Pepper spray is a powerful non-lethal self-defense tool that can incapacitate an attacker by causing temporary blindness, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from harm, and it is legal to carry in most states.

When choosing pepper spray, it is important to consider the following factors:

Strength: Pepper spray is measured in OC%, which stands for oleoresin capsicum. The higher the OC%, the stronger the pepper spray. Most pepper sprays have an OC% between 1% and 2%.

Key Components: Major Capsaicinoids (MC) are the key components responsible for the heat and pungency of pepper spray. They are a group of compounds derived from chili peppers, and they are measured as a percentage of the total oleoresin capsicum (OC) content in pepper spray. The higher the MC percentage, the hotter and more potent the pepper spray. There are five major capsaicinoids: Capsaicin, Dihydrocapsaicin, Nordihydrocapsaicin, Homocapsaicin and Nonivamide.

Capsaicin is the most potent of the major capsaicinoids, and it accounts for about 60-70% of the MC content in pepper spray. Dihydrocapsaicin and nordihydrocapsaicin are the next most potent capsaicinoids, and they each account for about 20-30% of the MC content. Homocapsaicin and nonivamide are the least potent of the major capsaicinoids, and they each account for about 1-5% of the MC content.

The MC content of pepper spray is typically between 1% and 2%. However, some pepper sprays can have MC contents as high as 10%. Pepper sprays with higher MC contents are generally considered to be more effective for self-defense, but they can also cause more severe irritation.

Pungency (spicy or "heat"): Scoville Heat Units (SHU) is the measurement of the pungency (spicy or "heat") of chili peppers and other substances, recorded in Scoville heat units (SHU). It is based on the concentration of capsaicinoids, among which capsaicin is the predominant component. For comparison, the ghost pepper of Northeast India is considered to be a "very hot" pepper, at about 1 million SHU. The Naga Morich, with around 1 million SHU, is primarily found in Bangladesh.

Stream or Gel: Pepper spray comes in two forms: stream and gel. Stream pepper spray is less likely to blow back on you, but it can be difficult to aim. Gel pepper spray is more accurate, but it can blow back on you if you are not careful.

Size: Pepper spray comes in a variety of sizes, from small keychain models to large canister models. Choose a size that is easy to carry and conceal.

Safety Features: Some pepper sprays have safety features, such as flip-top caps and safety straps, to prevent accidental discharge.

Here are some of the best pepper sprays on the market:

Wildfire 1.4% MC 1/2 oz pepper spray: Wildfire 1/2 oz 1.4% MC pepper spray hard case and quick-release keychain black. The WILDFIRE® PEPPER SPRAY is hot, hot, hot. The Major Capsaicinoids are the true heat measure, WildFire has the hottest on the market at 1.4% Major Capsaicinoids. In addition to causing an attacker pain, The WildFire 10% oleoresin capsicum formula swells the mucous membranes, which makes breathing difficult and swells the veins in the eyes, causing the eyes to close. It's made from 2,000,000 SHU's of raw pepper and these effects can last up to 45 minutes and cause no permanent damage. Has a UV-identifying dye to help aid in the identification of an attacker. Wildfire 1/2 oz. Pepper Spray has a range of 6-8 feet and comes with a hard case. Each unit provides 6-10 one-second bursts and comes with a quick key release keychain and safety lock. 3 ½" x 1 ½"

Wildfire 1.4% MC 4 oz sticky pepper gel: Wildfire 4 oz 1.4% MC flip top actuator pepper gel stream. The WILDFIRE® PEPPER SPRAY is hot, hot, hot. The Major Capsaicinoids are the true heat measure, WildFire has the hottest on the market at 1.4% Major Capsaicinoids. In addition to causing an attacker pain, The WildFire 10% oleoresin capsicum formula swells the mucous membranes, which makes breathing difficult and swells the veins in the eyes, causing the eyes to close.

It's made from 2,000,000 SHU's of raw pepper and these effects can last up to 45 minutes and cause no permanent damage. Once sprayed this Pepper Gel acts like glue to your assailant. If the attacker attempts to wipe or rub the Pepper Gel away it begins to permeate the skin leaving your attacker in pain. If used properly indoors you don’t have to worry about overspray, as it will stay in the direction where it's sprayed and will not affect others nearby. Pepper Gel Sticky Pepper Spray is ideal for a car, recreational vehicle, camping, or home.

This Pepper Gel Sticky Pepper Spray has many convenient features including a longer distance range, stronger pepper mixture, sticks to the target like glue, it's also less contaminating and is nonflammable. Approximately 20 one-second bursts & range of 15-18 feet.

Pepper Shot 1.2% MC 4 oz pepper spray stream flip top: Pepper Shot 4 oz 1.2% MC pepper spray flip top model. Pepper Shot Pepper Spray is made with 1.2% Major Capsaicinoids. The Major Capsaicinoids are the true heat measure and Pepper Shot 1.2% MC is more effective than most other pepper sprays. In addition to causing an attacker pain, The Pepper Shot 8.5% oleoresin capsicum formula swells the mucous membranes, which makes breathing difficult and swells the veins in the eyes, causing the eyes to close. It's made from 2,000,000 SHU's of raw pepper and these effects can last up to 45 minutes and cause no permanent damage. Has a UV-identifying dye to help aid in the identification of an attacker. It has a flip-top actuator stream 18-20 one-second burst & range of 13-15 feet. 5" x 1".

WildFire 1.4% MC 1lb pepper spray pistol grip fogger: WildFire 1lb 1.4% MC pepper spray pistol grip fogger. The WILDFIRE® PEPPER SPRAY is hot, hot, hot. The Major Capsaicinoids are the true heat measure, WildFire has the hottest on the market at 1.4% Major Capsaicinoids. In addition to causing an attacker pain, The WildFire 10% oleoresin capsicum formula swells the mucous membranes, which makes breathing difficult, and swells the veins in the eyes, causing the eyes to close. It's made from 2,000,000 SHU's of raw pepper and these effects can last up to 45 minutes and cause no permanent damage. Has a UV identifying dye to help aid in the identification of an attacker. The 1lb pistol grip model is great for crowd control, military, correction, security and law enforcement officers. Great for civilian use as well. Approximately 75 one second burst and a range of 20 feet. 9 ¼" x 2 ½".

Police Strength Streetwise 23 Pepper Spray 3 oz FIRE MASTER: This compact and powerful pepper spray is designed for personal protection while camping, hiking, or in urban environments. Its wide-dispersing fog ensures effective incapacitation of an attacker, making it difficult to miss. Featuring a safety lock, independent laboratory heat rating certification, and derivation from over 5 million SHU, this pepper spray is 87% stronger than competing brands, providing instant and effective protection. With a UV marking dye and 1.47% total capsaicinoids, it can incapacitate an attacker for up to 45 minutes. The warranty covers the canister and nozzle for one year and the pepper spray until its expiration date. Includes a 3 oz. Fire Master Pepper Spray Streetwise 23.

Police Force 23 Pepper Spray 16 oz. Pistol Grip: This 16 oz. Streetwise 23 pepper spray, equipped with a pistol grip for enhanced control during use, is designed to handle any situation, making it ideal for crowd control. Its safety lock ensures safe handling, while its independent laboratory heat rating certification and derivation from over 5 million SHU guarantee its effectiveness. With a heat rating of 230,000 SHU (1.47% Total Capsaicinoids), this pepper spray is 87% stronger than competing brands, providing instant incapacitation of an attacker for up to 45 minutes. The UV marking dye aids in attacker identification, and the warranty covers the product for one year. The 16 oz. Streetwise 23 Pepper Spray with Pistol Grip is the ultimate choice for personal protection.

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