Know Your Nicotine Strengths

In this article...

What is Nicotine?
How Much Nicotine Is In a Cigarette?
How Much Nicotine Is In A Vape?
Vape Nicotine Strengths Explained
Understanding Vape Strengths to Quit Smoking
Finding The Right E-liquid and Nicotine Strength For You

Nicotine can be found in tobacco plants or made in a laboratory
The average cigarette contains 10-12mg of nicotine, but only 1.1-1.8mg is typically absorbed by a smoker
Vape nicotine levels vary, with disposables often having the highest legal strength (2.0%)
E-liquid strengths range from 0.0% to 1.8%, allowing gradual nicotine reduction
Switching from smoking to vaping significantly reduces exposure to harmful toxins

Understanding nicotine strengths is important for anyone looking to quit smoking or transition to vaping. This article looks at the intricacies of nicotine content in both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, exploring how different strengths can affect your journey to becoming smoke-free. We’ll examine various e-liquid options, their nicotine concentrations, and how to choose the right strength for your needs.

What is Nicotine?

Nicotine is a natural substance found in tobacco plants. It’s the main ingredient that makes tobacco products and some vape liquids addictive. While it naturally occurs in tobacco, it can also be made in laboratories[i]. Nicotine makes up about 95% of the active compounds in cigarettes and about 1.5% of the tobacco’s weight [ii].

The amount of nicotine in e-cigarette liquids usually ranges from 0.3% to 2%. When describing how much nicotine is in an e-liquid, some labels use simple terms like low, medium, or high. Others use numbers, but these can be shown in different ways, which can be confusing. You might see amounts given in milligrams, percentages, or other measurements.

How Much Nicotine Is In a Cigarette?

The amount of nicotine in a cigarette can vary widely depending on the brand. While some cigarettes may contain as little as 6mg of nicotine, others can have up to 28mg. On average, a single cigarette contains about 10-12mg of nicotine.

However, it’s crucial to understand that not all of this nicotine is absorbed when smoking. Typically, a smoker will only be able to absorb a fraction of the total nicotine content, usually between 1.1mg and 1.8mg per cigarette. To put this into perspective, a pack of 20 cigarettes could deliver between 22mg and 36mg of nicotine to the smoker, despite containing much more[iii].

How Much Nicotine Is In A Vape?

Vape nicotine levels can vary depending on factors such as device type and E-liquid strength. Disposable vapes are commonly the highest strength possible (2.0%). By filling disposables with the maximum nicotine allowed, single use vapes have become a popular tool for helping people quit smoking.

E-liquids, in contrast to disposable vapes, come in a wide range of nicotine strengths. These range from nicotine-free options at 0.0% (0mg/ml) to high-nicotine varieties at 1.8% (18mg/ml). If you’re thinking about using vaping as a tool to quit smoking, selecting the right strength of e-liquid is crucial. This choice should be based on your current daily nicotine intake from cigarettes, ensuring a smooth transition.

Vape Nicotine Strengths Explained

The reporting of nicotine strength in vaping products lacks standardization. Product labels and studies use a variety of methods to describe nicotine content. Some opt for qualitative terms like “low,” “medium,” or “high,” while others provide precise measurements. These quantitative measurements can be expressed in several ways, including milligrams per cartridge, percentage by volume, concentration in mg/ml, or the amount of nicotine relative to the e-liquid volume (Âµg/mg or mg/g)[iii].

Research indicates that e-liquids with higher nicotine concentrations yield more nicotine when vaped. However, it’s important to note that the amount of nicotine produced by a device doesn’t necessarily equate to the amount absorbed by the user. Other factors come into play, such as the power output of the e-cigarette and the individual’s vaping habits, all of which can significantly affect nicotine exposure[iii].

Understanding Vape Strengths to Quit Smoking

While e-cigarettes contain nicotine and can be addictive, they expose you to far fewer toxins and at lower levels than smoking cigarettes. Switching completely from smoking to vaping significantly reduces your exposure to toxins and is one of the most effective tools for quitting smoking. When you are ready to reduce nicotine intake, you can gradually reduce the nicotine strength in your e-liquid and your vaping frequency until you have stopped fully[iv].

Successfully switch from cigarettes to a vape:

Pick the right kit: Get advice from a specialist vape shop or a local Stop Smoking Service to help find the right device and strength of nicotine in your e-liquid[v].

Use a vape as much as you need: Do not worry if you are vaping more than you used to smoke[v ].

Talk to others who have made the switch: Talk to people who have switched from smoking to vaping to see what worked for them[v].

When you feel ready to quit vaping:

Gradually reduce your nicotine intake: You can do this by gradually reducing the strength of nicotine in your e-liquid, extending the time between vaping, and/or setting rules for yourself about where you do and do not vape[v].

If at any point in the process of quitting, you feel at risk of going back to smoking, increase your nicotine strength or vaping frequency until the feelings go away. Alternatively, you can contact our customer service team for any advice on choosing the right strength or lowering your nicotine intake.

Finding The Right E-liquid and Nicotine Strength For You

Red Label and VLTZ e-liquids are both excellent choices for those looking to lower their nicotine intake. Red Label offers a comprehensive range of seven strengths, starting from nicotine-free 0.0% and progressing through several intermediate levels up to a high-strength 1.8% option. This wide variety allows for a more gradual reduction in nicotine consumption.

VLTZ bar salts, while offering fewer options, has recently expanded its lineup to four strengths. It now includes a new 0.6% mid-low range option alongside its existing 0.0%, 1.0%, and 1.6% varieties. This addition provides VLTZ users with more flexibility in reducing nicotine.

Red Label and VLTZ allow you to gradually reduce your nicotine intake by offering various strength options. VLTZ e-liquids are designed to match the flavour of disposable vapes. Red Label, however, is an excellent choice to aid with quitting smoking based on the many reviews left by Totally Wicked customers:

“I don't buy anything else. I've tried others but none hit the spot. Love the tobacco flavour in 1.8, 1.4 which are strong enough for me. Looking to reduce strength maybe in the near future. I find the red label in this the best quality. Always good deals on too. Ordered online as very few stockists near me which can be a fair drive only to find there is none in stock.“
- Tracy, 31 July 2022

Both e-liquids work with standard vape pod kits such as the VLTZ flex Pro Bar and most vape kits, including the arc Mini 2, making them widely accessible. The main difference is that Red Label offers more incremental steps for reducing nicotine, while VLTZ focuses on providing intense flavours throughout the reduction process.

Navigating the world of vaping and nicotine strengths can seem daunting at first, but it’s a key step in the journey to quit smoking. Whether you choose Red Label for its wide range of strengths or VLTZ for its intense flavours, the goal is to find a method that works for you. Remember, the process of reducing nicotine intake is personal and may require some trial and error.

With the right information and support, you can successfully transition away from traditional cigarettes, significantly reducing your exposure to harmful toxins. As you progress, you can gradually lower your nicotine strength, eventually reaching your goal of being nicotine-free.