Some throat hit is part of vaping, and plenty of former smokers want it. But if every puff scratches, something in your setup is turned up too high. Usually it is the nicotine, the liquid ratio or the power.
The short version
- Freebase nicotine at higher strengths is noticeably harsher than nic salts.
- More PG means a sharper throat hit; more VG feels smoother.
- Menthol, ice and coolants add a cold bite that many people read as harshness.
- A worn coil or too much power can make any liquid scratchy.
What causes throat hit
Throat hit is the catch at the back of your throat when you inhale. Four things drive it: the type and strength of nicotine, the amount of PG, any cooling agents or sharp flavours, and how hot the vapour is.
Find which one is too high in your setup and you can turn it down without losing what you like about your vape. Use the finder below to start.
If harshness arrived suddenly on a kit that used to be smooth, check the coil first. A coil nearing the end of its life can feel scratchy long before it tastes properly burnt.
When did the harshness start?
Check its nicotine strength, type and ratio. A higher strength, freebase nicotine or more PG all increase throat hit.
Coolants add a cold bite. Try the same flavour family without ice.
Hotter vapour feels harsher. Drop a few watts within the coil range.
The coil is wearing out. Fit a fresh one and prime it.
Nicotine strength and type
Nicotine is the biggest single driver of throat hit. Freebase nicotine gets harsher as the strength goes up, which is why most freebase 50/50 liquids sit at 3 to 12mg. Nic salts are chemically smoother, so 10mg and 20mg salts feel much gentler than freebase at the same number.
If you are using freebase at a high strength and find it scratchy, switching to a salt at a similar strength is often the fix. If you vape a big sub-ohm kit, lower strengths around 3mg are standard because you inhale far more vapour per puff.
Nicotine is addictive, so change strength thoughtfully. The UK legal maximum for e-liquid is 20mg/ml.
- 0mgNicotine-free
- 3mgSub-ohm shortfill
- 6mgLight MTL
- 12mgStrong freebase
- 20mgUK maximum
PG, VG and coolants
PG produces a sharper throat sensation than VG. A 50/50 liquid feels crisper than a 70/30, and an 80/20 shortfill is smoother still. That is part of why sub-ohm vapers favour high VG.
Cooling agents are the other common culprit. Ice, chill and menthol liquids give a cold catch that some people love and others find rough. Sharp flavours like cinnamon, citrus and sour sweets can also sting.
If you like the flavour but not the bite, look for the same profile without the ice, or a version with a higher VG ratio if your coil can handle it.
Settings and technique
Hot vapour feels harsher than warm vapour. If you have turned the wattage up for more flavour, you may also have turned up the scratch. Drop back a few watts and see if it calms down.
Opening the airflow a notch adds cooler air, which can soften the hit. Tight, restricted draws with the airflow nearly shut make the vapour hotter and more concentrated.
Technique matters too. Mouth to lung kits are designed for a gentle draw into the mouth first. Pulling hard straight into the lungs on an MTL kit concentrates everything and catches your throat.
Throat hit myths
A few ideas about throat hit get passed around and some are unhelpful. Tap each card to check.
The main takeaway is that harshness is adjustable. Nicotine type, liquid ratio, flavour and power are all dials you can turn, and small changes add up to a big difference. Our e-liquid range covers every ratio and strength if you want to experiment.
If you still experience persistent throat irritation after changing your setup, it is worth speaking to a pharmacist or your GP rather than putting up with it. Your comfort matters more than sticking with a setup out of habit.
Quick answers
Why is my vape so harsh on my throat?
Common causes are high-strength freebase nicotine, a high PG ratio, ice or menthol flavours, too much power or a worn coil.
Are nic salts smoother than freebase?
Yes. Nic salts feel noticeably smoother at the same strength, which is why they are used at 10mg and 20mg in pod kits.
Does VG or PG give more throat hit?
PG gives the sharper throat hit. VG is smoother and thicker.
Can menthol make a vape feel harsh?
Yes. Menthol and cooling agents add a cold catch that many people experience as harshness.
