How does a nicotine base work?

Base N performs three tasks simultaneously: it carries the flavour, produces the visible vapour and delivers the desired amount of nicotine. The vapour behaviour changes depending on how you mix PG and VG. Typical mixing ratios 50/50 PG/VG: balanced, ideal for pod systems and MTL vapes with a tight draw. Good flavour delivery and a solid throat hit. 70/30 VG/PG: more vapour, smoother draw, suitable for sub-ohm vapes from around 25 watts. 80/20 VG/PG or higher: cloud-chasing setups, less throat hit, flavours appear milder. Typical use For a 60 ml finished e-liquid with 3 mg/ml nicotine, for example, add three 10 ml shots of Base N at 20 mg/ml to a 60 ml shortfill (50 ml empty, 10 ml space) – the exact calculation depends on your mixing calculator. After mixing, you should leave the bottle to rest for 1–3 days (‘steep’) so that the flavour and base can fully combine.

Liquids & Aromen

Base N - Understanding nicotine base for self-mixed liquids

Base N guide: Nicotine base is the basis for DIY liquids. Function, PG/VG ratio, nicotine strengths and mixing tips for adults over 18 at a glance.

Base N refers to a ready-mixed nicotine base that you can use to create your own e-liquid. If you use flavour concentrates or want to top up short-fills with a specific nicotine strength, a reliable nicotine-based e-liquid base is essential. This guide shows you how Base N is formulated, what PG/VG ratios are standard, what to look out for regarding nicotine strength, and how to handle the concentrate safely. The text is intended for adults aged 18 and over who wish to mix their own e-liquid and make targeted use of the properties of different bases.

A Base N is the neutral, but already nicotine-containing, base mixture of an e-liquid. It consists of three ingredients: propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG) and a defined amount of pure nicotine. Sometimes distilled water is added to reduce the viscosity. The ‘N’ simply stands for ‘nicotine’ and distinguishes the product from pure, nicotine-free bases.

Unlike a ready-made 10 ml e-liquid, Base N contains no flavouring. It is tasteless and serves exclusively as a carrier fluid for flavour concentrates or as a nicotine booster for larger short-fill bottles. In Switzerland, nicotine base is often sold in 10 ml or 100 ml containers, typically with strengths between 18 mg/ml and 20 mg/ml, as higher dosages are restricted by law. Base N should not be confused with a ready-made nicotine salt e-liquid: this uses freebase nicotine, which differs significantly in terms of vapour production and throat hit.

Base N performs three tasks simultaneously: it carries the flavour, produces the visible vapour and delivers the desired amount of nicotine. The vapour behaviour changes depending on how you mix PG and VG.

Typical mixing ratios

50/50 PG/VG: balanced, ideal for pod systems and MTL vapes with a tight draw. Good flavour delivery and a solid throat hit.
70/30 VG/PG: more vapour, smoother draw, suitable for sub-ohm vapes from around 25 watts.
80/20 VG/PG or higher: cloud-chasing setups, less throat hit, flavours appear milder.

Typical use

For a 60 ml finished e-liquid with 3 mg/ml nicotine, for example, add three 10 ml shots of Base N at 20 mg/ml to a 60 ml shortfill (50 ml empty, 10 ml space) – the exact calculation depends on your mixing calculator. After mixing, you should leave the bottle to rest for 1–3 days (‘steep’) so that the flavour and base can fully combine.

Not all nicotine bases are the same. These points make the difference:

Choose the correct nicotine strength: In Switzerland, a maximum of 20 mg/ml is permitted. Calculate your target strength using a mixing calculator and note it on the bottle.
PG/VG ratio suitable for your atomiser: A high VG content clogs small MTL coils. Check your atomiser’s manufacturer specifications (resistance in ohms, recommended wattage).
Pharmaceutical quality: Look for details such as ‘USP/EP quality’ for PG, VG and nicotine. Reputable suppliers state the purity, batch number and best-before date.
Packaging and safety: Child-resistant caps and dark bottles protect against UV light. Store the nicotine base in a cool, dry place and out of reach of children and pets.
Freshness: Nicotine oxidises over time and turns brownish. Buy quantities that you will use within 6–12 months.

Common mistakes: too high a final nicotine strength, insufficient steeping time or mixing in unsuitable containers. Use labelled PE or glass bottles and wear gloves, as pure nicotine is absorbed through the skin.

What is the difference between Base N and a nicotine shot?

Functionally, they are almost identical: both deliver nicotine in a PG/VG base mixture. ‘Nicotine shot’ usually refers to 10-ml bottles for topping up short fills, whilst ‘Base N’ is used as an umbrella term for any nicotine-containing liquid base, including those in larger containers.

Which Base N is suitable for my pod system?

For most closed or open pods with a resistance of 1.0 Ω to 1.2 Ω, a 50/50 ratio with 10–20 mg/ml nicotine is suitable. Higher VG content can fail to wet the wicks properly and lead to dry hits.

Can I vape Base N without flavouring?

Technically yes, but the taste is rather unsatisfying: you get a slightly sweet VG taste and the throat hit from the nicotine, but no flavour. As a long-term solution, this isn’t appealing to most vapers.

How long does Base N keep?

Unopened and stored in a cool place, around 18–24 months. Once opened, you should use it within 6–12 months. A distinct brown discolouration and a pungent smell are signs of advanced oxidation.

Base N is the flexible tool for anyone who wants to customise their own e-liquid: you determine the nicotine strength, vapour production and flavour intensity yourself. What matters is high quality, the right PG/VG ratio and safe storage. If you want to compare different strengths and mixing ratios, take your time to browse our selection of nicotine shots and bases and complement them with the right flavour concentrates for your next recipe.