Understanding Nicotine Strength in E-Liquids

While nicotine strengths will vary depending on which you choose, the maximum nicotine strength allowed in the UK in e-liquids is 20mg.

When exploring e-liquid nicotine strengths, you’ll need to pay attention to the mg listed. This essentially means milligrams per millilitre, or the amount of nicotine present in each ml of e-liquid. For example, the highest strength is 20mg of nicotine per ml of liquid. 

Outside of the UK, you may see it presented as a percentage. If 20mg of nicotine is present, this will look like 2%. 18mg will be 1.8%, 6mg as 0.6%, and so on. Many users question if 2% nicotine is a lot in a vape; since this equates to 20mg nicotine strength, yes, this is the highest in the UK available due to regulatory standards. 

Whether you’re new to refillable vaping, looking to cut down your dependency, or kicking smoking to the curb, it’s essential to choose the right nicotine strength for you.

With the disposable vape ban coming into effect in the UK this summer, choosing an e-liquid to refill your reusable vape kits must begin with your nicotine strength preference.

Finding the perfect balance between successfully fulfilling your nicotine cravings and avoiding the risk of accelerating your dependency is crucial. 

While 10mg-12mg may seem too harsh for some, for others moving away from heavy cigarette use, they may need to start with 20mg. Let’s break it down:

0mg, or nicotine-free e-liquid, is a popular choice for those who have slowly reduced their nicotine intake over time, and still want to satisfy that hand-to-mouth habit with delicious flavours. As well as being nicotine-free, 0mg e-liquids promote harm reduction by eliminating the harmful toxins present in cigarettes.

If you’ve worked your way down to 3mg nicotine strength over time, it may be time to introduce nicotine-free e-liquid to your routine to beat the nicotine addiction once and for all.

Considered as low-level nicotine strengths, 3mg-6mg vape juices are most suitable for light or social smokers, and those new to vaping. You can expect a light nicotine buzz from these strengths, with a smooth vapour cloud.

For a general rule of thumb, if you smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day, then 6mg (or 0.6%) nicotine strength should be the most sufficient for you. 

10mg-12mg e-liquid strengths are described as medium strengths, most applicable to those who previously smoked around a pack of cigarettes a day.

These strengths will offer a satisfying throat hit, you’ll no longer be chasing nicotine cravings. Simply pair with your rechargeable vape, and try to cut down the nicotine strength over time!

Studies have shown that higher nicotine strengths have risen in popularity, likely due to the growth in the next-generation nicotine market. If you were previously a heavy cigarette smoker, or have built up your tolerance, 18mg-20mg nicotine strengths are considered strong. 

To best replicate the draw of a cigarette, choose a refillable vape with a MTL (mouth-to-lung) vape style. 

Now that you’re clearer on which strength you should be opting for, it can be confusing when choosing the type of e-liquid to pair with your reusable vape.

Different e-liquids are curated using different methods, affecting how you receive the nicotine and potentially how satisfied you will feel after vaping. Understanding the nicotine strengths in Shortfill e-liquids, Nic Salts, Longfills, and Bar Juice will give you a wider scope to choose from. 

Shortfills come in larger bottles of flavoured e-liquid, nicotine-free due to TPD regulations. If you choose 3mg or 6mg nicotine strength, you’ll receive nicotine shots on the side to add into the shortfill, creating the perfect balance of flavour and nicotine strength. 

Fantasi spotted a gap in the market and decided to offer 6mg of nicotine strength in shortfills, allowing you to customise your vaping experience. With this option, you’ll receive 80ml of nicotine-free e-liquid in a succulent flavour, with 4 nicotine shots to create 100ml of vape juice.

This option is ideal for those after a range of flavours, with a subtle yet lasting nicotine buzz! For a more in-depth comparison between shortfills and longfills, head over to our blog.

Nicotine salts are newer to the vaping market, promising a faster nicotine hit with an instant release and harsh throat hit. Available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg, you can expect the same delicious flavours as disposable vapes have to offer. 

To further explore the difference between nicotine salts and freebase nicotine, head over to our blog!

Freebase or standard nicotine is available in 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg nicotine strengths, in 10ml bottles of e-liquid. These are perfect for starter vape kits, offering a smooth 50/50 PG/VG ratio. 

Choose between a selection of delectable flavours and a range of nicotine strengths with the Ferocious range!

For those after more control in their vaping experience, longfills offer freedom to create your own VG/PG ratio while mixing them yourself! 50/50 e-liquids come with a 50/50 ratio of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol, for optimum flavour and a smoother vapour cloud. 

70/30 e-liquids come with a higher ratio of PG, for a denser vaper cloud. With longfills, however, the customisation is completely down to your DIY skills- simply add your preferred VG and PG blend, and desired strength of nicotine shots to let the magic happen.

Nicotine shots are available in a range of nicotine strengths, the most popular being 18mg! To complement your nicotine-free shortfills and longfills, stock up on them to make sure your cravings are constantly kept at bay.

Available as either 50/50 or 70/30 ratios, choose between nicotine salt or standard nicotine strength to mix with your longfills- at an 18mg nicotine strength, you can dilute your mix to your preference.

For more information on VG and PG, head over to this blog. Intrigued about longfills? Take a look at our DIY guide!

When calculating how many puffs of a vape equate to a cigarette, it really depends on your puff length, the power of your refillable vape kit, and the strength of nicotine you are using. 

Generally speaking, manufacturers suggest that a 20mg strength reusable vape could be the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes, but there isn’t a fool-proof way to test this.

If you’re looking to understand nicotine strengths in e-liquids, remember to first choose your strength, and then the vape juice type- from shortfills and longfills, to nicotine salts and nic shots. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us!