How to Choose the Right E-Liquid Nicotine Strength

Smokers trying to quit cigarettes often transition to vaping, but it can be difficult for them to select the right e-liquid for their smoking habits. The challenge is choosing e-liquids with the right nicotine level so that the smoker doesn’t return to cigarettes. Here, we will explore vape juice nicotine levels to help users choose the ideal replacement for their cigarette intake, while also helping e-liquid brands understand the appropriate vape nicotine levels to include in their products.

Nicotine Strength in Cigarettes vs. Vapes

Cigarettes and vapes offer different levels of nicotine and rates of absorption for different people. The average cigarette contains 12 milligrams of nicotine, though it can range from 8 and 20 milligrams depending on the brand. Selecting the appropriate vape juice nicotine level will make the transition from smoking cigarettes to vaping smoother. Like caffeine and alcohol intake, normal amounts for one person can be too much or not enough for another person.

When a smoker inhales cigarette smoke, only a small amount is absorbed into the body. The rest is released into the atmosphere when the smoker exhales. Still, smoking delivers nicotine to the body faster than vaping does. On average, 15 puffs of an e-cigarette delivers up to 15.4 milligrams of nicotine.

How to Choose the Right Nicotine Strength

To make the transition from cigarettes to vapes as smooth as possible, smokers should choose the right e-liquid nicotine level for their particular smoking habits. E-liquids come in various nicotine levels with labels conveying the milligrams, milliliters, or percentage of nicotine in the product:

• 0 mg (0%)
• 3 mg (0.3%)
• 5 mg (0.5%)
• 6 mg (0.6%)
• 10 mg (1%)
• 11 mg (1.1%)
• 12 mg (1.2%)
• 18 mg (1.8%)
• 20 mg (2%)

The right vape nicotine level should match the smoker’s current smoking habits to increase their chance of successfully transitioning from cigarettes to vapes. Certain devices offer better compatibility with specific nicotine levels. For example, mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping is ideal for low-vapor, high-strength nicotine e-liquids, while direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping is ideal for high-vapor, low-strength nicotine e-liquids.

Here is a breakdown of the various nicotine levels available on the market and the users they are best suited for:

• 0 mg: Nicotine-free vape options are suitable for smokers or hobbyists who only smoke socially or want the feeling of smoking while they are out. They can also use nicotine-free vape juice to dilute a low-nicotine (3 mg) vape juice to provide a mild hit.
• 3 mg: This is the lowest level of nicotine in e-liquids commercially available. This level of strength is typically the final step in quitting smoking before users reduce their nicotine intake to zero. Light smokers who only smoke a few cigarettes daily can also opt for 3 mg nicotine vapes.
• 5 to 6 mg: This is another low-level option that provides a nicotine buzz comparable to ultra-low or ultra-light cigarettes. E-liquids with 5 to 6 mg of nicotine are ideal for smokers who smoke around 10 cigarettes daily.
• 10 to 12 mg: These nicotine levels are ideal for the average smoker who smokes a pack a day. This is a good starting point to transition from smoking to vaping without consistent cravings for nicotine.
• 18 to 20 mg: This is a high level of nicotine for heavy daily smokers consuming more than a pack a day. Not all vapes are the same, so the amount of nicotine in the e-liquid will determine the vaping device required. 18 to 20 mg nicotine products are typically used in disposable vape devices and nicotine salts.

E-Liquids From Daily Manufacturing

For users to successfully transition to vaping and eventually quit smoking, they must understand how much nicotine is in a vape and which nicotine concentration is best for their current smoking habits. Users should understand the difference between salt nicotine vs. freebase nicotine to determine their ideal intake, feeling, and strength:

• Freebase nicotine: Provides a strong throat hit that is similar to traditional cigarettes. Freebase nicotine is the common type used in most e-liquids.
• Nicotine salts: Provides smooth intake at higher strength and rapid absorption. Nicotine salts are derived from tobacco leaves and used for higher concentrations of nicotine.

Users should choose a nicotine strength that matches the type and number of cigarettes they currently smoke, to have an enjoyable experience with minimized cravings.

Daily Manufacturing helps businesses cost-effectively produce high-quality cosmetics, e-liquids, and health and wellness products, all from our advanced 45,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in Southern California. We offer comprehensive contract manufacturing, third-party logistics and fulfillment, co-packing, and private label solutions for e-liquid brands. Our vast expertise can help you navigate the international regulatory challenges of the e-liquid industry and support your continued success.

Contact us or request a quote to connect with a specialist about our services.