5mg, 10mg or 20mg? How to Pick Your Perfect Nic Salt Strength

So you’ve made the switch to nic salts — or you’re thinking about it — but you’ve hit a common snag:

What strength should you be using?

With most UK nic salts available in 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg, picking the right one can feel confusing — especially if you're new to vaping or trying to quit smoking.

This guide will help you:

• Understand how each strength feels
• Match nic salt strengths to your smoking/vaping habits
• Avoid common mistakes (like overdoing it or under-doing it)
• Choose the best strength for your needs

Let’s clear it up once and for all.

🧪 What Are Nicotine Salts? (Quick Refresher)

Nic salts are a smoother, faster-absorbing form of nicotine. They’re perfect for:

• Ex-smokers who want a strong, satisfying hit
• Low-wattage pod systems or disposables
• Stealth vaping without harsh throat hits
• Quick craving relief without chain vaping

Because they absorb more efficiently than regular (freebase) nicotine, you don’t need as high a dose to feel satisfied — but choosing the right strength still matters.

⚖️ Understanding the Strengths: What Do 5mg, 10mg and 20mg Actually Mean?

The numbers refer to the concentration of nicotine per millilitre of e-liquid.

🚬 If You’re Switching from Smoking…

Use this simple guide:

• Smoked under 5 cigarettes a day? Start with 5mg
• Smoked 5–10 a day? Try 10mg
• Smoked a pack or more a day? You’ll likely need 20mg to feel satisfied

Starting too low can lead to chain vaping and frustration. Starting too high can feel overwhelming and harsh. The key is to match your old habit, not exceed it.

💨 If You’re Already Vaping…

Ask yourself:

• Do you find yourself vaping constantly but not feeling satisfied?
   → You might need to go up in strength
• Do you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous after a few puffs?
   → Try going down in strength
• Are you using sub-ohm or high-powered devices?
   → Use freebase nicotine instead – nic salts are for low-wattage pod systems

Pro tip: Use the lowest strength that keeps you satisfied. There’s no need to overdo it.

📱 How Your Device Affects Nic Salt Strength

The type of vape you’re using plays a big role:

If you’ve moved away from disposables and onto a refillable pod kit (nice work), you now get to choose your strength — and adjust it to fit your routine.

🛑 What Happens if You Choose the Wrong Strength?

Too low (e.g. 5mg when you need 20mg):

• Cravings won’t be satisfied
• You’ll vape constantly
• Risk of going back to cigarettes increases

Too high (e.g. 20mg when you only need 10mg):

• Dizziness or nausea
• Headaches
• Harsh throat hit or coughing
• You’ll feel overwhelmed, especially with frequent use

Finding your sweet spot means you can vape less but feel more satisfied — and that’s exactly what nic salts are meant for.

💬 What About Stepping Down Nicotine Strengths Over Time?

Great question.

Many vapers use nic salts to quit smoking with 20mg, then gradually step down to 10mg and even 5mg as cravings reduce.

There’s no rush — the idea is to vape comfortably, then adjust when you feel ready. Just make sure you don’t reduce too soon and end up unsatisfied.

✅ Quick Recap: Choosing the Right Nic Salt Strength

🧠 Final Thoughts

Choosing the right nic salt strength can make or break your vaping experience. It’s not just about the number on the bottle — it’s about how satisfied you feel with your setup.

Start where your cravings are, adjust when needed, and remember — there’s no "one-size-fits-all" answer. The best strength is the one that helps you stay off cigarettes and feel good doing it.

And if you’re still unsure? Pop into Vapeology or drop us a message — we’re here to help.