Nicotine Types and Options
Updated Nov 2018
Purchasing nicotine must currently be obtained from overseas suppliers. This may sound complicated but the process is really very simple, and your nicotine will arrive within a few days to a week depending on the shipping method. When we purchase nicotine we have a number of options including –
- Nicotine Type
- Strength
- PG and VG Ratio
- Millilitres – Size
Standard Nicotine
Regular nicotine is known as Freebase or Unflavoured, which is nicotine that is mixed with either straight PG or VG, or at times available in varying percentages of both. This is the type of nicotine that vapers have been using for years.
In contrast to the newer salt based nicotine solutions, freebase nicotine offers a higher degree of throat hit, caused by the levels of PH and alkalinity. It’s also less expensive than salt based. It’s a more pure form, yet, can be quite harsh when used at higher mg/ml levels, although many factors come into play – Such as device used, wattage and PG-VG ratios.
Nicotine Salts
This is a relatively new form of nicotine and one that is gaining in popularity, especially for users of Pod Systems and lower wattage devices such as AIO’s or MTL tanks.
In essence, it’s primarily the same nicotine but it includes benzoic acid, which lowers the PH levels offering a much smoother vape. The major advantage here is that one can vape higher levels of nicotine without the harshness of regular nicotine. This can be satisfying for new vapers who are trying to quit smoking, as they get a much better hit.
A big plus for using salts is that it can help cut down the amount one vapes, when used at levels higher than one would with freebase nicotine. However, myself and many vapers have complained of coughing or irritation from nic salts.
Strength and Ratios
Nicotine is more economical when purchasing higher strengths such as 100 mg/ml. This way it can be mixed down considerably, making it more economical. Standard Freebase nicotine is commonly available in 100 ml bottles, all the way up to 4 litre containers.
- Nicotine salts tend to be sold in smaller containers, generally 100 to 200 mls.
- Irrespective of the nicotine type, I recommend buying 100 mg/ml in at least 200 ml bottles if available. Some vendors only sell 100 ml.
- All nicotine is best bought in a PG base.
How to order Nicotine
Your first order of nicotine should be Freebase, known as unflavoured or standard nicotine –
Purchase a 200 or 250 ml bottle based in 100% PG at 100 mg/ml strength.
Here are some links and images of what you can order –
HiLiq 250 ml 100 mg unflavoured Nicotine
Mixology Vape 200 ml 100 mg unflavoured Nicotine
PG based nicotine is preferable as it provides a better throat hit and is also a flavour carrier. VG is very thick and harder to work with.
Nicotine laws
Current Laws for importing nicotine. Some find this a tad confusing, which is understandable. You are permitted to purchase and or import a 3 month supply although just how much that equates to is somewhat of a grey area. However, I wouldn’t order more than a litre at a time, and personally I only ever order around 200-250 mls.
The law also states that in order to take possession of nicotine, you are required to have a prescription from a registered Australian doctor. From what I gather, most vapers tend to not bother with this, and putting aside the absurdity, most doctors aren’t even aware, or understand how the procedure works.
Don’t bring attention to customs by ordering 1 litre containers of nicotine. Larger quantities may result in customs confiscating your order and demanding you forward a valid prescription.
Nicotine Vendors
New Zealand
Mixology Vapes
Shipping is quick, and is delivered by courier to your door in about 4 days.
They have good prices, good online service, and use fairly good quality nicotine, both regular and salts.
Wick and Wire Co.
An Australian based vaping store and e-commerce providing quality nicotine and e- liquids from their NZ facility.
Vapoureyes NZ
An Australian based vaping store and e-commerce providing quality nicotine and e- liquids from their NZ facility.
USA Vendors
Nude Nicotine – Very high quality.
Carolina Xtraction Technologies – The highest quality nicotine you can buy
Liquid Barn-High quality nicotine
My Freedom Smokes USA
China Vendors
HiLIQ Very popular source for quality Freebase and Salt Based Nicotine.
Nicotine is a dangerous substance, especially at higher mg/ml. Always keep it safely away from children and pets. Many store their bulk nicotine in glass bottles and keep it in the freezer. Don’t forget to label it accordingly!
I do not recommend those new to DIY purchase nicotine greater than 100 mg/ml.
Arthur Burns
21 Dec 2018EX-smoker and current vaper. Please educate me on all the ways to improve my health thru vaping.
You know!
The Art of it!
Charles Yates
21 Dec 2018Arthur
Well, if you’re already vaping and have quit smoking, your health with improve greatly.
However, I’m not quite sure I understand what information you want but thanks for the comment.
Charles
Greg
21 Aug 2019Charles, I’m 59, had been smoking since 13, for the last thirty years was smoking 35 to 45 a day. Feeling like shit a few weeks ago, had a good look at vaping. Had been put off by how complicated it appeared and the variety of vapes and liquids out there. Found Vapo in NZ and bought a Vapo Haiz, pod kit. Haven’t had nor felt like a smoke since. Vaping is just such a better way to get the nicotine. Only problem with the Haiz is the price of the pods – ten bucks each and they’re lasting about a day and a half to two. However, the pods can be refilled and I am now waiting on 200ml of nicotine salts from Mixology.
Charles, it is so neanderthal that I can’t go to a doctor in this country and be prescribed a vape to stop smoking.
You know the only places where it’s legal so smoke indoors? The high rolling rooms of all casinos
Cheers Greg
Charles Yates
21 Aug 2019Greg,
Thanks kindly for your story and email., I can relate to everything you say. And yes, isn’t it odd that one can smoke or vape in casinos but virtually nowhere else. Money, money, money and our politicians are to blame.
In regards to your vape device, I’m glad you found something that works for you. I use Pod systems daily although I also use AIO’s and Mods.
In regards to your use of nicotine, I assume you will be mixing your own flavours, so I hope you find a few you enjoy. If you need any help with anything, give me a shout. Take care and I’m so pleased you were able to make the switch!
Cheers,
Charles