What exactly is nicotine?

Nicotine is a natural alkaloid found in the tobacco plant. In e-liquid, it is added in liquid form and vaporised when heated by the coil. It is absorbed via the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, as well as in the lungs. Important: Nicotine is an addictive substance and is intended exclusively for adult consumers aged 18 and over. You’ll find two common forms in e-liquids: Freebase nicotine: the classic variant. At higher strengths, it produces a noticeable ‘throat hit’ (a scratchy sensation in the throat), as experienced with cigarettes. Nicotine salt (Nic Salt): nicotine bound with an acid (usually benzoic acid). It feels gentler on the mucous membranes, is absorbed more quickly and allows for higher mg/ml concentrations without a strong throat hit. The nicotine content of an e-cigarette is given in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml) – occasionally also as a percentage (10 mg/ml ≈ 1%). In Switzerland and the EU, nicotine-containing e-liquids are limited to a maximum of 20 mg/ml.

Which nicotine strength suits which device?

The right strength depends on three factors: your previous consumption, the design of your e-cigarette and the draw style (MTL or DTL). MTL – mouth-to-lung (pod systems, small devices) Small devices with a tight draw (e.g. pods, disposable vapes, starter kits under 20 watts) vaporise little e-liquid per puff. Here you need higher nicotine levels to ensure a satisfying experience: 12–20 mg/ml for former smokers (from approx. 10 cigarettes/day) 6–12 mg/ml for occasional smokers or light cigarette smokers 3–6 mg/ml for very light use Nicotine salt is particularly popular in this range because 20 mg/ml of salt tastes significantly smoother than 20 mg/ml of freebase. DTL – Direct-to-Lung (sub-ohm atomisers) High-powered devices from 30 watts with a deep lung draw produce a lot of vapour. Lower strengths are sufficient here; otherwise, the draw becomes too harsh: 0–3 mg/ml freebase is standard High-strength nicotine salt is not suitable for DTL

Liquids & Aromen

Nicotine in e-cigarettes: understanding strength and choice correctly

Understanding nicotine in e-liquid: Nicotine strength, mg/ml, nicotine salt and freebase in comparison. Guide to the correct dosage for vapers over 18 in Switzerland.

Nicotine is the active ingredient that creates that familiar sensation when vaping – and at the same time, it’s the factor you should pay the closest attention to when buying e-liquid. The right nicotine strength determines whether your vape hit feels too weak, pleasantly satisfying, or harsh and unpleasant. This guide explains how nicotine works in e-cigarettes, the different forms available (freebase and nicotine salt), which mg/ml strengths suit which devices, and what you need to bear in mind in Switzerland (for those aged 18 and over). By the end, you’ll know which nicotine e-liquid suits your setup and usage habits.

Nicotine is a natural alkaloid found in the tobacco plant. In e-liquid, it is added in liquid form and vaporised when heated by the coil. It is absorbed via the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, as well as in the lungs. Important: Nicotine is an addictive substance and is intended exclusively for adult consumers aged 18 and over.

You’ll find two common forms in e-liquids:

Freebase nicotine: the classic variant. At higher strengths, it produces a noticeable ‘throat hit’ (a scratchy sensation in the throat), as experienced with cigarettes.
Nicotine salt (Nic Salt): nicotine bound with an acid (usually benzoic acid). It feels gentler on the mucous membranes, is absorbed more quickly and allows for higher mg/ml concentrations without a strong throat hit.

The nicotine content of an e-cigarette is given in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml) – occasionally also as a percentage (10 mg/ml ≈ 1%). In Switzerland and the EU, nicotine-containing e-liquids are limited to a maximum of 20 mg/ml.

The right strength depends on three factors: your previous consumption, the design of your e-cigarette and the draw style (MTL or DTL).

MTL – mouth-to-lung (pod systems, small devices)

Small devices with a tight draw (e.g. pods, disposable vapes, starter kits under 20 watts) vaporise little e-liquid per puff. Here you need higher nicotine levels to ensure a satisfying experience:

12–20 mg/ml for former smokers (from approx. 10 cigarettes/day)
6–12 mg/ml for occasional smokers or light cigarette smokers
3–6 mg/ml for very light use

Nicotine salt is particularly popular in this range because 20 mg/ml of salt tastes significantly smoother than 20 mg/ml of freebase.

DTL – Direct-to-Lung (sub-ohm atomisers)

High-powered devices from 30 watts with a deep lung draw produce a lot of vapour. Lower strengths are sufficient here; otherwise, the draw becomes too harsh:

0–3 mg/ml freebase is standard
High-strength nicotine salt is not suitable for DTL

Use your own consumption as a starting point: base your choice on your previous cigarette consumption. Choosing too low a strength often leads to compensatory vaping, whilst too high a strength can cause headaches or nausea.
Match device and strength: 20 mg/ml in a sub-ohm atomiser is far too much. Conversely, 3 mg/ml in a pod has hardly any effect.
Freebase vs. nicotine salt: If you’re switching to MTL and have previously smoked, nicotine salt at 10–20 mg/ml is usually the most comfortable way to start.
Shortfills and nicotine shots: Larger bottles (e.g. 50 ml in 60 ml bottles) come nicotine-free. You mix in a nicotine shot (10 ml, usually 20 mg/ml) to achieve a final mixture of approx. 3 mg/ml.
Quality and origin: Look for clear labelling, a batch number, child-resistant caps and production in accordance with EU standards. Avoid loose or unlabelled bottles.

How do I convert nicotine percentage to mg/ml?

1% corresponds to 10 mg/ml. So 1.8% is 18 mg/ml, and 0.6% is 6 mg/ml. Both figures mean the same thing – only the way they are expressed differs.

How many puffs are equivalent to one cigarette?

This cannot be calculated exactly, as puff duration, device and e-liquid greatly influence the nicotine content. As a rough guide: a 2 ml pod refill with 20 mg/ml nicotine salt contains roughly the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes – spread over many small puffs.

Is nicotine salt stronger than freebase?

No, the amount is identical for the same mg/ml concentration. Nicotine salt simply feels smoother on the throat and is absorbed more quickly, which means the feeling of satisfaction sets in sooner.

Can I buy e-liquids with more than 20 mg/ml in Switzerland?

No. In Switzerland, the upper limit for nicotine-containing e-liquids is 20 mg/ml. Products exceeding this limit are not permitted.

The right nicotine strength is the difference between an unsatisfactory and a thoroughly satisfying vaping experience. Those switching from cigarettes will find nicotine salt in pod systems the most comfortable option; experienced sub-ohm vapers opt for low freebase strengths. In our selection of e-liquids, you’ll find suitable strengths ranging from 0 to 20 mg/ml – including nicotine shots for mixing your own shortfills. Take your time to compare the options and choose the strength that suits your device and usage.