What Strength E-Liquid Should I Use?

Using an e-cigarette is a great way to quit smoking. However, you need to ensure you’re getting the right e-liquid nicotine strength for you. 

If you choose a strength that is too low, you may be left feeling unsatisfied and have a strong urge to return to traditional cigarettes. On the other hand, if you choose an e-liquid that is too strong, you may feel overwhelmed by too much nicotine which could cause headaches or an unwanted rush. 

So, what strength nicotine e-liquid should I use? Read on to find out!

E-Liquid Strength Explained

In the UK, only e-liquids that are 10ml or smaller can contain nicotine. This is because new rules aim to maximise consumer safety. Along with child-proof caps, this rule was implemented to help prevent children or pets from drinking e-liquids and consuming large amounts of nicotine by accident (something that did, unfortunately, happen in the past). 

You’ll find different strengths of e-liquid in these 10ml bottles, and they may contain either nicotine salts or freebase nicotine. Freebase nicotine will usually have an e-liquid mg strength of 3mg, 6mg, 9mg, 12mg, or 18mg. Nicotine salt e-liquids will usually have a strength of 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, or 50mg. 

Nicotine salt e-liquids are the best option if you need a high strength nicotine e-liquid. This is because nicotine salts create a much smoother throat hit and prominent flavours in high strengths – freebase nicotine e-liquids would become harsh and flavourless at these strengths. Shop SOLT for the best nicotine salt high strength e-liquid UK. 

If you are using an e-liquid larger than 10ml (also known as a ‘shortfill’), then you will need to add nicotine shots. See this article for more information on adding nicotine shots to your e-liquid. 

E-Liquid Strength Guide

Now that you understand how different types of e-liquids work, let’s get on to the real question: what strength of e-liquid should I use?

In order to determine what strength nicotine e-liquid you need, we need to look at how many cigarettes you would usually smoke per day. Then, we can determine how much nicotine you will need to meet that same level of satisfaction. 

Less than 5 cigarettes per day - 3mg 

5-10 cigarettes per day - 6mg

10-15 cigarettes per day - 9mg

15-20 cigarettes per day - 12mg

20-25 cigarettes per day - 18mg

25+ cigarettes per day - 24mg

If you need a strength up to 9mg, the best brand for 10ml e-liquids is Simple Essentials.

If you need a strength of 12mg or above, the best brand for 10ml e-liquids is SOLT. Although these nicotine salt e-liquids have strengths of 10mg or 20mg, you can round the guide dosage up or down to the nearest point. For example, we’ve advised those who smoked 20-25 cigarettes per day to use an e-liquid with a strength of 18mg, but it’s absolutely fine to use a 20mg e-liquid here – it’s just a rough guide.

Happy vaping!