For many new vapers in the UK, one of the most confusing parts of getting started is choosing the right nicotine strength and e‑liquid type. Understanding these basics can make your switch from smoking to vaping smoother, more satisfying, and more effective as part of a quit journey.
What Does Nicotine Strength (mg/ml) Mean?
Nicotine strength on an e‑liquid bottle is usually shown in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). In simple terms, this number tells you how much nicotine is in each millilitre of liquid, with higher numbers giving a stronger hit and more help for heavier smokers.
UK regulations limit the maximum nicotine strength for standard e‑liquids, so strengths are typically offered in a small range such as low, medium, and higher options, making it easier to choose something that matches how much you used to smoke.
Matching Nicotine Strength to Your Smoking Habit
People who smoked many cigarettes per day usually need a higher nicotine strength at first to keep cravings under control, while light or occasional smokers often do well with a lower level. The aim is to find a strength that stops you wanting to reach for a cigarette without feeling dizzy or uncomfortable.
Over time, many vapers in the UK gradually step down to lower strengths as their dependence reduces, eventually using very low‑nicotine or even nicotine‑free e‑liquids if they decide to move away from nicotine altogether.
Freebase Nicotine vs Nicotine Salts
Most UK e‑liquids use either freebase nicotine or nicotine salts. Freebase nicotine has been used in traditional nicotine products for many years and usually gives a stronger throat hit at a given strength, which some former smokers find satisfying.
Nicotine salts are formulated to be smoother at higher strengths, making them popular in compact pod systems where a quick, cigarette‑like nicotine delivery is helpful without a harsh throat feel. Choosing between them often comes down to personal preference and the type of device you use.
Understanding PG/VG Ratios in E‑Liquid
Two of the main ingredients in e‑liquid are propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). PG tends to carry flavour well and provides more of a throat sensation similar to smoking, while VG is thicker and produces bigger, softer clouds of vapour.
A higher‑PG liquid is often better for smaller, mouth‑to‑lung devices and people who want a sharper throat hit, whereas higher‑VG liquids suit more powerful kits that create larger clouds. Many UK e‑liquids use a balanced PG/VG mix to offer a middle ground between flavour, throat hit, and vapour production.
Choosing the Right E‑Liquid Type for Your Device
Not every e‑liquid works well in every device. Small pod systems and pen‑style vapes usually perform best with higher‑PG or balanced liquids and medium to higher nicotine strengths, particularly when using nicotine salts.
Larger devices with more power and airflow are better matched with higher‑VG liquids and lower nicotine levels, as they produce more vapour per puff and can feel too strong if used with very high nicotine strengths.
Adjusting Your Nicotine Strength and E‑Liquid as You Go
Finding the right combination of nicotine strength, PG/VG ratio, and flavour often takes a bit of experimentation. It is normal to adjust your e‑liquid or strength after a few days if cravings feel too strong, if you feel light‑headed, or if the vapour is harsher or weaker than you like.
By paying attention to how you feel and making small changes, you can gradually arrive at a setup that keeps cravings under control, feels comfortable to use, and supports your goal of moving away from cigarettes.