Health concerns over e-cigarettes and so-called "nicotine-free" pouches

For several years, so-called “nicotine-like” products ", due to the addition of nicotine analogues, have appeared in the United States, Europe, Australia and South Korea[1]. It is about E-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, with a variety of flavors and stylish designs. Some even provide effects close to those of nicotine. The key difference lies in the regulatory framework: outside of Europe, these products still escape any regulatory oversight. However, according to researchers, some of these substances, called nicotine analogues, could be more potent and more addictive than nicotine itself.

The emergence of “nicotine-like” products

Nicotine analogues are not new: tobacco companies have been studying them since the 1970s, in anticipation of possible limits on nicotine levels. But the research was abandoned due to fears of increased regulation.

Since the United States expanded the FDA's jurisdiction to include synthetic nicotine products in 2022, industry interest in nicotine analogues has resurfaced, leading to the arrival on the market of new products specifically designed to circumvent the current regulations.

Nature and effects of nicotine analogues

There are two main analogues. 6-methyl-nicotine is chemically close to nicotine. It produces similar effects and is potentially even more addictive. Animal studies indicate thatit could be more addictive and more toxic at equivalent dosesSome American brands, such as Spree Bar, SBX or Kumi Six, market products that contain it, sometimes under trade names such as Metanine or NoNic6.

On the other hand, nicotinamide (or niacinamide) is a vitamin B3 used in dietary supplements and medicine. Unlike nicotine, it does not activate brain receptors associated with addiction and does not cause euphoria. However, some manufacturers present it ambiguously, suggesting that it has effects similar to nicotine, even though there is no scientific data to support these claims.

The researchers also point out that products labeled as containing only nicotinamide actually contained undeclared 6-methyl-nicotine, which is causing confusion among consumers.

Health risks and regulatory frameworks worldwide

Available scientific data on the safety of nicotine analogues are limited. Animal studies show that 6-methylnicotine can cause seizures, hypertension, and neurological damage, sometimes at lower doses than nicotine. Research also suggests that it may be more harmful to lung cells and contribute to certain respiratory diseases.

Regarding nicotinamide, its effects upon ingestion are well known and its consequences relatively limited at low doses, but those of inhalation are completely unknown. Researchers also warn against the marketing practices associated with these products. They are offered in attractive packaging aimed at young people; fruity or sweet flavors such as banana, "blueberry and cream," apple pie, mango, and bourbon are added to the products, and misleading claims suggesting that these products are "safe" because they are "nicotine and tobacco free" are placed and disseminated in brand communications.

Regulations vary greatly across the world. In Europe, analogues contained in e-cigarettes fall under the 2014 Tobacco Products Directive, but pouches are not. In Australia, since July 2024, e-cigarettes and pouches have been banned except on prescription. However, illegal sales persist.

In South Korea and the United States, analogues are not considered tobacco products and therefore escape control, which some companies present as a commercial advantage. However, some US states, such as California, are beginning to impose restrictions, particularly on nicotine flavors and analogues.

Experts believe that these products raise public health issues that have not yet been fully assessed, particularly due to their addictive potential and the lack of medium- and long-term data.

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[1]Leslie Liang, 'Nicotine-free' vapes and pouches promise a buzz without the downsides. Health concerns remain., The Examination, published September 18, 2025, accessed the same day

National Committee Against Smoking |