What does mg/ml mean?
The nicotine strength of a liquid is stated in milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid. A liquid with 10 mg/ml therefore contains 100 mg of nicotine in 10 ml.
| Figure | equals | Nicotine in 10 ml |
|---|---|---|
| 0 mg/ml | nicotine-free | 0 mg |
| 5 mg/ml | 0.5 % | 50 mg |
| 10 mg/ml | 1.0 % | 100 mg |
| 20 mg/ml | 2.0 % | 200 mg |
20 mg/ml is the upper limit for nicotine-containing liquids in the EU. More on this in the guide “Nicotine strengths”.
Nicotine salt and freebase.
Nicotine occurs in liquids in two forms:
- Freebase is the original, alkaline form of nicotine.
- Nicotine salt is formed when nicotine is combined with an acid. This makes the liquid less alkaline.
For both forms, the figure in mg/ml refers to the amount of nicotine. Which form a liquid contains is stated in the manufacturer information. In detail in the guide “Nicotine salt or freebase”.
Editorial recommendation (Holster)
Nikotinvergleich is an offering of the Holster brand. We therefore name Holster liquids as the editorial recommendation, without comparing them with other brands:
- Nicotine type: nicotine salt
- Nicotine strengths: 5, 10 and 20 mg/ml
- Fill volume: 10 ml per bottle
How to read liquid information.
Strength
The number in mg/ml states the amount of nicotine per millilitre, e.g. 10 mg/ml.
Nicotine type
Nicotine salt or freebase. If the information is missing, it is unknown, not automatically freebase.
Fill volume
Nicotine-containing refill containers hold at most 10 ml in the EU.
Frequently asked questions.
How much nicotine may a liquid contain?
At most 20 mg/ml in the EU. This is laid down in the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU, implemented in Germany in the Tobacco Products Act (Tabakerzeugnisgesetz).
How do I convert mg/ml into per cent?
Divide the value in mg/ml by 10. 20 mg/ml equals 2 %, 10 mg/ml equals 1 %.
What is the difference between nicotine salt and freebase?
Freebase is the alkaline basic form of nicotine. Nicotine salt is formed by adding an acid. Both are stated in mg/ml. Manufacturers describe differences mainly in the taste impression in the throat.
Are there liquids without nicotine?
Yes. They carry the figure 0 mg/ml or “nicotine-free”. Nicotine-free liquids also exist in bottles larger than 10 ml.
Which nicotine strength is the right one?
We do not give a recommendation on this. Nicotine is highly addictive. For medical questions, a doctor is the right person to contact.
Related questions.
Which nicotine strengths are there for e-cigarette liquids?
Common levels are 0, 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 18 and 20 mg/ml. The figure states the milligrams of nicotine per millilitre of liquid. 20 mg/ml, i.e. 2 %, is the upper limit for nicotine-containing liquids in the EU. Which levels a brand offers differs: Holster liquids, for example, exist in 5, 10 and 20 mg/ml.
How do I calculate the nicotine strength when mixing myself?
The strength of the mixture is the nicotine in the shot times the shot volume, divided by the total volume. Example: a 10 ml nicotine shot with 20 mg/ml in 50 ml of shortfill gives 60 ml with around 3.3 mg/ml. With two shots, i.e. 20 ml in 40 ml of shortfill, it is around 6.7 mg/ml.
Does the vaping technique play a role in the nicotine strength?
Yes, manufacturers differentiate on this basis. For mouth-to-lung vaping with pod systems and little vapour, they usually state higher strengths, often with nicotine salt. For direct-to-lung vaping with sub-ohm devices and a lot of vapour, lower strengths are offered. We do not give a personal recommendation on the amount of nicotine.
Are nicotine salt liquids stronger than conventional e-liquids?
Not on the label: the figure in mg/ml measures the same amount of nicotine for nicotine salt and freebase. A nicotine salt liquid with 20 mg/ml therefore contains as much nicotine as a freebase liquid with 20 mg/ml. At the same nicotine strength, nicotine salt usually causes less irritation in the throat than classic nicotine (freebase). For both forms, at most 20 mg/ml applies in the EU.
What is hybrid nicotine salt liquid?
Manufacturers use the term hybrid nicotine salt liquid for liquids that combine nicotine salt and freebase nicotine. The mixing ratio is set by the manufacturer and is not always stated. As with other liquids, the strength is stated in mg/ml and covers both forms of nicotine together. The EU upper limit of 20 mg/ml also applies here to nicotine-containing liquids.
What is a nicotine shot needed for?
A nicotine shot is a small bottle of nicotine-containing base, usually 10 ml with 20 mg/ml. It is needed to add nicotine to nicotine-free shortfills or self-mixed liquids. How strong the mixture becomes depends on the shot volume and the total volume. Nicotine shots carry the statutory nicotine warning.