Will Nixodine Replace Nicotine? My Opinions About Nicotine Analogue

The U.S. vape market is currently in a downturn. There are fewer new vapes, and manufacturers are placing more emphasis on refillable vapes, which is actually one step forward. Quietly, Nixodine vapes and other products with nicotine analogues are starting to flood the market. Will Nixodine replace nicotine, and how will this trend end? I would like to share my opinions about nicotine analogues in this blog and help you figure out what to vape.

1. What is Nixodine/nicotine analogue?

(1) What is Nixodine?

Nixodine is the patented product name owned by Bonguard Naturals. Structurally, it is a combination of nicotinamide and the nicotine analogue 6-MN. In short, nicotinamide does not produce nicotine-like effects, and 6-MN, also known as 6-methylnicotine, is the substance that matters.

(2) What is a Nicotine Analogue?

Nicotine analogues are synthetic substances created in a lab that have structures similar to nicotine. According to brand claims, nicotine analogues can produce the same buzz as nicotine and "could be" addictive. Scientists hired by tobacco companies synthesized and studied one of them, 6-MN, and found it far from satisfying as a replacement for nicotine in cigarettes. Nicotine analogues are now added to e-cigarettes, e-liquid, nicotine pouches, and other products.

2. How to Spot a Nixodine/Nicotine Analogue Product?

(1) Different E-cigarette Warnings

One thing nicotine analogues have in common is that their toxicity and addictiveness remain unclear. The most popular one, Nixodine, lacks clinical studies and long-term human safety data. Even worse, the main ingredient is not clearly labeled. You need to check the e-cigarette warning label if you buy vapes online.

In most cases, the label reads, "This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance."

For nicotine analogue products, the warning is often changed to something like, "This product may be addictive and is intended only for adults. Do not use if pregnant or nursing." The phrase "may be" is quite shady and confusing. Once you notice this, you should think twice because this is not the type of nicotine product you are used to.

(2) Blue Nixodine Logo

As I mentioned above, the patented product name Nixodine is owned by Bonguard Naturals. This company produces Nixodine e-juice and authorizes other brands to produce Nixodine vapes. You can easily notice the blue "N" logo on the package because brands pay to have it printed.

(3) Weird Product Names

To maximize profit, some OEM vape manufacturers may avoid paying to use the logo. They may put unclear or undisclosed substances in the e-juice and weirdly name the product. For example, some made-up names end with "-tine", such as "hypertine." Sometimes, the substance is named with "six" or "6", which implies the addition of 6-MN. All in all, these products are often labeled as "nicotine-free" or "zero nicotine," which requires extra scrutiny if you are applying for a job that requires nicotine testing. Just remember: real nicotine-free vapes are labeled simply as "Zero Nicotine."

3. Nixodine VS Nicotine

What are the differences between Nixodine and nicotine? From the perspective of an adult seeking a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, which one is better? Here is the comparison between Nixodine and nicotine.

Comparison	Nixodine	Nicotine
Addictiveness	Unknown	Highly Addictive
Toxicity	Limited human safety data / Higher cytotoxicity / Possible higher potency	Known toxic substance / Highly addictive / Blood vessel contraction
Source	Synthesized in the lab	Natural / Synthesized
Adverse Effects	Unknown	Well-known
Regulations	Not Widely Regulated	Regulated by FDA
Price	Similar

Generally speaking, the adverse effects of Nixodine are little known compared with those of nicotine. It is added to products by manufacturers to exploit a regulatory loophole and avoid FDA oversight. Is it better for vapers? You decide.

4. Metatine VS Nicotine

Unlike Nixodine, Metatine does not appear to be used as one single patented product name in the same way, according to the information I gathered. It is therefore used by many companies to name their products. Metatine is 6-MN, the main psychoactive ingredient of Nixodine. Metatine vapes are just e-cigarettes with 6-MN.

5. What is an SFN Vape?

SFN stands for Substitute For Nicotine. Literally speaking, any vape that contains a so-called nicotine alternative is an SFN vape. Similar to TFN vapes, or Tobacco-free nicotine vapes, SFN vapes are believed to be excluded from nicotine products subject to FDA regulation.

6. Future of Nicotine Analogues

It is noteworthy that most brands set the strength of Nixodine to 5%, the same as nicotine strength. Scientific reports warn people about the possible higher potency of 6-MN, while vapers complain about no buzz and weak throat hit.

In my opinion, nicotine analogues are just old wine in a new bottle. E-cigarette manufacturers promote and distribute their products without sufficient experimentation and testing in the United States. It is noteworthy that California expanded its tobacco-product regulations to cover nicotine analogues through AB 3218, which was signed on September 28, 2024, and took effect on January 1, 2025. To be honest, neither vapers nor retailers will benefit from nicotine analogues, either physically or financially, unless they are comfortable being treated like lab rats.

Investing in nicotine analogues and stocking such products is extremely risky. First of all, 99% of vapes sold in the United States are technically illegal, but they contain substances we are all familiar with. However, the components of Nixodine vapes are unknown, and some retailers may hope to avoid taxes and bypass regulations by selling them. Any rational customer will avoid exposure to unknown chemicals. These products will either be banned by the FDA or individual states, or they will get stuck in warehouses because few customers are willing to take the risk. Nixodine or any other nicotine analogues can't replace nicotine unless proven to be less harmful and addictive.

* Bonus

If you pay attention to the vape market, you will notice that most nixodine vapes or e-liquid share similar prices with their nicotine equivalents. Is this just a coincidence? I wish they put nicotine in it and label the products otherwise. The cost difference between the synthesis of nicotine and 6-MN is never close, considering that 6-MN is not a widely used industrial material.

7. Summary

Nixodine or any other nicotine analogue cannot replace nicotine without sufficient lab results and safety testing. Ironically, nicotine might not be the worst component of smoking, but it is the one that hooks millions. Since you are an adult and you only live once, you should make your own decisions no matter what I say. Nicotine or not, I hope you are healthy and happy. I will see you next time.