Synthetic nicotine, also known as tobacco-free nicotine (TFN), is nicotine produced in a laboratory rather than extracted from tobacco plants. Traditionally, most nicotine used in e-liquids is sourced from tobacco plants through extraction processes.
Despite being chemically identical, there are subtle distinctions. As TFN is synthesized, there is zero risk of any tobacco plant residues contaminating the final product. This can yield a purer taste compared to nicotine derived from tobacco.
DOES SYNTHETIC NICOTINE INCLUDE NICOTINE SALTS? Absolutely. Nicotine salts are essentially pure nicotine modified to mimic the composition found in tobacco plants. This adaptation can be applied to both tobacco-derived and tobacco-free nicotine, allowing for the existence of synthetic nicotine salts.
WHY WASN’T SYNTHETIC NICOTINE UTILIZED EARLIER? Primarily, vape companies refrained from using synthetic nicotine due to cost factors. TFN tends to be pricier than its tobacco-derived counterpart. Additionally, the production infrastructure for synthetic nicotine is still developing, unlike the established facilities for tobacco processing.
WHY THE SHIFT TO SYNTHETIC NICOTINE NOW? Presently, the FDA classifies any product derived from or related to tobacco intended for human consumption as a tobacco product. This includes components like nicotine. Consequently, e-cigarettes and mods, designed for use with nicotine-infused vape liquids sourced from tobacco, fall under PMTA regulations.
However, vape liquids containing non-tobacco-derived nicotine present a regulatory grey area. While these liquids remain within FDA purview, synthetic nicotine is regarded separately, subject to regulation on a case-by-case basis.
References: FDA Center for Tobacco Products Commonly Asked Questions