By SmokerBar Editorial Team

If you are an adult smoker considering VELO nicotine pouches, one of the most important questions you likely have is: Is VELO actually better for my lungs than continuing to smoke cigarettes?

The short answer is yes. According to the reference article you provided, “Unlike smoking, which delivers harmful substances directly to the lungs, VELO pouches are used orally. Nicotine is absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, significantly reducing the direct impact on the respiratory system and the associated risks of lung diseases.”

But this simple answer deserves a deeper look. In this 2026 guide, we will explain exactly why VELO pouches are less harmful to your lungs than cigarettes, what the scientific evidence says, and what risks remain.

The Fundamental Difference: Inhalation vs. No Inhalation

The most important distinction between cigarettes and VELO is whether anything enters your lungs.

Cigarettes rely on combustion. When tobacco burns, it produces over 7,500 individual chemicals — including tar, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and at least 60 known carcinogens. These substances are inhaled deep into the lungs, where they damage delicate tissue, cause inflammation, and over time lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer.

VELO nicotine pouches involve no combustion whatsoever. The pouch is placed between your upper lip and gum, where nicotine is absorbed through the oral mucosa (the lining of your mouth) into your bloodstream. Nothing is inhaled. Nothing reaches your lungs.

As the reference article explains, “VELO pouches are used orally. Nicotine is absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, significantly reducing the direct impact on the respiratory system and the associated risks of lung diseases.”

This fundamental difference — lungs vs. no lungs — is the primary reason why switching completely from cigarettes to VELO represents a substantial reduction in respiratory health risk.

What the 2026 Scientific Evidence Shows

Toxicant Reduction: 99% Fewer Harmful Chemicals

Independent laboratory testing commissioned by VELO compared the levels of 9 key toxicants in cigarette smoke (selected by the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation) against the contents of VELO nicotine pouches. The results are striking:

The average percentage reduction across all 8 reported toxicants ranged from 99.6% to 99.9%.

VELO explicitly clarifies: “99% less toxicants does not mean that VELO is 99% less risky than cigarettes.” However, the elimination of combustion means VELO users are not exposed to tar, carbon monoxide, or the vast majority of carcinogens found in cigarette smoke — all of which directly damage the lungs.

Biomarker Study: 29–97% Reduction in Toxicant Exposure

A 2025 clinical study presented at CORESTA and TSRC conferences assessed changes in biomarkers of exposure in adult smokers who switched exclusively to VELO nicotine pouches for five days. The study involved 194 adult smokers who were randomly assigned to one of five VELO product groups (varying flavours and nicotine levels from 4 mg to 12 mg), a nicotine abstinence group, or a continued smoking group.

The results were compelling. The mean reduction in total NNAL — a biomarker of exposure to the lung carcinogen NNK — was statistically significantly greater in all five VELO groups than in the continued smoking group (p < 0.0001 for all comparisons). The average reduction in biomarkers of exposure across users of all five VELO products varied between 29% and 97%.

These substantial reductions in toxicant exposure support the potential of oral nicotine pouches as a reduced-risk alternative for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking.

Comparative Toxicology: VELO vs. Snus vs. Cigarettes

A 2025 CORESTA study compared 132 analytes across 11 oral nicotine pouches (including nine VELO products), two snus products, and cigarette smoke. The findings:

• 70 analytes were not quantified in any nicotine pouch samples tested.

• A higher number of analytes were present in snus (58) than in nicotine pouches (47).

• In most tests, nicotine pouches contained lower levels of analytes (>90%) than snus.

• All nicotine pouches tested did not exceed the GOTHIATEK® standard’s maximum allowable limits — the same standard considered in the FDA’s MRTP authorisation for General Snus products.

The results support the hypothesis that oral nicotine pouches might offer a potentially reduced risk profile alternative to smoking.

2025 Narrative Review: Lowest End of the Risk Continuum

A comprehensive narrative review published in Frontiers in Public Health (August 2025) evaluated the health-related effects of nicotine pouches. The review concluded:

• Nicotine pouches “contain fewer harmful substances than traditional tobacco products.”

• They provide “potential harm reduction by containing fewer harmful constituents.”

• They are “quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional tobacco.”

However, the review also noted that “trace amounts of substances such as formaldehyde have been detected at very low levels, often near or below detection limits, and may not be considered a significant health risk,” and that “the long-term health effects are still unknown.”

How VELO Works: The Science of Buccal Absorption

VELO nicotine pouches are small, discreet pouches made from water, plant-based materials, flavourings, sweeteners, and pharmaceutical-grade nicotine. They contain no tobacco leaf and require no combustion.

When you place a VELO pouch between your upper lip and gum, the pouch absorbs moisture from your mouth. This activates the release of nicotine, which then passes directly through the thin, highly vascularized oral mucosa into your bloodstream.

This delivery method — called buccal absorption — completely bypasses the lungs. No smoke, no vapour, no aerosol, and no tar. Your lungs are not involved at all.

According to VELO’s official product description, “unlike cigarettes they do not contain tobacco nor they need to be combusted when used.” The brand also notes that VELO pouches are “smoke-free: more convenient, there’s no need to go to the smoking area and pouches can be enjoyed even in public transportation or at work.”

Important Caveats: What VELO Does NOT Do

While VELO is significantly less harmful to your lungs than cigarettes, it is important to understand what VELO does not do.

VELO Is Not Risk-Free

Nicotine itself is a cardiovascular toxin. A December 2025 expert consensus report in the European Heart Journal concluded that nicotine is “a direct cardiovascular toxin,” and that “no nicotine-containing product is safe for blood vessels or the heart.” Nicotine increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, impairs endothelial function, and promotes arterial stiffness and platelet aggregation.

VELO eliminates lung damage from combustion, but it does not eliminate the cardiovascular risks of nicotine.

VELO Is Not a Smoking Cessation Aid

VELO is not FDA-approved as a smoking cessation aid. A 2025 Cochrane review found limited evidence from three small studies that there were “no short-term serious health harms of oral nicotine pouches in people who smoke,” but researchers were uncertain if nicotine pouches help people quit smoking compared to instructions to continue smoking as usual.

The Health Benefits Require Complete Switching

The biomarker study specifically looked at exclusive VELO use — not dual use. If you continue smoking while also using VELO, you will not achieve the same 29–97% reduction in toxicant exposure. For full health benefit, switching must be complete.

Long-Term Respiratory Effects Are Still Unknown

Because nicotine pouches are relatively new, there are no 20- or 30-year epidemiological studies tracking long-term respiratory outcomes in exclusive users. The 2025 narrative review notes that “the long-term health effects are still unknown” and that “inconsistent regulations, variable product quality, and a lack of longitudinal studies indicates a need for comprehensive research.”

How to Use VELO for Maximum Benefit

If you are an adult smoker who has decided to switch to VELO, here is a quick guide to using it correctly:

• Open the can — Locate the seal on the side of the VELO tub, peel or break the seal, and twist the lid to open.

• Take one pouch — Remove a single pouch from the can.

• Place it under your upper lip — Position the pouch between your upper lip and gum, slightly to the left or right of centre.

• Keep it in for 30 minutes — VELO recommends keeping the pouch under your lip for approximately 30 minutes.

• Remove and dispose — After use, remove the pouch and dispose of it responsibly. The VELO can includes a built-in compartment for used pouches.

For beginners: Start with a lower nicotine strength (4 mg or 6 mg) and a shorter duration (15–20 minutes) on your first try to assess your tolerance. You can gradually increase to the full 30-minute session as you become more comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VELO better for your lungs than cigarettes?

Yes. Because VELO involves no combustion and no inhalation, it completely avoids delivering harmful substances to the lungs. The reference article states: “Unlike smoking, which delivers harmful substances directly to the lungs, VELO pouches are used orally. Nicotine is absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, significantly reducing the direct impact on the respiratory system and the associated risks of lung diseases.”

Can VELO cause lung damage?

Not directly. VELO pouches are not inhaled, so they do not deposit tar, carbon monoxide, or other combustion-related toxins into lung tissue. However, nicotine itself can affect cardiovascular health, and long-term effects are still being studied.

Is VELO safer than vaping for the lungs?

Yes. Vaping still involves inhaling an aerosol into the lungs, which carries risks of lung inflammation, respiratory irritation, and EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury). VELO involves no inhalation at all, eliminating these respiratory risks.

Can I use VELO if I have asthma or COPD?

If you have asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, you should consult your doctor before using any nicotine product. While VELO does not involve inhalation, nicotine can affect heart rate and blood pressure, which may be relevant for your condition.

Is VELO addictive?

Yes. VELO contains nicotine, which is an addictive chemical. A 2025 clinical study found that VELO pouches demonstrated an abuse liability profile lower than cigarettes and similar to nicotine replacement therapy gum, suggesting a reduced potential for abuse compared to cigarettes. However, nicotine is still addictive, and VELO is intended only for adult smokers who already use nicotine.

The Bottom Line: A Clear Lung Health Advantage

Based on the 2025–2026 scientific evidence — from toxicant analysis, biomarker studies, and clinical research — the answer is clear:

VELO nicotine pouches are substantially better for your lungs than continuing to smoke cigarettes.

The key reasons are simple:

• No combustion — Cigarettes burn tobacco, producing over 7,500 chemicals that are inhaled into the lungs. VELO involves no burning whatsoever.

• No inhalation — VELO pouches are placed under the lip, with nicotine absorbed through the oral mucosa. Nothing reaches the lungs.

• 99% fewer toxicants — Independent testing shows VELO contains 99.6–99.9% lower levels of WHO-listed toxicants compared to cigarette smoke.

• 29–97% reduction in toxicant exposure — Clinical studies confirm that smokers who switch exclusively to VELO experience significant reductions in biomarkers of exposure to harmful chemicals.

However, VELO is not risk-free. Nicotine is addictive and carries cardiovascular risks. The long-term health effects are still being studied. And VELO is intended exclusively for adult smokers who would otherwise continue smoking — not for non-users, minors, or pregnant women.

If you are an adult smoker who has tried to quit but continues to smoke, switching completely to VELO represents a meaningful step toward reducing your exposure to lung-damaging chemicals. The healthiest choice of all, if you can achieve it, is to quit nicotine entirely. But for those who cannot or will not, VELO offers a scientifically supported, substantially less harmful alternative to continued cigarette smoking.

Shop Authentic VELO Nicotine Pouches at SmokerBar

At SmokerBar, we carry the full range of authentic VELO nicotine pouches — from 4 mg to 17 mg — in all your favourite flavours: Freezing Peppermint, Cherry Ice, Mango Ice, Strawberry Ice, Purple Grape, and more. All products are sourced directly from authorised distributors, stored fresh, and shipped discreetly with age verification (18+ or 21+ depending on local laws).

Browse our VELO collection today — and make a choice that’s better for your lungs.

Disclaimer: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adult nicotine users aged 18+ only. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. If you do not use nicotine, do not start. Keep out of reach of children and pets. The 99% less toxicants claim refers to levels of 8 WHO-recommended toxicants compared to cigarette smoke, not overall health risk.