Vape Juice Strengths: Nicotine Levels Explained

Vaping has evolved into one of the most popular alternatives to traditional smoking, offering countless flavours, styles, and nicotine strengths to suit every preference. But with so many options available, understanding how vape juice strength works can make the difference between an enjoyable experience and one that doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Vape Cartel knows that choosing the right vape juice can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with different nicotine levels, VG/PG ratios, and formulations. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you understand what nicotine strength really means, how to choose the right one for your needs, and what options are available on the South African vaping market today.

What Is Vape Juice?

Vape juice, also known as e-liquid or e-juice, is the fluid used in vaporisers and e-cigarettes that creates vapour when heated. It typically consists of four primary ingredients:

• Propylene Glycol (PG): Provides throat hit and carries flavour.

• Vegetable Glycerine (VG): Produces dense vapour clouds and smoothens the experience.

• Flavouring: Food-grade ingredients that create unique flavour profiles (fruit, dessert, menthol, tobacco, etc.).

• Nicotine (optional): The addictive stimulant found in traditional cigarettes, included in varying strengths or completely omitted for nicotine-free vaping.

We stock hundreds of vape juice brands and flavour combinations, ranging from high-nicotine salts for a stronger hit to nicotine-free options for casual or recreational vapers.

Understanding Nicotine Strength in Vape Juice

Nicotine strength refers to how much nicotine is contained in each millilitre (ml) of vape juice. This is usually expressed in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml).

For example:

• A vape juice labelled 6 mg contains 6 milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid.

• A 60 ml bottle of 6 mg vape juice would therefore contain a total of 360 mg of nicotine (6 mg × 60 ml).

Nicotine strength directly affects how strong the “throat hit” feels — the sensation you experience at the back of your throat when inhaling vapour. Higher nicotine levels produce a stronger throat hit and deliver nicotine faster to your bloodstream, while lower levels create a smoother experience with less intensity.

Common Nicotine Strengths Explained

To help you understand how nicotine levels work in practice, let’s look at the most common vape juice strengths available.

0 mg: Nicotine-Free Vape Juice

• Ideal for those who enjoy vaping purely for flavour and the sensory experience.

• Best for: Non-smokers, casual vapers, and those who have already weaned off nicotine.

• Experience: Ultra-smooth, no throat hit, full flavour delivery.

3 mg: Low Nicotine Vape Juice

• This is one of the most popular strengths for experienced vapers and ex-smokers who have significantly reduced their nicotine intake.

• Best for: Light smokers or those transitioning away from nicotine.

• Experience: Mild throat hit, great for sub-ohm vaping (high VG).

6 mg: Moderate Nicotine Vape Juice

• Perfect for those who still crave a slight nicotine buzz but prefer smooth flavour and bigger clouds.

• Best for: Moderate smokers (less than 10 cigarettes per day).

• Experience: Balanced throat hit, suitable for both MTL (mouth-to-lung) and DTL (direct-to-lung) devices.

12 mg: Medium to High Nicotine Vape Juice

• This level is suited to those who have recently switched from smoking traditional cigarettes.

• Best for: Regular smokers (10 to 15 cigarettes per day).

• Experience: Noticeable throat hit, similar to smoking a standard cigarette.

18 mg: High Nicotine Vape Juice

• One of the stronger traditional vape juice strengths, designed to mimic the intensity of smoking.

• Best for: Heavy smokers (15+ cigarettes per day).

• Experience: Strong throat hit, fast nicotine delivery, ideal for MTL devices.

Nicotine Salts (20 mg – 50 mg)

• Nicotine salts, often referred to as nic salts, are a newer form of vape juice that uses a modified nicotine compound for smoother delivery at higher concentrations.

• Best for: Ex-smokers needing fast nicotine satisfaction.

• Experience: Quick absorption, reduced throat harshness, and longer-lasting satisfaction.

• Important: Nicotine salts are not recommended for sub-ohm devices; they are best used in pod systems or low-wattage MTL vapes.

Vape Cartel carries both freebase nicotine and nicotine salt e-liquids, allowing customers to choose their preferred vaping experience depending on their device type and nicotine needs.

Freebase Nicotine vs Nicotine Salts

Understanding the difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts is key to choosing the right vape juice:

 

Freebase nicotine is better suited for cloud chasers and flavour enthusiasts who prefer lower nicotine levels, while nic salts are ideal for ex-smokers seeking a satisfying nicotine hit without harshness.

Choosing the Right Vape Juice Strength for You

Finding your ideal vape juice strength depends on several factors, including your previous smoking habits, vaping device, and personal preferences.

Here’s a simple guide:

 

If you’re just starting out, we recommend beginning with a medium nicotine strength and adjusting as needed. It’s always easier to reduce nicotine levels gradually than to start too low and not feel satisfied.

Vape Cartel: South Africa’s Largest Selection of Vape Juice

We proudly stock South Africa's biggest range of e-liquids under one roof. From international favourites to locally crafted blends, we offer a wide range of flavours, including dessert-inspired, fruit-infused, menthol, tobacco, and coffee variations.

Our extensive collection includes:

• Nicotine-free e-liquids (0 mg)

• Freebase nicotine e-liquids (3 mg – 18 mg)

• Nicotine salt e-liquids (20 mg – 50 mg)

• Shortfills and concentrates for advanced vapers

Whether you’re an experienced cloud chaser or a first-time vaper, our expert team can help you find the perfect vape juice to match your device, preferences, and nicotine needs.

Tips for Adjusting Nicotine Levels

• Start High and Lower Gradually: If you’re switching from smoking, begin with a higher strength and reduce it over time.

• Match Device to Juice: Use nic salts with pod systems and freebase juices with sub-ohm setups for optimal results.

• Monitor Throat Hit: Too harsh? Lower the nicotine. Too mild? Increase it slightly.

• Listen to Your Body: Headaches, dizziness, or nausea can indicate excessive nicotine intake; reduce your strength if these occur.

FAQs About Vape Juice

What nicotine strength should I start with?

If you’re a beginner, start with a nicotine strength similar to your smoking habit, around 6 mg – 12 mg for moderate smokers and 20 mg+ nic salts for heavy smokers.

What’s the difference between freebase and salt nicotine?

Freebase nicotine provides a stronger throat hit, while nicotine salts offer smoother delivery even at higher nicotine levels.

Can I use nicotine salts in any vape device?

No. Nic salts are designed for low-wattage pod systems and not for high-powered sub-ohm vapes.

Do higher nicotine levels mean more flavour?

Not necessarily. Nicotine affects throat hit, not flavour intensity. VG/PG ratio and flavouring quality have a more direct influence on flavour.

Does vape juice expire?

Yes. Most e-liquids last about 12 to 24 months. Always check the expiry date and store your vape juice in a cool, dark place.

Find Your Perfect Vape Juice at Vape Cartel

Whether you prefer bold nicotine salts or smooth freebase blends, Vape Cartel has the perfect vape juice for you. Visit our online store or retail locations to explore South Africa’s largest selection of premium e-liquids, because great flavour starts with the right strength.

Visit Vape Cartel today online or in-store and experience South Africa’s best selection of authentic vape gear, e-liquids, and expert service. Whether you're a newbie or a vape veteran, we have everything you need to take your vaping to the next level.