How Long Does Nicotine Stay in Your System?

Nicotine can stay in your system for as little as a few hours and up to several months depending on how it’s measured, how often you use it, and how your body processes it. This article explains how long it stays in the body, the most common tests, and other relevant information surrounding the question of how long nicotine actually stays in your system. 

Key Takeaways 

  • Nicotine’s half-life is about 2 hours, but its main metabolite, cotinine, can stay in your system for up to 10 days — and even months in hair follicle tests. 
  • Detection windows vary by test type: blood, saliva, urine, breast milk, and hair all show different timelines. 
  • Your metabolism, genetics, product type, and usage frequency all influence how long nicotine stays in your system. 
  • Most nicotine tests look for cotinine, not nicotine, because it remains detectable longer. 
  • The most effective way to clear nicotine is to stop using nicotine products, stay hydrated, eat well, and give your body time to process it. 

How Long Does It Take for Nicotine to Leave the Body? 

Nicotine has a relatively short half-life — about 2 hours — meaning your body eliminates half of it within that time. But the story doesn’t end there.


Your liver breaks nicotine down into cotinine, a more stable metabolite that can linger in the body far longer. Most nicotine tests look for cotinine rather than nicotine itself, as it’s easier to detect and remains present for much longer.


In general: 

  • Nicotine clears from the bloodstream in 1 to 3 days 
  • Cotinine may take up to 10 days, or even several months to clear, depending on certain factors 
  • In rare cases (like with hair tests), detection windows may extend to months after last use 

Factors That Influence Nicotine Detection Time

How long nicotine stays in your system isn’t the same for everyone. These key factors affect how quickly it’s metabolized and excreted: 

  • Genetics: Some people are fast metabolizers, while others break down nicotine more slowly. 

  • Age: Metabolism can slow slightly with age, which may prolong detection.

  • Sex & Hormones: Women — especially those on birth control or who are pregnant — often eliminate nicotine more quickly than men. 

  • Type of Product Used: Smoking, vaping, and oral products like nicotine pouches all impact absorption and duration differently. 

  • Frequency of Use: Heavy or habitual users tend to accumulate more cotinine, which takes longer to flush out. 

  • BMI: While distribution is affected by body mass, clearance rate is less influenced by weight. 

How Nicotine Is Absorbed and Processed 

Once nicotine enters the body — whether through the lungs, skin, or oral mucosa — it rapidly reaches the bloodstream. Your liver enzymes then go to work, converting nicotine into metabolites such as cotinine, nornicotine, and others, which are later excreted through urine and other pathways.


Cotinine, in particular, is the key compound that most nicotine drug tests look for, thanks to its longer half-life and stability in the body. 

How Much Nicotine Do You Absorb From Pouches

If you're using nicotine pouches, studies suggest that you absorb approximately 30% of the nicotine content. Variables like how long the pouch is used, saliva flow, and individual tolerance can affect actual absorption. 

Nicotine Testing Methods Explained

Different testing methods detect nicotine and cotinine across a range of timelines. Here’s a quick comparison of how long nicotine may stay detectable depending on the type of test: 

Testing Method What It Detects Detection Window Most Common Use Cases
Blood Cotinine Up to 4 days Clinical, pre-surgery
Saliva Cotinine Up to 4 days Recent use screening
Urine Cotinine 3-4 days, up to 3 weeks for some Insurance / workplace
Breast Milk Nicotine Cleared in ~10 hours Breastfeeding safety
Hair  Nicotine & Cotinine 1-3 months, up to 12 months Long-term usage history

These methods vary in sensitivity and are chosen based on the reason for testing. For example, insurance companies may favor urine tests, while employment screenings may use blood or saliva. 

How to Clear Nicotine From Your System

There’s no guaranteed way to speed up nicotine clearance, but healthy habits can support your body’s natural detox process: 

  • Drink water: Hydration helps flush nicotine through urine. 
  • Eat antioxidant-rich foods: Oranges, spinach, carrots, and berries may support metabolism. 
  • Exercise: Physical activity boosts circulation and may help eliminate metabolites faster. 
  • Avoid additional nicotine: Even nicotine patches or gum will keep nicotine present in your system. 
  • Manage withdrawal: Cravings, restlessness, and mood changes are common — NRT or support programs may ease symptoms. NOTE: Nicotine Replacement Therapy products still contain nicotine, and will produce cotinine as a by-product 

FAQs

  • Typically 1 to 3 days for nicotine; cotinine lasts for a longer period. 
  • Saliva tests detect cotinine for around 4 days, depending on use. 
  • Most users will test negative for nicotine in 3–4 days, though some will take longer due to product type or frequency, and other factors. 
  • About 10 hours for full clearance. Levels peak 30 minutes after use and reduce by half in 2 hours. 
  • Hair can reveal nicotine exposure for 1–3 months, sometimes up to a year in heavy users. 
  • Stop all nicotine use, hydrate, eat antioxidant-rich foods, stay active, and allow your body time to metabolize and eliminate it.