Pepper Spray Ingredients
On the Ingredients of Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is mostly used by the world for self-defense, but its ingredients are rarely known to the public. Now analyze its content to understand the reason.
The core ingredient of pepper spray is capsaicin. Capsaicin is the key to giving it a spicy feeling in peppers. In pepper spray, this substance is refined and concentrated, and has powerful irritating properties. When sprayed out, it touches human skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, instantly triggering a burning and tingling sensation. When the eyes meet, they are immediately closed, tears flow, and vision plummets; where the skin touches, it is unbearably hot, as if burning; respiratory inhalation, causing severe coughing and breathing difficulties. This strong stimulus causes the attacker to temporarily lose his mobility, giving the user a chance to escape.
In addition to capsaicin, pepper spray often contains solvents. The role of the solvent is to evenly disperse capsaicin to ensure that when spraying, capsaicin can be released in an appropriate concentration and form. Common solvents such as alcohol have good volatility, which can help capsaicin quickly diffuse into the air and expand its range of action. At the same time, alcohol also helps capsaicin to better adhere to the target surface and enhance the stimulation effect.
In addition, some pepper sprays or add other auxiliary ingredients. For example, some buffers are used to adjust the pH of the spray, avoid unnecessary damage to the user due to excessive stimulation, and ensure the stability of the spray ingredients to prolong the shelf life. There are also added fragrances, which are designed to mask the smell of capsaicin itself, or give the spray a different smell, making it more suitable for carrying and using.
To sum up, pepper spray uses capsaicin as the core of attack, and uses the power of solvents and auxiliary ingredients to play a strong deterrent and self-defense effect. However, when using it, be sure to follow laws and regulations and be careful to avoid accidentally injuring innocent people or causing legal risks.
