Defense spray pepper

Pepper spray is one of the most common and widely available tools for personal self-defense. You may also see it referred to as OC spray or capsicum spray, since its active ingredient, OC (Oleoresin Capsicum), is derived from hot peppers and chili peppers – hence the name. This active ingredient is what causes the intense burning sensation. A defensive pepper spray causes burning on the skin and face, burning and watering of the eyes, and, if inhaled, choking, tightness, and difficulty breathing. Pepper sprays also include products with the active ingredients CR or CP, which are synthetic and considered even more potent than OC-based sprays.

How to choose the right pepper spray

For a spray to actually help you in a critical situation, you need to choose the right type of pepper spray based on the situation and how you plan to carry it.

Choosing a pepper spray by size

• 15 – 20 ml (range of roughly 1 – 2 m) – a very compact spray, ideal for a handbag or pocket as an emergency pepper spray for women.
• 40 – 50 ml (range of roughly 2 – 4 m) – the standard size for defensive pepper sprays, suited for everyday carry against potential attackers, or as a pepper spray for dogs.
• 60 – 100 ml (range of roughly 4 – 5 m) – larger pepper sprays better suited for professional use by law enforcement or for home protection, for example kept near the front door.
• Over 100 ml (range of roughly 5 – 10 m) – these large-format sprays are mainly intended for professional use against multiple attackers at once, or as a bear deterrent spray for bears or other wildlife.

Choosing by nozzle (spray head) type

• FOG (mist / cloud spray): ideal for outdoor use – the active ingredient disperses over a wider area, giving you a higher chance of hitting an attacker's face even without precise aim.
• JET (stream spray): better suited for indoor use, since it won't contaminate the whole room the way a mist spray would – the trade-off is that you need to aim more precisely at the attacker's face.
• Gel or foam: the effects of a gel-based pepper spray or foam last longer and are harder to wipe off the face.

Pepper spray for women

Popular pepper sprays for women are the small 15 – 20 ml sprays, since they're discreet and easy to slip into a handbag. 

Alongside classic models, lipstick-shaped pepper sprays, pen-shaped sprays, or keychain sprays are also popular, since they're easy to disguise. Women may also be interested in pepper sprays that double as a flashlight, which can come in surprisingly handy in the dark.

Pepper spray for animals

A pepper spray containing OC, CP, or CR is a better choice against animals than sprays with the active ingredient CS, which may not be effective enough against animal threats.

• Spray for smaller animals (wolves, dogs) – we recommend a spray of at least 40 ml with an OC concentration of at least 10%.
• Spray for larger animals (bears, wild boar) – we recommend a spray of at least 150 ml with an OC concentration of at least 15%, or a blend of multiple active ingredients.

What to look for when buying pepper spray

• A volume of 40 – 50 ml
• A range of at least 3 – 4 m
• A shelf life of at least 2 – 3 years
• An OC concentration of at least 10%
• A carry clip or a suitable holster for the pepper spray is a nice bonus

Legal regulation of pepper spray in Slovakia and other countries

Defensive pepper sprays are not subject to any special regulation in Slovakia – for example, there are no restrictions on volume or active ingredient. In some other countries, however, the maximum volume or the type and concentration of the active ingredient may be regulated. If you're ordering from outside Slovakia, please check your local regulations before purchasing to make sure the product is legal where you live.

Only use pepper spray in situations of necessary self-defense or extreme necessity, and always in accordance with applicable law.