Ever wondered what OC spray actually is or how it works? You’re not alone. Whether you’ve seen it on cop shows, carry a can for safety, or just want to understand how it affects people, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explain what it is, what it’s made of, how it feels, and where you can legally use it.

What Is an OC Spray?

OC spray is also known as pepper spray. It's made from chili peppers and contains capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their heat. When sprayed, it causes a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. This reaction can temporarily blind or disable someone, making it a go-to option for personal safety and crowd control.

The main ingredient, capsaicin, makes up 80 to 90% of the spray’s active formula. It sticks to pain receptors and causes intense irritation. Law enforcement uses strong versions of it to manage aggressive individuals or disperse crowds. Some police-grade OC sprays can reach up to 2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which contains more heat than your average hot sauce. Civilians can also carry milder versions in case they need to defend themselves.

In short, OC spray is a powerful, non-lethal way to protect yourself. It’s easy to carry, fast-acting, and legal in many areas like NYC. Just aim and spray to get away safely.

What Does OC Mean?

OC stands for oleoresin capsicum. It’s an oil-based extract from chili peppers and is the main ingredient in pepper or OC spray. OC contains capsaicin, which is the same substance that makes spicy food burn your mouth. However, it’s way more concentrated in pepper spray keychains and pepper sprays with maximum effects. Their job isn’t to flavor your tacos. They’re meant to stop criminals fast.

When OC spray hits someone’s eyes, nose, or skin, it causes a strong burning sensation, tearing, coughing, and sometimes temporary blindness. It’s used to temporarily disable an attacker so you can get away safely. Law enforcement officers also use it to control crowds and handle aggressive individuals without using lethal force.

However, OC doesn’t just show up in pepper spray. You’ll also find small amounts in pain relief creams, spicy food products, and even some cosmetics. It’s used in arthritis creams to block pain signals, in cellulite creams to boost circulation, and in pest solutions to keep animals away from crops.

So, when you hear someone say “OC spray,” they’re talking about a powerful, non-lethal tool made from hot peppers. It’s safe when used properly and gives you a quick way out of dangerous situations.

Is OC Spray Stronger Than Bear Spray?

No, OC spray isn’t stronger than bear spray. Even though they both use the same main ingredient, bear spray is more intense. It usually has a higher concentration of OC and can shoot a thick cloud up to 30 feet. That’s because it’s designed to stop large animals like bears from charging. On the other hand, OC spray is meant for human self-defense. It’s more focused, works at shorter distances, and is easier to carry.

Bear spray is also designed to work in rough outdoor conditions like wind and rain. Its wide spray pattern helps cover more area, which is helpful if a bear is running at you. However, you can’t use it on humans. In fact, it’s illegal to use bear spray on people because it’s too strong and not as controlled.

So while pepper spray is strong enough to stop a person, bear spray is built to stop a 300-pound animal. That’s a big difference. If you’re facing a bear, use bear spray. If you’re being attacked by a person, use OC or pepper spray. Learn more about the differences between pepper spray and bear spray here. 

Can Civilians Carry OC Spray?

Yes, civilians can carry OC spray all over the United States. It’s legal in all states, but some have restrictions, including the canister size, the user’s age, the concentration, and who can sell it. For instance, you can’t carry a canister over 2.5 ounces in California. OC or pepper sprays that look like pens or lipstick are also banned. 

Age restrictions exist, too. If you’re under 18, you might need a guardian’s permission, and if you have certain criminal convictions, you may not be allowed to carry it at all. For example, only those aged 18 or older can purchase pepper sprays in Washington.

Misusing pepper spray can also lead to big fines or even jail time, so it’s not something to mess around with. Flying with OC spray is tricky as well. According to the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), you can bring it if it’s in a checked bag. However, airlines like Southwest, United, and JetBlue don’t let you check in pepper spray, even if it meets TSA guidelines.

While civilians can legally carry OC spray for protection, everyone needs to follow local laws. So, you should read up on local guidelines or ask a legal professional before buying or using it.

Should You Shower After Being Sprayed With OC?

You should take a cold shower after being sprayed with OC or pepper spray, whether directly, carried by the wind, or rubbed off on you. Avoid a hot shower, though, because it opens your pores and can make things worse. Then, use dishwashing liquid instead of regular soap or shampoo. Make sure to rinse your body in sections, and prevent contaminated water from running over the clean parts. 

There are pre-shower guidelines as well. OC can stick to fabric and irritate you further. Remove contaminated clothes and seal them in a plastic bag. If you can’t throw them, wash them many times with castile soap. 

In addition, you should drink a lot of water and eat well after showering. Your body has been through a chemical attack, so it needs fuel. See a doctor if you have any trouble breathing, chest pain, or a weird cough 24 hours later. 

Can You Leave OC Spray in a Car?

You can’t leave OC spray in a car. Cars heat up fast, especially in the summer. This can mess with the canister and increase the pressure. As a result, the canister might leak or burst. The cold isn’t great either. Leaving your OC spray in your car during winter can make it less effective. 

Plus, OC sprays leaking in your car are a safety risk. The substance is strong and can cause irritation. This can cause accidents when driving. It’s worse for kids and pets. 

The safest move? Keep your OC spray at room temperature, somewhere dry, and away from sunlight, kids, and pets. Only take it out when needed. 

What Does Pepper Spray Do to You?

Pepper spray feels painful. The second it gets in your face, your eyes slam shut and start watering like crazy. It feels like a more intense hot sauce was poured right into them. Trying to open your eyes also makes the pain worse. Your throat starts to burn, and breathing gets tough, and it feels like you're inhaling fire. You’ll probably cough, wheeze, and feel like you’re choking. Plus, your skin will sting like a really bad sunburn. If you touch it, the pain spreads. However, the effects are temporary. 

How Long Does OC Spray Stay On You?

OC sprays can stay on you for 45 minutes to an hour. However, it can stay longer depending on the person. Once sprayed, the OC causes intense pain and burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat. This reaction occurs because the main ingredient, capsaicin, causes irritation and inflammation. 

While the effects are extremely uncomfortable, they’re not permanent. After several minutes, the burning sensation will start to fade, but it can be painful for up to an hour.  The attacker may be able to recover after the effects wear off, but the short-term nature of the impact gives you enough time to escape or seek help. It's also important to note that the spray’s effectiveness can vary depending on factors like the wind and the person’s tolerance to it.

How Long Does Pepper Spray Last?

Pepper spray doesn’t last forever. Most cans stay effective for about two years. After that, the oleoresin capsicum starts to lose its effectiveness. This means the spray won’t hit as hard or cause the same burning reaction when used. If you want OC spray that lasts longer, check out our Pepper Spray Keychain and Pepper Spray Max.

The propellant inside the can also weakens over time. If there’s not enough pressure, the spray might just dribble out instead of spraying. This makes it unreliable in an emergency.

Where you store it matters, too. If it sits in a hot car or gets too cold, the ingredients and pressure can break down faster. So, always check the expiration date printed on the can. If it’s expired, toss it and get a new one, even if it looks fine.

Give it a quick press outside (away from people and pets) to test if it’s still working. If it sprays weakly or not at all, it’s time for a replacement. 

In addition, pepper spray lasts on the skin for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the person and how much spray is used. The intense burning and irritation start right away and can feel severe. However, the sensation can be different for everyone.

How to Make Pepper Spray

You can make pepper spray at home, but it won’t be as strong as the commercially available ones. However, only do this if it’s legal where you live, and only for self-defense. It’s strong stuff and can cause serious pain.

Start by chopping up 10 hot chillies (the hotter, the better). Mash them into a pulp and cover them with acetone. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours, while shaking now and then. Then, strain the mix through a coffee filter and let the liquid sit until the acetone evaporates. You’ll be left with a spicy extract.

Do the same thing with black pepper (about 50 grams). This adds the coughing and sneezing effect. Once both extracts are ready, mix them with about 20 ml of water. Add food coloring if you want. Pour it into a spray bottle, and that’s it.

Is OC Spray Better Than CS Spray?

OC spray is better than CS spray for self-defense. OC comes from hot peppers and targets pain receptors in the eyes, nose, and lungs. It makes attackers feel like their heads are on fire, and they just inhaled a swarm of wasps. It causes burning, sweating, and short-term breathing problems.

On the other hand, CS is a synthetic chemical that mainly affects the eyes and respiratory system. It burns, too, but it’s more likely to be used in large crowd control situations. The smoke it creates can even cause burns, which makes it a bit riskier in some ways.

Both wear off in about an hour, but OC is safer because its effects are temporary. Plus, OC sprays are easier to aim and carry for personal safety. CS spray is also illegal in some places, while OC spray is legal all over the US.

What Does OC Spray Do to Your Eyes?

OC spray, or pepper spray, hits your eyes fast and hard. It causes a burning pain that can feel unbearable. Your eyelids swell up, your eyes tear like crazy, and it’s almost impossible to keep them open. That’s why people who are sprayed in the face often experience temporary blindness or blurry vision for a while.

The stinging and redness usually show up right away, along with sensitivity to light. In most cases, these effects wear off within an hour. However, it’s worse for people with eye conditions and those wearing contact lenses. The spray can scratch your eye’s surface or trigger inflammation like conjunctivitis. 

If it happens, flush your eyes with cold water for at least 15 minutes. Don’t rub them, and toss any contaminated contacts. If the pain sticks around or gets worse, get medical help right away.

Conclusion

OC spray is a simple but powerful tool for personal safety. It gives you a quick way to protect yourself without causing long-term harm. Whether you're walking alone at night or just want peace of mind, having it on hand can make a big difference. Just remember to use it responsibly, store it right, and know your local laws. 

Do you want reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable personal safety tools that scare off attackers? Check out Prepared Hero’s personal safety tools here, and get up to 51% off on certain items. Stay prepared, hero!