Why Nicotine Pouches Burn and How to Prevent It

Does Everyone Feel Nicotine Pouch Burn?

Although difficult to know for sure, it’s probably safe to assume that most new nicotine pouch users feel some level of burning or stinging when they pop in their first ZYN, On!, or VELO nic pouch.

For some users, the burn will be subtle and cease quickly. It may even stop happening altogether after a short period. Many users report that they enjoy the burning or tingling sensation of inserting a new pouch. It is one of the surest signs that nicotine is being delivered.

For other users, it can feel more intense and unpleasant and occur with every new pouch for weeks, months, or longer. If that sounds like you, understanding what causes the effect and how it can be minimized might mean the difference between sticking with pouches and reverting to more harmful nicotine products.

Why Do ZYN and Other Pouches Burn?

There are several possible reasons why nicotine pouches cause a burning or stinging sensation beyond that which some find enjoyable.

High pH Level

The key reason for nicotine pouch burn is their high pH level. Nicotine is most effectively absorbed in an alkaline environment, so most pouches are formulated with pH-adjusting ingredients, such as sodium carbonate, to raise the pH and make them more alkaline.

A healthy mouth typically has a pH between 6.2 and 7.6, or slightly acidic to almost neutral (a pH above 7 is considered alkaline). Studies have found that nicotine pouches can have a pH of between 6.86 to more than 10. 

The increase in alkalinity enhances the bioavailability of nicotine, allowing it to pass through the mucous membranes of your gums and enter your bloodstream more efficiently. The trade-off is that the higher pH can irritate the sensitive tissues of the mouth and disrupt the natural balance of your saliva and gum tissues, leading to the common burning or stinging sensation.

Nicotine pouch brands use a range of pH levels in their products, which can influence the intensity of this sensation. Some pouches may be formulated with higher pH levels to provide a stronger nicotine hit, which can increase the likelihood of irritation.

Nicotine Strength

The nicotine strength of pouches can affect how much the burn is felt in a couple of different ways. Firstly, nicotine can stimulate nerve endings in the gums, which can lead to a tingling or stinging sensation, especially if new to using nicotine products or are using a higher-strength pouch.

High-strength pouches often also have higher pH levels than low or mid-strength pouches to improve absorption of the available nicotine. As covered above, high pH is the most common cause of nicotine pouch burn. This means that users of 9mg pouches, for example, are more likely to feel the burn than users of 3mg pouches.

Chemical Irritants

Aside from nicotine and pH balancers, pouches like ZYN, VELO, FRE, and many others usually contain several other chemicals to help with properties like flavor balance, sweetness, and the physical consistency of the pouch. While safe for oral use when not ingested, these essential chemicals could increase the severity of the burning sensation for some users. Chemicals nicotine pouches commonly contain include:

• Nicotine bitartrate dihydrate (nicotine source)
• Plant-derived flavorings
• Microcrystalline cellulose/Maltitol/Gum arabic (bulking agents)
• Acesulfame K (flavor and sweetness enhancer)
• Sodium carbonate/Sodium bicarbonate (pH balancers)
• Hydroxypropyl cellulose (consistency maintainer)

Physical Irritation

The effects of high pH and nicotine-stimulated nerve endings do not always result in a burning/stinging sensation. Some users might find they are more immune to these sensations. However, these problems can be cumulative, with irritation levels building up over periods of consistent pouch use.

Physical tissue irritation can also be caused by using pouches incorrectly or using a pouch size that is too big for your mouth (or the gap between your lip and gum, at least). Once the lining of your mouth becomes irritated and inflamed, it may be more susceptible to the burn of a nicotine pouch.

Nicotine Pouch Flavors

Some nicotine pouch flavorings, such as mint or cinnamon, can have a cooling, warming, or slightly irritating effect on the gums. These sensations can be more noticeable if your gums are already sensitive, but for some people, these flavorings can adversely affect even healthy uninflamed mouth tissue. As we have explored above, an inflamed or irritated mouth is likely to be more susceptible to the burn.

Should You Be Concerned About the Burn?

The burning or tingling sensation caused by nicotine pouches is generally harmless and nothing to be concerned about. It’s a temporary and mild side effect that typically fades within a few minutes.

For most users, the sensation is simply a sign that the pouch is doing its job, indicating that the nicotine is being absorbed into your bloodstream. Over time, as your body adjusts to using nicotine pouches, you may find that the burning feeling diminishes or disappears altogether.

If you experience intense burning, prolonged discomfort, or any other unusual symptoms, stop using the pouches and seek advice from a healthcare professional. These symptoms could indicate an allergy or sensitivity to certain pouch ingredients, or they might point to an underlying oral health issue that requires attention.

How to Prevent or Reduce ZYN Burn

As you should now understand, the burn from nicotine pouches is normal and pretty common among both new and experienced users. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can do to try to prevent or reduce this unpleasant sensation.

Swap to a Lower Nicotine Strength

While the nicotine in a pouch probably won’t be the sole cause of the burning sensation, you are more likely to feel it if you use higher-strength pouches. Try swapping to a lower-strength product to see if it reduces the burn.

Alternate Where You Place the Pouches

Many users have a preferred position for their nicotine pouches. That can lead to tissue irritation in a specific place, making the burn feel more intense. Alternating where you place the pouch might help.

Take Longer Breaks Between Pouches

Overusing pouches can irritate your gum tissue, leading to an intensified burning sensation. It’s important to give your gums time to recover by taking a 1–2 hour break between pouches. This not only helps reduce irritation but also promotes better overall gum health.

Stay Hydrated

Placing a pouch in a dry mouth is another thing that can lead to gum tissue irritation, which may make the burn more noticeable. Drink plenty of water before and after using a pouch to stay hydrated and prevent dry mouth.

Try Different Pouch Flavors

Different flavorings may be tolerated in different ways by different people. Some users report that flavors like cinnamon and menthol are more likely to burn than something like citrus or black cherry. Try different pouch flavors to find the one that burns the least (or not at all).

Always Check Pouches are Intact Before Use

Never use a nicotine pouch that is ripped or otherwise not intact. If a pouch in the can is busted open, dispose of it and shake/brush off any loose ingredients from the remaining pouches before using them.

Take Care of Your Mouth and Gums

Using nicotine pouches can exacerbate or even cause oral health problems. Taking good care of your mouth should make issues like gum sensitivity less likely, and could alleviate nicotine pouch burn.

The Bottom Line

The burning or stinging sensation caused by nicotine pouches like those from ZYN and VELO is both common and expected.

The effect is generally not harmful and, for most users, it simply signifies that nicotine is being released and absorbed by the mouth lining.

There are ways to lessen the sensation, but anyone experiencing intense or prolonged “ZYN burn” should stop using the pouches and seek the advice of a medical professional.