Nicotine salt or normal liquid?

In short: Nicotine salt liquids and "normal" liquids (with freebase nicotine) differ in the form in which the nicotine is present. nicotine salt is offered by manufacturers especially for small pod systems with MTL train (mouth-to-lung) and is considered softer in the neck, classic freebase nicotine is more likely to be used in devices with more steam. The statutory limit of 20 mg/ml is the same for both – and both are only for adults from 18.

What is nicotine salt?

Nicotine occurs in liquids in two forms: as so-called freebase nicotine and as nicotine salt. In the nicotine salt nicotine is connected to an acid. Manufacturers describe the result as a softer throat feeling ("throat hit"), even with higher strengths. This is why most liquids for pod systems are now available as nicotine salt. Extensively explained in the guide Nicotine salt liquid: 6, 12 or 20 mg?.

What is a "normal" liquid?

"normal" liquid usually refers to a liquid with freebase nicotine – the original form used in e-cigarettes. It is often described with a stronger scratching in the neck and is more often used in devices with more power and steam. Which nicotine form contains a liquid is in the product description or on the packaging.

Difference nicotine salt and liquid: What is different?

Which nicotine salt liquids is available in the Holster Shop?

For these brands, nicotine salt is explicitly stated according to the product description (prices and strengths according to the shop, as of October 2026):

Another 10 ml liquids for pods – approximately RandM Tornado, Bar Juice 5000 or DOJOLIQ – can be found at E-Liquids. Which nicotine form is contained there, please take from the product page or Packaging.

Which liquid fits my device?

The most important question is not "salt or normal?", but: Which device do you have?

• Refillable pod system (z. B. OXVA Xlim, Elfbar ELFX or LUVX Velora): Here 10 ml of liquids is intended with PG/VG 50/50, usually nicotine salt or 0 mg. The ohm indication of the pod and the manufacturer's recommendation indicate the direction.
• Disposable vape or pre-filled pod: Here you don't have to decide anything – the liquid is included ex works and cannot be refilled.

More information in the guide Liquid for pods & disposable vapes.

What do the mg data mean?

The indication mg/ml describes how much milligrams of nicotine are stuck in a millilitre liquid. 0 mg/ml is nicotine-free, 20 mg/ml is the maximum permitted limit in Germany. With a 10 ml bottle, multiply by 10. The strength is a label – not a recommendation to start with consumption. All details: E-liquid nicotine mg explained.

Is nicotine salt weaker or stronger?

If the same mg is given, the amount of nicotine contained is equal to – 10 mg/ml is 10 mg/ml, in whatever form. The feeling of the neck is described differently. Nicotine is addictive in every form. A medical assessment of the form "better is, we cannot and do not want to give.

Is Holster also available as nicotine salt liquid?

Yeah. Holster is first shisha tobacco – flavors as Ice Kaktuz or Blue Punch You might know from the Shisha. For Shisha fans there are the same tastes as Holster liquids: according to product description nicotine salt, 10 ml, in 5, 10 or 20 mg/ml – for example Holster E-liquid Ice Kaktuz, Blue Punch or Grape Mint.

How do I save when buying liquid?

For all liquids the volume discount applies: 10 % from 10 liquids, 15 % from 25 liquids – flavors and brands may be mixed (how the volume discount works). From €69 shipping is free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between nicotine salt and normal liquid?

The form of nicotine. nicotine salt is associated with an acid and is described by manufacturers as softer in the neck, normal liquid contains free (freebase) nicotine. The permitted limit of 20 mg/ml applies to both.

Which liquid belongs in a pod system?

In refillable pod systems, 10 ml of liquids with PG/VG 50/50, mostly nicotine salt or 0 mg are usually included. Note the manufacturer's details of your pod.

Is nicotine salt stronger than normal liquid?

If the same mg is given, the amount of nicotine is the same. The feeling of the neck is described differently.

Are Holster liquids nicotine salt?

Yes, according to the product description, the Holster liquids nicotine salt liquids are in 10 ml with 5, 10 or 20 mg/ml.

Is there nicotine salt liquids without nicotine?

A liquid without nicotine also does not contain nicotine salt. For example, nicotine-free 0 mg variants are available with LIQ IT.

Note: All liquids and tobacco products in the Holster Shop are only sold to adults aged 18 and over, shipping only within Germany with age verification. Products containing nicotine contain nicotine, a substance that is very dependent. This guide serves the product information and is not a medical or legal consultation. As of October 2026.