If you've received a prescription vape in Australia, you might have noticed that it contains an acid, such as benzoic acid or lactic acid. This might raise questions about why these acids are included in your prescription vape and whether they are safe to use. This blog will explain why acids are present in nicotine vaping products, their role in creating nicotine salts, and whether benzoic and lactic acids are harmful. Understanding these components can help you make informed decisions about your prescription vape and vaping flavours.

Why is There an Acid in My Prescription Vaping Product?

The primary reason acids are included in nicotine vaping products is to create nicotine salts. Nicotine salts are formed when nicotine is combined with an acid, resulting in a more stable molecule that can be vaporized at lower temperatures. This process is known as protonation.

The Science of Nicotine Salts

Freebase nicotine, the traditional form of nicotine used in e-liquids, is relatively harsh on the throat at higher concentrations. This can be uncomfortable for patients seeking higher nicotine levels. By adding an acid, such as benzoic or lactic acid, the nicotine is converted into a nicotine salt. This has several benefits:

- Smoother Throat Hit: Nicotine salts provide a smoother throat hit, even at higher nicotine concentrations, making the prescription vape less harsh.
- Higher Nicotine Absorption: Nicotine salts are absorbed more efficiently by the body, which can help to reduce cravings faster.
- Lower Vaporization Temperature: Nicotine salts vaporize at lower temperatures, which can be smoother for some patients ensuring better adherence to medication and reducing potential relapse back to smoking.

What are Benzoic and Lactic Acids?

Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in many plants. It is commonly used as a food preservative and is recognized for its antimicrobial properties. In vaping, benzoic acid is used to create nicotine salts by stabilizing the nicotine molecule.

Safety: Benzoic acid is considered safe for consumption in small amounts and is approved by food safety authorities worldwide.

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an organic acid found in various foods, including dairy products and fermented vegetables. It is also produced by the body during intense physical activity.

Safety: Like benzoic acid, lactic acid is widely used in the food industry and is generally recognized as safe.

Are Benzoic and Lactic Acids Bad Ingredients?

Both benzoic and lactic acids are okay for use in vaping products when used in appropriate amounts. They are commonly used in the food industry and have been extensively studied for their safety. Here are a few points to consider:

- Regulation: In Australia, vaping products containing nicotine are regulated as prescription-only medicines. This means they are subject to minimum standards, ensuring that any acids used are in line with these standards. another reason it is important to source regulated products from Australian pharmacies such as Tabuu.
- Health Effects: When used in vaping, the concentrations of benzoic and lactic acids are low and have not been shown to pose any significant health risks.
- Better adherence and risk of relapse: The use of these acids to create nicotine salts helps provide a smoother prescription vape, making them beneficial ingredients in your prescription vape.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of acids like benzoic and lactic acids in your prescription vape can help alleviate any concerns about their presence. These acids are used to create nicotine salts, which create a smoother throat hit, better nicotine absorption, and lower vaporization temperatures for the prescription vape. Both benzoic and lactic acids are widely used in the food industry, and not listed in the prohibited ingredients within TGO110.