What Is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is an aerosol spray that irritates the eyes, causes tears, pain, and temporary blindness. When pepper spray is used in self defense, you are given a window of opportunity to escape. Pepper spray contains oils derived from cayenne peppers which are some of the hottest peppers in the world. This active ingredient is called OC or oleoresin capsicum and is a reddish-orange, oily liquid, that is insoluble in water.

The use of pepper as a weapon goes all the way back to ancient China. The Chinese would put red chili pepper on rice paper as a weapon and swing it to the face of their opponents. Tear gas was invented in Germany in the 1800's and it is included in some Mace brand pepper sprays today.

The US introduced pepper spray through the US Postal Service in the 1980's as a dog repellent. Our government also used it for protection against bears and other animals. The FBI endorsed it as an "official chemical agent" in 1987 and by 1991, there were over 3,000 law enforcement agencies that utilized it.

Now, civilians can use pepper spray legally as long as it is used in self defense. 

Here's one of our most popular products. This Pepper Spray Tri-Pack offers protection with a collection of 3 pepper spray units at one low price. Check it out at: https://www.womenonguard.com/pepper-spray-tri-pack

Pepper Spray Has Passed The Test Of Time

Last year the police gave pepper spray a bad wrap, during the 99 Percent riots. But the history of the hot substance has had a positive influence in ancient and modern society throughout the entire world.

Photo by Palinopsia_Films

Mace Pepper Spray Baton

Pepper spray is sometimes called OC which is short for Oleoresin Capsaicin. This weapon can also contain Chloroacetophenone, or CN, which is usually called tear gas. History information includes that it was first used by ancient Chinese wars, by Swedish, King Charles the XII in 1721, in World War I, etc… In the United States, the FBI started using it in 1963 and the Postal Service in the 1980's, used it to deter dogs from biting postal workers!

The hot substance is available under different brand names, such as Mace, StreetWise, PepperShot, etc. Some people think, for some reason, that Mace is a different type of OC, but it really isn't. The Mace brand does sometimes include tear gas, but so do other brand manufacturers as well…

Pink Pepper Spray
Hard Case

The fact that history and our country's police officers, include this hot substance, should tell you something! Placing the 99 Percent riots and the police aside, OC has been a life saver for many people in our society. Women, especially, have benefited from it's self defense power and it's affordability. Plus, women like that it's non lethal and won't land you in jail! Many men use this self defense product as well… For example, you probably have noticed male motorcycle riders carrying small keychain batons that contain OC! Plus many people use disguised sprays, like the ones that we sell at WomenOnGuard.com, which look like lipstick, perfume, pens, etc. These go by unnoticed by the general public!

So next time you want to buy a self defense product, consider one that has passed the test of time… The very old, but reliable, more powerful and definitely improved, pepper spray!

Refillable Pepper Sprays from Mace

Tired of buying entirely new containers every time you run out of pepper spray? Well you don't have to, just refill it!

Mace Pepper Spray KeyGuard, Pen, Batons and Guns

Mace makes 4 products that can be refilled. Not only are they convenient to have for self defense, but it will also save you money. Why buy an entire new canister for self defense, when you can simply use it again and again?

Mace products that you don't have to discard if emptied:
• KeyGuard, in pink or black
• Pen Defender, in silver
• Baton, available in 5 colors
• Gun, available in 4 colors

The KeyGuard and the Pen use the Mace Pepper Pen Refill and/or KeyGuard Refill. The Baton uses the Mace Pepper Spray Baton Refill. The Gun has 3 choices: Water (2 test cartridges), OC and H20 (1 pepper and 1 water cartridge ) and OC Refill (2 pepper cartridges).

It makes sense to purchase a product that has OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) refill sprays available. These products will help keep you safer and won't break the bank!

Mace Triple Action Police Model Pepper Spray

Mace brand pepper sprays have been around for ages! Women and men have relied on Mace pepper sprays for self defense because they trust it's powerful and reliable spray. Mace Triple Action Police Model is the same spray used by police officers around the country. Police prefer the OC and tear gas combination. The OC pepper causes the attacker's eyes to slam shut, and have uncontrollable coughing and choking. The tear gas will cause profuse tearing, an intense burning sensation to the face, and disorientation.

Mace Triple Action Police Model has an ergonomic case that facilitates handling this OC spray, especially when there is no time to waste! It has a convenient finger flip-up cap, that protects you from accidental spraying. This powerful and reliable 18-gram pepper spray and tear gas combination, contains 10, one-second bursts and sprays 1 to 12 feet away! Plus all Mace pepper sprays have a UV dye that is invisible, which may aid in identification of an attacker, once apprehended. This Mace Triple Action Police Model also has a key chain, to conveniently attach your car and house keys. Plus it includes a belt clip and a velcro attachment! It's also MADE IN THE USA!

Pepper Spray, Self Defense Products

The simplest and historically one of the oldest self defense products ever used for personal safety is pepper spray. A defense spray mostly contains OC or Oleoresin Capsicum (a derivative of Cayenne peppers). When someone gets sprayed in the face with it, their eyes, nose throat and lungs will burn and become swollen. The capillaries of the eyes will dilate and make the person close their eyes. They will also have a hard time breathing since it also inflames the respiratory organs, but not entirely blocking the breathing. Effects can last anywhere between 20 to 90 minutes. Pepper spray comes in stream, gel, foam and fog form and in various sizes and shapes. Some can look like a pen or a gun and most have keyrings attached. The reach for pepper spray varies. It could be anywhere from 6 to 25 feet, depending on which model you get.

Below are simple rules to follow:

• Test the pepper spray canister once, when you first buy it
• Spray upright
• Shake occasionally (like hairspray)
• Avoid utilizing in windy conditions
• Never leave in a hot car or similar heated environment
• Replace every year
• Never let children handle pepper spray

Mace Pepper Spray Gun

Buying Pepper Spray? Consider the Mace Pepper Spray Gun.
It's not just another pepper spray, it is a powerful self-defense weapon. I'm sure you know all about the advantages of using pepper spray and what it can do to an assailant, so I will focus on just the outstanding qualities this particular Mace product has.

There are several advantages to carrying this item. The most important feature about this pepper spray gun is the distance it reaches. Your target can be 25 feet away and you can still reach them and render them powerless! Another feature is its unique blast. It is like an aerosol, not a stream. AND, unlike an aerosol, it can also be shot upside down or at any angle. There is also another convenient feature the Mace Pepper Spray Gun has; a trigger activated LED light. This light helps with your aim while disorienting the assailant!

The Mace Pepper Spray Gun comes in 4 colors; Blue, Silver, Blue/Black and Pink. The Mace Pepper Spray Gun comes packaged with 1, 28-gram OC cartridge, which contains 7 blasts and a water filled practice cartridge. Batteries are also included, which power the LED light. Replaceable OC cartridges and Water filled practice cartridges are sold separately.

What You Need to Know About Pepper Spray

Pepper spray has been used by people for hundreds of years. Ancient armies would use it against their enemies. It's naturally powerful and is used for self defense by men and women till this day. Pepper sprays are non-lethal, self defense products and one of the most reasonably priced. A person can purchase pepper spray for as little as $8.25 on the internet.

The most popular pepper sprays are purchased in small 1/2 oz. or 3/4 oz. canisters, in order to conceal them in purses or pockets. The main ingredient in pepper spray is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The OC is derived from Cayenne peppers – some of the hottest peppers in the world. Some brands such as Mace, add extra ingredients to the sprays, such as tear gas. You will also find that some pepper sprays have 10% pepper in their canisters while others have 17% or more. Streetwise brand pepper spray is one of those brands that contains a higher percentage of OC. Some brands also have UV dye to invisibly mark an assailant!

Another important thing you need to know about pepper spray is that most are aerosols, so it is very important when you use them, to make sure you hold the product upright. Just as you would when using hairspray. There are of course some exceptions. A product called Guardian Angel Pepper Blaster, has a system other than that of aerosol pepper spray. In fact, Guardian Angel pepper spray is also very fast, 90 MPH burst, to be exact! It can be sprayed in any angle, not just up right. Since all of these brands are in spray form, you need to keep in mind as well, what environment it will be used in. If you use it outdoors in windy conditions, you might get spray back!

Spray back is an issue that has also been addressed by some manufacturers of pepper spray products. There are some solutions such as pepper foam or pepper gel, introduced to the market. These are heavier substances and therefore less likely to be affected by wind and therefore less spray back. Most popular brands carry these optional heavier pepper sprays. Your options are; liquid, foam, gel or fog.

Finally there is the consideration of concealment. Most pepper sprays have a key ring for convenience and are available in just plain canisters, injection molded hard cases or leatherette cases or holsters. Some however are disguised as other things. You can buy pepper spray that looks like a pen, pager or lipstick container! These pepper sprays have an element of surprise!

Guardian Angel vs. Conventional Pepper Spray

There are various types and sizes of pepper spray on the market today, but one stands out above the crowd. The Guardian Angel by Kimber is one of the best pepper spray products available today.

The Guardian Angel is small, lightweight and ergonomic, it carries easily in your pocket or purse, and has an integral clip that also secures it to a belt. You can even get a Guardian Angel holster that is sold separately.

The outer body conforms to either a right or left-hand grip, it fits almost any size hand and is easy to use.

The Guardian Angel contains two cylinders with powerful concentrations of near pharmaceutical grade OC (oleoresin capsicum), a devastatingly effective inflammatory agent to take your assailant down!

Driven by pyrotechnic charges, the solution travels at 90 MPH with little chance of cross contamination, and with enough energy to wrap around glasses or penetrate a facemask. The effect is immediate and lasts for up to 45 minutes.

Unlike conventional sprays, the Guardian Angel does not lose pressure over time. Conventional pepper spray usually expires within 2 years.

Guardian Angel Features:
• Instantly incapacitates an assailant.
• Revolutionary propulsion operation, reaching target in one tenth of a second.
• Jet delivery minimizes cross-contamination.
• Delivers two powerful blasts of OC.

The Guardian Angel is effective at distances of up to 13 feet. At 90 MPH, the charge travels too fast for an aggressor to avoid it.

Below you can read and compare the Guardian Angel vs. Conventional pepper spray.
• Guardian Angel range is 13 feet, pepper spray averages approximately 8 feet.
• Guardian Angel can be shot at any angle, pepper spray can only be held upright when shot.
• Guardian Angel does not need shaking before shooting, pepper spray needs shaking to mix ingredients.
• Guardian Angel has ergonomic shape, pepper spray is awkward to hold, especially under stressful situations.
• Guardian Angel is shot powerfully by a jet protection technology, pepper spray is launched by aerosol, hairspray technology, developed in the 1950's.
• Guardian Angel reaches it's target in fractions of a second, pepper spray's stream can be dodged by assailants.
• Guardian Angel's ballistic energy eliminates the danger of cross-contamination to user, pepper spray can blow back to your face if there is any wind.
• Guardian Angel's contents are not under pressure and can operate in cold temperatures, pepper spray loses pressure in cold weather resulting in a weaker spray.
• Guardian Angel's contents are not under pressure and can operate in hot temperatures, pepper spray increases it's pressure in cold weather and can result in a canister explosion.

Should I Carry Pepper Spray?

Yes you should! Your life may depend on it. With the increase in crime today, pepper spray, stun guns, tasers and personal alarms are becoming increasingly popular to thwart off a would-be assailant. It is estimated that at least 15,000,000 American's now carry personal defense sprays, the majority of which are OC pepper sprays.

Law abiding citizens are realizing that they have to depend on devices like these to protect themselves and their families. There are around 40 manufacturers of pepper spray, who offer various sizes, formulations and spray types.

Pepper sprays normally come in aerosol type containers, some no larger than a tube of lipstick. Some are small enough to attach to a key chain. Some are disguised as a pager or baton. Most of these sprays can be fired several times and have a range between 8 and 20 feet, depending on model and size.

Remember, all activations will reduce the contents of the canister; smaller capacity models will therefore need to be replaced every 9-12 months if these testing procedures are adhered to. Always check manufacturers testing and replacement recommendations.

If you have to use your pepper spray in self-defense, make sure that you have some distance between you and your attacker if possible. You don't want the spray to affect you. Aim the spray at the eyes and facial region of the attacker, then release a 1 to 2 second burst of spray. After you have done this move away, but watch the attacker carefully as you do so. By watching the reactions of your attacker you will be able to tell if a further burst of spray is required. Remember spray and move, spray and move. Once the attacker has been incapacitated, seek help and call the police.

Most pepper sprays have a shelf life of 3-4 years although some expire after two years. The expiry date should be marked on the canister. Any use of the spray beyond the expiry date is HIGHLY unadvisable. Your life may depend on it working properly. Although the spray will work indefinitely, it will loose its potency over time.

Sprays should be tested right after purchase and then every 90 days. Fire the canister in half-second bursts. Testing must always be done outside. Make sure that the wind is blowing from behind you.

Pepper spray is legal to carry in most states. There are however, some states that have restrictions on pepper spray. Please check with your local and state law enforcement officials for restrictions and legality in your area.

Pepper Spray Laws And Restrictions

What is pepper spray? Pepper spray is a chemical compound that irritates the eyes which causes pain and temporary blindness to incapacitate an attacker. It is also used as a bear deterrent. The active ingredient in pepper spray is OC or oleoresin capsicum. The OC is derived from Cayenne peppers, some of the hottest peppers in the world. OC is a reddish-orange, oily liquid, insoluble in water. The OC agent is dispersed by the aerosol in a number of spray patterns depending on the model.

In 1928, two Americans, Ben Carson and Roger Staughton discovered CS. Hence, the use of the first initial of each of their last names. CS or 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile is a non-lethal chemical substance used as a riot control agent known as tear gas.

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states, however some cities and states have restrictions, regulated or are prohibited by law. Pepper sprays, by law, cannot be shipped by air. There are various sizes and formulations of pepper spray. Defensive sprays can only be purchased by persons 18 years of age and older.

In New York, you can only purchase pepper spray or other defensive sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers or licensed Pharmacists.

In the state of Massachusetts, residents can only purchase pepper spray or any other defensive sprays from licensed Firearms Dealers.

In Michigan, pepper spray is to be no stronger than 2%. CS is the only tear gas allowed and can be no larger than 35 grams per can. Combination sprays are prohibited.

In Wisconsin, only pepper is legal and OC no stronger than a 10% solution. The pepper spray can is not to be any larger than 60 grams and must have a safety feature. No tear gas, UV dye or combination sprays allowed.

Never use Pepper Spray unless you feel you are threatened or you need to protect someone else. Improper use of a defensive spray may result in criminal action. You could be sued or in some states fined up to $1000 or imprisoned up to 3 years.

These are the latest restrictions we have found on pepper spray restrictions during our research. It may not be completely accurate. We make no claim to legality or responsibility to changes that may have occurred or that are in the process of occurring. Please check with your local authorities or jurisdiction for restrictions and legality.

Buying Pepper Spray? Consider the Mace Pepper Spray Gun.

It's not just another pepper spray, it is a powerful self-defense weapon. I'm sure you know all about the advantages of using pepper spray and what it can do to an assailant, so I will focus on just the outstanding qualities this particular Mace product has.

There are several advantages to carrying this item. The most important feature about this pepper spray gun is the distance it reaches. Your target can be 25 feet away and you can still reach them and render them powerless! Another feature is its unique blast. It is like an aerosol, not a stream. AND, unlike an aerosol, it can also be shot upside down or at any angle. There is also another convenient feature the Mace Pepper Spray Gun has; a trigger activated LED light. This light helps with your aim while disorienting the assailant!

The Mace Pepper Spray Gun comes in 4 colors; Blue, Silver, Blue/Black and Pink. The Mace Pepper Spray Gun comes packaged with 1, 28-gram OC cartridge, which contains 7 blasts and a water filled practice cartridge. Batteries are also included, which power the LED light. Replaceable OC cartridges and Water filled practice cartridges are sold separately.

Guardian Angel Pepper Spray

WomenOnGuard.com is very exited to introduce their newest product; LifeAct Guardian Angel®, available for ordering now. This unit has a unique encasing to facilitate using it's impressive 90 mph spray that reaches up to 13 feet! Of course it is light, easy to hold and small enough to carry in your purse or fasten to your belt with it's integrated belt clip. The pepper, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) solution that it contains, travels so fast, it can easily go through an attackers mask, around his glasses and through his clothing. This solution is so powerful that it will penetrate the skin pores, nasal passages and swell the eyes shut. This effect will incapacitate a person for up to 45 minutes. Do to the unit's pyrotechnic drive, the solution shoots so fast that an attacker will not know what hit him. Another benefit of using the LifeAct Guardian Angel® is that the speed and pressure of the spray actually makes it less likely to blow back toward you in windy conditions.
You should also know that the shelf life of the LifeAct Guardian Angel® is 3 years, unlike other pepper sprays that usually last only 1 year. You get a total of 2 shots from the unit and the second shot is just as powerful and fast as the first one. It doesn't matter whether you shoot the 2nd shot 1, 2 or 3 years later. You can purchase a holster for the unit as well, which is sold separately.

SPECIFICATIONS:
- Length: 4.3", Height: 0.9", Width: 2.7"
- Weight (charged): 4.2 ounces
- Operation: Double-action with automatic switchover.
- Trigger safety shield.
- Content: 2 charges with liquid irritant
- Volume per charge: 0.21 fluid ounces
- Irritant agent: 10% OC
- Charge velocity: 90 MPH
- Effective Range: Up to 13 feet
- Operating temperature: -5°F to +176°F
- Water resistant: Yes
- Carry pouch (available separately) Black
- Warranty: Three years
- Package: Guardian Angel & manual.