operation and higher vape nicotine levels of 10mg and 20mg offer an experience that is closest to smoking cigarettes. 

Many disposable brands also offer e-liquid versions of their most popular flavours, making it easier to switch onto a starter vape kit should you want to reduce your vape strength, or feel brave enough to get your head around vape coil resistance.

• Think about how long you are vaping

The amount of time you used to spend smoking should be factored into your choice of e-liquid. Unlike cigarettes, which offer a limited number of drags before they burn down to the filter, you can keep taking hits of your vape so long as there is still e-liquid in your vape tank. 

If you have a tendency to take long smoke breaks, you may want to reduce the nicotine level of your vape such that you can vape for longer without consuming too much nicotine. 

On the other hand, if you have a busy schedule and can only afford to take a minute or so out of your day to use your vape, you might benefit from a higher vape strength that delivers more nicotine in fewer puffs.

• Vape responsibly

It is important that you feel comfortable with your vape nicotine level. Filling your vape with an e-liquid that is too strong can lead to side effects, such as nausea, headaches or dizziness. 

On the other hand, using an e-liquid with too little nicotine can result in serious cravings and puts you at risk of returning to cigarettes.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Nicotine-Free Vaping?

Nicotine-free vaping has become increasingly popular as a way for people to reduce or completely stop their nicotine intake. Many vapers temporarily switch to 0mg e-liquid to take a break from nicotine or use it to dilute liquid with a higher nicotine content. Prior smokers who have beaten their nicotine addiction but have developed a strong habitual association with the physical action of vaping can use 0mg e-liquid to satisfy this impulse.

However, the decision to switch to nicotine-free e-liquid should not be taken lightly. Suddenly cutting out nicotine can cause nicotine withdrawal, which can make you feel anxious and irritable or intensify your cravings, making it more likely that you will return to smoking cigarettes.

How Do I Personalise My Vape Strength?

Different people are suited to different vape nicotine levels and not every vaper will be satisfied with the selection that has become the industry standard. Luckily, the introduction of shortfill e-liquids and nicotine shots has made it possible to bridge those gaps in the market, so that you can personalise your vape strength to suit your needs.

While most vape brands produce freebase nicotine e-liquids, which are the premixed e-liquids we have been discussing thus far, some manufacturers have started to release shortfill e-liquids, which are nicotine-free solutions that typically come in larger quantities. 

In order to increase the nicotine content of these e-liquids, you add a separate product known as nicotine shots, which is a concentrated freebase nicotine liquid. This gives each vaper total control of their vape strength, allowing them to mix a solution as strong or as subtle as they require.

For a more comprehensive look at how to mix shortfill e-liquids or the benefits of using nicotine salts, check out our separate guides on the subjects.

 

We are always happy to help you, whether you need advice about an appropriate vape strength based on your smoking history or are interested in fine-tuning your nicotine level and need help finding the right vape equipment. However, Vape Town cannot be held responsible for any adverse effects caused by consuming unsuitable nicotine levels.

If you have any questions about switching from smoking to vaping or are wondering whether to start with disposables or get stuck in with sub-ohm vaping, contact one of our vaping experts, and they will be able to help you. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between freebase e-liquid and nicotine salts?

Freebase nicotine e-liquids tend to be made from equal parts propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG), which produce less vapour while delivering a strong throat hit that is similar to smoking a cigarette. While this solution is suitable for MTL and DTL vaping styles, it is favourable for mouth-to-lung inhalation at higher vape nicotine levels. 

Nicotine salts and the shortfill e-liquids they are mixed with contain more VG than PG. This results in a thicker solution that creates large amounts of vapour while delivering a much smoother oral sensation. Unlike freebase nicotine, this solution is exclusively compatible with the direct-to-lung vaping style and requires an advanced vape kit with a low-resistance vape coil in order to vaporise it.