Mace. Pepper Spray. What’s the Difference?

Just like the name pepper spray implies, the effective ingredient in this self-defense product is derived from hot peppers. The oil essence of the pepper contains a chemical called oleoresin capsicum.

Often times you will see pepper sprays advertised with either one or both of the following:

⭐Percentage of pepper spray concentration

⭐SHU (Scoville Heat Units)

Most pepper spray products sold to the public range between 2%-10% pepper spray concentration. However, the percentage of concentration is only one factor to be considered when selecting an effective pepper spray defense weapon.

The key ingredient in all pepper sprays is oleoresin capsicum (‘OC’ for short). This is just a really fancy horticultural term for pepper juice. The ‘OC’ in pepper sprays can range from the relatively mild jalapeno to the extremely hot habanero. This is where the Scoville Heat Units (‘SHU’) for a pepper spray come into play.

A pepper spray device may have a low percentage of concentrated OC but that doesn’t mean it is not effective. It may be extremely powerful because of the particular pepper ingredient (OC) used.

The effects of mace and pepper spray on an attacker are eye opening. The concentrated burst of oleoresin capsicum immediately effect the soft tissue parts of the body as it causes a violent reaction which includes:

• Restriction of the lungs

• Burning and swelling skin

• Severe nasal/sinus irritation

• Tearing, swelling and burning eyes

• Gasping, gagging and wheezing

• Blepharospasm

• Non-permanent blindness

• Larynogospasm

• Inability to speak

• Increased blood pressure

• Severe headache