A nicotine base is the foundation of every bottle of e-liquid, whether you buy it ready-made or mix your own. In simple terms, it is the carrier liquid that turns into vapour and carries the flavour and nicotine. Because the base sets the throat hit, the cloud size and the strength, understanding it is the key to a better vape. This guide explains what a nicotine base is, how VG/PG and strength work, and how to use one to mix your own e-liquid.
What is a nicotine base?
A nicotine base is the unflavoured liquid that makes up the bulk of any e-liquid. Essentially, it is a mix of two carrier liquids, VG and PG, sometimes with nicotine already added. When you vape, the base is what heats up and vaporises, so it does most of the physical work in every puff. Because it carries both the flavour and the nicotine, its quality and balance shape the whole experience. Some bases come at a fixed strength, whereas others are 0mg so you can build the strength yourself with a nic shot.
VG and PG: the two halves of a base
Every base is a blend of vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol, and the ratio between them changes how it vapes. VG is thick and sweet, so it makes bigger, smoother clouds. PG is thinner and carries flavour more sharply, so it gives a stronger throat hit. As a result, the balance you pick shapes the feel of your vape more than almost anything else.
| Ratio | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 50/50 | Balanced, decent throat hit | Pod kits and MTL vaping |
| 70/30 VG | Smoother, bigger clouds | Sub-ohm tanks and DTL |
| Max VG | Thickest, softest inhale | Cloud chasing |
For most people, a 50/50 base is the safe starting point, since it suits pod kits and carries flavour well. If you want to go deeper on this, our guide to e-liquid PG/VG ratios breaks down every blend.
Understanding nicotine strength
The other big number on a base is its nicotine strength. This is shown either in milligrams per millilitre (mg) or as a percentage, and the two mean the same thing. For example, a 0.6% base is 6mg, while 1.8% is 18mg. Meanwhile, a 0.0% base is completely nicotine-free, which gives you full control to add exactly the strength you want later.
| Percentage | Milligrams | Roughly suits |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0% | 0mg | Nicotine-free, or a blank base to build on |
| 0.6% | 6mg | Lighter vaping and bigger devices |
| 1.8% | 18mg | Stronger MTL vaping and mixing shots |
Since strength is a personal choice and local limits vary, always check the label and pick what suits your habit. Our 20mg vs 50mg strength guide explains how to match the number to your device and how often you vape.
How to use a nicotine base to mix e-liquid
Once you understand the base, mixing your own e-liquid is straightforward. The base does the heavy lifting, and you simply add flavour and, if you want nicotine, a shot. Here is the reliable method.
- Choose your base ratio and strength, starting with 50/50 if you are unsure.
- If your base is 0mg and you want nicotine, add a nic shot to reach your target strength.
- Add your flavour aroma, usually around 10 to 15 percent of the final mix.
- Top up with base to your final volume, then seal and shake well.
- Let it steep if needed, then fill your pod and vape.
To take the guesswork out of the numbers, run your recipe through our nicotine strength calculator first. You can also pair a base with a ready concentrate from the aromas category, or explore longfills for an even simpler route.
Nicotine bases in stock at VSHUB24
Here are real bases in stock now, from nicotine-free blanks to higher-strength options for mixing. All are 50/50 VG/PG. Tap any product for full details and to buy.
0.0% Base (Nicotine-Free)
0.6% Base (6mg)
1.8% Base (18mg)
NS100 Base 50VG/50PG
NS10 Base 50VG/50PG
NS20 Base 50VG/50PG
Pair any of these with a flavour from the aromas category and the tools in DIY accessories to build a full bottle.
How to choose the right nicotine base
Picking a base comes down to three quick decisions. First, choose the VG/PG ratio for the feel you want, with 50/50 being the safe all-rounder. Secondly, decide on strength: a 0mg base gives total control, while a fixed-strength base is ready sooner. Finally, think about how you mix, since a nic shot lets you dial in the exact level you need.
Total control
Start with a 0.0% base and add a nic shot, so you set the exact strength for every batch.
Simple and ready
Pick a fixed-strength base like 0.6% or 1.8% if you would rather skip the shot maths.
Bigger clouds
Choose a higher-VG base for a smoother inhale and more vapour on a sub-ohm setup.
Storing and handling your base
A base lasts a long time when you look after it, so a few habits are worth building. First, always seal the bottle tightly and keep it somewhere cool and dark, because heat and light slowly degrade both the liquid and the nicotine. Secondly, treat any base that contains nicotine with care, since even a low-strength base is best kept away from skin and out of reach of children and pets. Finally, label any bottles you mix with the strength and date, as a fresh base tastes noticeably better than an old, oxidised one. Overall, good storage keeps your base clear, mild and ready to mix whenever you need it.
The verdict
A nicotine base is the backbone of every e-liquid, so getting it right pays off in every puff. Once you understand the VG/PG ratio and how strength is measured, you can pick a base that matches your device and taste, then build on it with aromas and nic shots. For most vapers, a 50/50 base is the ideal starting point, and a 0mg option gives the most flexibility. When you are ready, browse the full range in the bases category.
Frequently asked questions
What is a nicotine base?
A nicotine base is the unflavoured carrier liquid that makes up most of an e-liquid. It is a blend of VG and PG that may contain nicotine, or come as 0mg so you add your own. The base vaporises and carries the flavour and nicotine.
What does VG/PG mean on a base?
VG is vegetable glycerine and PG is propylene glycol, the two carrier liquids in a base. A higher VG ratio gives bigger, smoother clouds, while more PG gives a sharper throat hit and carries flavour more strongly. A 50/50 blend balances both.
How is nicotine base strength measured?
Strength is shown in milligrams per millilitre (mg) or as a percentage, and they mean the same thing. For example, 0.6% equals 6mg and 1.8% equals 18mg, while 0.0% is nicotine-free. Always check the label and your local limit.
How do I add nicotine to a 0mg base?
You add a nicotine shot, which is a small unflavoured bottle of concentrated nicotine base. Adding a shot to a 0mg base raises the overall strength. Use our nicotine strength calculator to work out how many shots your recipe needs.
Which VG/PG ratio should I choose?
For pod kits and mouth-to-lung vaping, a balanced 50/50 base is ideal. If you use a sub-ohm tank and want bigger clouds, a higher-VG base such as 70/30 suits better. The ratio changes the throat hit and vapour more than anything else.
Can I vape a nicotine base on its own?
You can, but it will be unflavoured, so most people add a flavour aroma or concentrate. The base provides the vapour, throat hit and nicotine, while the aroma provides the taste, and together they make a finished e-liquid.
Related guides
For adult vapers (18+) only. Nicotine bases and nic shots that contain nicotine are addictive; 0mg bases and aromas are nicotine-free. Handle nicotine with care, check the strength on the label and your local limit, and keep all mixing supplies away from children and pets.
