Vaping is a fantastic way to quit smoking cigarettes, with over two thirds of people who used a vape successfully quit smoking(1). Vapes offer a huge spectrum of nicotine strengths, making them one of the more popular NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) options for many people. Once you've given up cigarettes and have been vaping for a while, it may feel like time to reduce your nicotine. This is optional, and you shouldn't force yourself too low too quickly. You may get withdrawal symptoms and even return to cigarettes. Read our guide below to discover how to to successfully reduce your nicotine levels while vaping.
Thankfully here at Prime Vapes we stock 0mg e-liquids all the way up to 20mg e-liquids. Our extensive range allows you to tailor your nicotine strength journey to you, whether you're starting on 20mg or 3mg.
There's a few hurdles that you need to jump over when reducing your nicotine intake, we've made it easy to understand in the guide below.
Establishing If You're Ready
Reducing your nicotine is something you must be ready for before making the jump. There will be a few pointers that you're ready to lower your nicotine strength. These include:
- The nicotine is too harsh on the throat. When the nicotine feels harsh or scratchy on the throat consistently, it's time to lower your nicotine strength.
- You're feeling a nicotine rush after every puff. If you're feeling lightheaded after every puff of your vape (not just the first puff of the day), the nicotine strength is too high and you should consider lowering it.
You shouldn't lower your nicotine when you're puffing on your vape less. Vaping less with a higher nicotine strength is better than constantly puffing a low strength juice(2). If you can slowly taper off your vape by puffing less instead of reducing your nicotine strength, remain doing that until your cravings minimise.
If you've decided that it's time to lower your nicotine strength, then read on for some tips and pointers.
Lowering Your Nicotine
Slow and steady wins the race. There is no set timeline in which you should reduce your nicotine strength. If you've decided to lower your nicotine, don't set an end goal date to quit. This will put pressure on you. Dropping your nicotine level too early can cause cravings to sky-rocket and even turn you back to cigarettes.
Explore brands. Many e-liquid brands offer a variety of nicotine strengths. If there's a flavour you love, check if the manufacturer make a lower-strength version of the flavour. Many e-liquid brands create a range of nic strengths for every flavour.
Stick with the nic. Try not to fluctuate between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts. Both of these nicotine types offer different feelings and nic hits, swapping between them can make it harder for you to stick with the lower strength. If you're not sure if your e-liquid is made with freebase nicotine or salt nicotine, check the ingredients as well as the nicotine strength. Salt nic juices are available in 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, and 20mg. Freebase e-liquid is usually found in strengths 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, and 18mg.
PG is your friend. PG (propylene glycol) is the ingredient in e-liquid that causes a more recognisable throat hit. If you've lowered your nicotine strength and your cravings are satisfied but you're not recieving a strong enough throat hit, a higher PG concentration could be the answer. Browse e-liquids with a higher PG ratio to receive a stronger throat hit while maintaining the same nicotine strength.
Discover shortfills and longfills. If you feel as if you've got to the lowest nicotine strength possible with pre-mixed e-liquids but want to go lower, it's time to look into shortfills and longfills. Shortfills (usually available in 50ml or 100ml) have room for one or two nicotine shots. 100ml shortfills can be mixed to 1.5mg by using just one nicotine shot, leaving you with a very low nicotine strength to use. Remember to check the VG/PG ratio of your shortfill or longfill to ensure it's suitable for the vape kit you have.
Timings. If you pick up your vape immediately after waking up, try and distract yourself for 5 minutes at the beginning. Once you can go 5 minutes without vaping, try and increase it to 10 minutes. This rule applies throughout the day too. Once you're vaping less, you'll find it easier to reduce your nicotine strength, and also feel accomplished every time you increase the time.
Top Tips:
- Don't rush. It's okay to fluctuate between nicotine levels, as well as staying at the same level for a good amount of time. Vaping is still better than smoking.
- Don't compare your journey. Everyone reacts to nicotine differently, therefore everyone's addiction is different. Just because it only took a year for someone to quit doesn't mean you have to quit in that timeframe.
- Don't forget to listen to your body. Your body will let you know if you're not coping at a certain nicotine level. Push through as much as you can, however don't be afraid to increase your nicotine if necessary.
Other Nicotine Replacement Therapy
There have been instances of people using other nicotine products while reducing their vape e-liquid strength. The use of these products can discourage the hand-to-mouth inhale action that also makes vaping and smoking addictive. Products like the Nicorette spray or nicotine pouches are great for curbing those fast-acting cravings. If you are using any other NRTs, ensure they're used in moderation and only when really necessary.
Zero Nicotine Vaping
Vaping without nicotine is often overlooked when you're looking to lower you nic strength. 0mg liquids play a vital role in many people's journey, especially social smokers or people looking to keep the hand-to-mouth action without using nicotine. If you're looking to lower your nicotine because of a health issue or you're pregnant, zero nicotine is a great place to start. There is an abundance of zero nicotine e-liquid to choose from, and it can be a fantastic replacement to nicotine. Many people have found success in using zero nicotine vapes alongside nicotine patches, gum, and other nicotine replacement therapies.
Many people used zero nicotine disposable vapes when quitting nicotine as they were easy to get a hold of and use. Since the 2025 disposable ban, many people now use pod kits and sub-ohm kits with their zero nicotine vape juice. If you're interested in zero nicotine vaping, take a look at our zero nicotine vape bundles to help you get started.
References:
(1)Vaping to Quit Smoking - NHS UK
(2)High Nicotine Levels for Ex-Smokers - Cancer Research UK & Addiction
