Nicotine, a stimulant drug, is commonly found in tobacco products like cigarettes and e-liquids of e-cigarettes. It acts by stimulating the release of chemicals in the brain, particularly dopamine, which brings about pleasure and enhances mood. Due to its addictive nature, it can lead to nicotine cravings. E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths, indicated either in percentages or milligrams on the containers. Some users prefer to customize their e-liquids to achieve their desired nicotine levels.

Vapers may opt for higher nicotine strength liquids, especially if they were heavy smokers before switching to vaping. Conversely, others may choose lower nicotine strength or nicotine-free liquids as part of a strategy to reduce nicotine consumption. In vaping, e-liquid strength refers to the amount of nicotine present, typically categorized as 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, or 18mg. Nicotine content is labeled either as a percentage or in milligrams on e-liquid packaging.

Is Nicotine Harmful for You?

It’s important to acknowledge that nicotine carries risks. Research on nicotine and tobacco has highlighted its addictive nature, which can make someone not want to quit smoking. However, compared to the harmful components like carbon monoxide and tar found in tobacco products, nicotine may be considered a lesser evil.

The drawbacks of smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes far outweigh those of using e-cigarettes. While e-cigarettes may contain some unhealthy chemicals, they are typically present at a much  lower level than in tobacco smoke.

The availability of various nicotine strengths, including nicotine-free options, in e-liquids can assist smokers in gradually reducing their nicotine intake, thus mitigating the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Studies suggest that the nicotine content in an average of 15 puffs of an e-cigarette is 0.5-15.4mg. 

There is a wide range of e-liquids with various nicotine levels available in the market, labelled in mg/ml or percentages. These include:

• 0mg/0%
• 3mg/0.3%
• 6mg/0.6%
• 10mg/1%
• 11mg/1.1%
• 12mg/1.2%
• 18mg/1.8%
• 20mg/2%
• 24mg/2.4%

The majority of e-juices are sold in a range of strengths from zero to high; however, each company has different standards when it comes to strength, so you will need to look at how many milligrams of nicotine your favourite brand contains.

Usually, e-liquids are available in 0mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg and 24mg, although others can also be found .

Selecting the appropriate nicotine strength is crucial for both former and current cigarette smokers transitioning to vaping. It’s essential to match your nicotine strength choice with your smoking habits for the most effective solution. Additionally, consider that specific strengths are better suited for different vaping devices; for instance, mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping devices are optimized for higher strengths with less vapor, while direct-to-lung (DTL) devices work better with lower strengths and more vapor.

Here’s a general guideline:

• 0mg-5mg: Suitable for social smokers
• 6mg-11mg: Ideal for light smokers
• 12mg-17mg: Recommended for average smokers
• 18mg-20mg: Geared towards heavy smokers

If you’re aiming for a stronger nicotine hit, opt for a higher concentration. Choosing the right nicotine level in your e-liquid is crucial for a pleasant and successful transition to vaping, though it can be challenging to find the perfect match.

Selecting a nicotine level that is too low might lead to increased smoking or vaping to compensate. Your body may crave the accustomed level of nicotine, prompting you to consume more to satisfy the craving.

The Range of Nicotine Strengths

Now, the question is – what are the differences between the different nicotine levels and which one should you choose?

• 3mg or 0.3% is the lowest dose of nicotine you can get, and extremely popular with sub-ohm vapers – if you’re one of them, there are high VG options in 3mg. If you’re not, however, there are also high PG options for more discreet clouds. This strength is probably best for those weaning themselves off nicotine, so if you’re in the final stages of quitting nicotine or smoking in general, this is likely the best solution for you. One of our favourite picks is the Vape Simply which is great for a conventional tobacco-reminiscent flavour.
• 5mg or 0.5% is another low nicotine strength, perfect for those who don’t smoke regularly. If you’ve recently quit cigarettes, 5mg is a great nicotine strength if you were only a light and casual smoker. We recommend Blue Razz Ice to get a combo of berries and icy freshness. 
• 6mg or 0.6% nicotine level is still a low nicotine strength, but more suitable for those who usually finish half a pack of cigarettes in a day. It’s probably one of the most popular nicotine concentrations for e-cigarette users. If you’re a vape cloud connoisseur, try the high VG e-liquids for bigger vape clouds, but for more subtle vapour, try high PG or 50/50 e-liquid vapes. We love Strawberry Cheesecake as a flavour we can puff multiple times a day. 
• 10mg or 1%, 11mg or 1.1% and 12mg or 1.2% are good nicotine concentrations to choose from as they’re considered medium strength (suitable for smokers who may finish a pack a day). In particular, 12mg can hit the throat tougher than its lower counterparts – why not try Black Jack for a liquorice and aniseed twist?
• 18mg or 1.8% and 20mg or 2% are the highest nicotine levels (suitable for heavy smokers on more than one pack a day). These levels will provide a similar throat hit as traditional cigarettes. These concentrations may be suitable for you if you’re new to vaping and were previously a frequent cigarette smoker. Rhubarb and Custard in 18mg is a deliciously nostalgic flavour to try if you’re a fan of boiled sweets. 

What nicotine strength is right for you?

Nicotine Strength That Stop You Smoking !

As previously mentioned, you need to choose a nicotine strength that allows you to vape instead of smoke.

If you still feel like you need to smoke, you may need a higher nicotine strength. If you ever feel that your nicotine strength is too high, vape less throughout the day or choose a lower nicotine strength.

You will know if you have chosen a nicotine strength that is too high quite quickly. You may experience the following:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild nausea
• Coughing

If you do, don’t panic, just stop vaping and these symptoms will pass quickly.

Adversely, you will also know if you have chosen a nicotine strength that is too low. You may find yourself having to vape much more than usual or you may still crave cigarettes.

How do you know if your nicotine strength is too high or too low?

FAQs: Vape Nicotine Strengths

If you’re new to vaping, you may find the tremendous amount of choice a little, well, overwhelming. Here are some common questions that we often get put to us, which will hopefully help you get your bearings. 

What Strengths of Nicotine Are Available in E-Liquids?

Nicotine strengths can vary from 0mg to 20mg. The higher the number, the higher the nicotine level. 

• 0mg – nicotine-free
• 3mg-5mg – low concentration
• 6mg-11mg – low to medium concentration
• 12-17mg – medium to high concentration
• 18-20mg – high concentration

Is 2% Vape a Lot of Nicotine? 

A 2% vape or 2%/20mg of nicotine in an e-liquid is considered high strength. 

A 2% nicotine concentration may be harsher on the throat and is recommended for heavy smokers who may smoke more than a pack of cigarettes a day. 

How Much Nicotine Is in a Cigarette? 

The nicotine content in a cigarette amounts to approximately 1.1mg-1.8mg, which equals 22 mg-36 mg in a pack. 

Nicotine content in e-cigarettes on average is 0.5mg-15.4mg per 15 puffs. 

Is 20mg the Same As 2% Vape?

In terms of nicotine levels, 20mg is the same as 2% vape – this means that there is 20mg of nicotine per millilitre or 2% per volume. 

In a 10ml bottle of 20mg, there is then 200mg of nicotine (ml x mg).

What Level of Nicotine Should I Vape?

The level of nicotine that you vape is dependent on your own preferences, including your smoking habits and chosen device. Lower levels of nicotine are better for those who may not smoke often but still want a nicotine hit – it’s also good for sub-ohm vaping. Higher levels of nicotine are better for people who smoke frequently and require a bigger nicotine intake. 

• 0mg – no nicotine, suitable for those who have worked their way down from higher strengths
• 3mg – low strength nicotine, ideal for those on the final steps of quitting and don’t often smoke
• 6mg – low strength, best for light smokers
• 12mg – medium strength, for moderate smokers who smoke a pack a day
• 18mg-20mg – high strength, suited for heavy smokers .

Remember your e-cig has a direct bearing on what strength e-liquid you should choose. If you have a sub-ohm atomizer and vape at higher powers, you will probably need a lower nicotine strength. Low resistance atomizer heads and high-powered e-cigs provide a more pronounced throat hit and nicotine delivery.

If you are using an e-cig starter or lower powered device, you may need a higher nicotine strength. The throat hit and nicotine delivery are less pronounced with higher resistance atomizer heads and lower powers.

The same can be said for vaping technique. If you inhale directly, opt for a lower nicotine strength. If you prefer a more restricted draw then you may need a higher strength e-liquid.

It is important to note that none of these are set in stone and each vaper is different.

If you need any help in choosing the right nicotine strength, don’t hesitate to contact us.