Vape study tests nicotine salts vs. Free-Base: which hits harder?

NCT ID NCT04231539

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study looked at how nicotine salt-based vaping products compare to free-base nicotine e-liquids. Fifteen daily vapers tried different flavors and nicotine levels, and researchers measured nicotine levels in their blood and asked about harshness and satisfaction. The goal was to understand the abuse potential of these products.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Nicotine (salt-based and free-base e-liquids)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help regulators understand how different nicotine formulations affect addiction potential and user experience.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply to all vapers. It measures short-term effects, not long-term health outcomes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

nicotine dependence

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States