Salt nicotine and freebase nicotine are chemically different forms of the same molecule. Salt nic (pH 5-6, smoothed with benzoic acid) delivers higher nicotine concentrations with a smooth throat hit — ideal for pod systems and former smokers. Freebase (pH 7-8) is harsher at high strength but cheaper per mL and better for sub-ohm cloud production. A 2024 clinical study found salt nic produces 1.8x higher peak blood nicotine than freebase at the same concentration. Neither form is inherently safe