How Do Hot Conditions affect Nicotine Salts?

A lot of us are happy to invest substantial amounts each month on quality salt-based e-liquids that not only ace it on the nicotine satisfaction factor, but also promise to hijack your taste buds with delicious, tongue-tingling flavours. Considering the cost of e-liquids can really add up on a given month for the regular vaper, it is imperative that we give our juices proper care by storing them the right way; a way that preserves their genetic makeup while upholding their flavour at the same time. As temperature is known to affect e-liquids, it is important to discuss what happens to your nicotine salt juices during the hot season.

When Temperatures Go Up

Oxidation is probably a term you’ve encountered from topics discussing the subject of e-liquid steeping. As the name suggests, oxidation is the name given to the process through which oxygen is introduced into e-liquid. While certain molecules evaporate, the process also forces others to bond with each other. Oxidation can be both a good thing and bad thing, depending on the circumstances. In the right amount, it allows vape juice to develop a bolder, richer flavour, and in some cases, a more potent nicotine hit. On the downside, though, over-oxidising e-liquid (which involves exposing it to certain conditions such as too much heat or air) causes the formula to evaporate and even separate. What this does is weaken the flavour of the juice and alter its consistency. And that’s not what we want. Over-oxidation is not a problem unique to nicotine salts. It also affects freebase e-liquids (aka regular vape juice). However, the thing about salt nics (as nic salts are also known) is that they contain benzoic acid which can speed up the oxidation process. And as mentioned, high heat is one of the things that can cause over-oxidation to occur in a short span. High heat does not necessarily entail placing your nic salt e-liquid near a burner, no. Leaving your salt nic bottle of e-juice in a hot car or outdoors on a sweltering day can spur oxidation, with the benzoic acid serving to speed up the breakdown of molecules in the juice.

Is Overheated Nicotine Salt Vape Juice Dangerous?

Unless you are using low-quality cheap e-juice from questionable sources, vaping overheated nic salts does not entirely pose any danger. Reason is because no component in the formula turns toxic when exposed to high heat. Despite that, however, there is a good chance you will end up throwing away the affected bottle(s) as the flavour is compromised which makes the juice taste like sawdust. The nicotine could be more potent as well, and the consistency thickens too, making the juice hard to pull. If you do not want to waste precious vape juice, by all means, go ahead and knock yourself out. But expect the flavour to be a bit off and the whole vape experience to be unsatisfying.

How to Store your Nicotine Salt E-Liquid the Right Way

As you may already know, the proper way to store e-liquid is in a cool, dark place – as with any consumable product really. A cool and dark setting slows the oxidation process down so that the juice’s quality does not alter much over time. Matter of fact, allowing your vape juice to sit in this environment for a few weeks or months enhances its flavour (the name for it is steeping), whether we are talking salt nics or freebase nicotine e-liquid. In closing, what this means is you need to exercise more caution in the summer months regarding where you leave your bottles of juice. In the car on a blazing day is a no-no; ditto window sills or outdoors. We are not proponents of storing your juice in the refrigerator either. A closet, cupboard, or drawers away from direct sunlight will do just fine.