Personal safety is more important than ever, so you need a reliable way to protect yourself. Whether you’re a student, a night worker, or an outdoor enthusiast, having pepper spray is a must. It’s small, affordable, and easy to use, making it a practical option for everyone who wants to feel secure when heading out, 

But what does pepper spray feel like? Is it effective in scaring criminals? How do you use it properly? In this guide, we’ll talk about why pepper spray is a game-changer for personal safety, how to use it, and what it feels like. 

What Is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is a self-defense tool designed to temporarily incapacitate an attacker by causing intense irritation to their eyes, nose, and throat. The active ingredient in pepper spray is oleoresin capsicum (OC), a natural extract from hot chili peppers. This compound causes a burning sensation when it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.

When sprayed, pepper spray works almost immediately. In particular, it causes the eyes to close involuntarily, the skin to burn, and the throat to swell. As a result, the attacker won’t breathe properly and can’t see temporarily. The effects can last at least 20 minutes, though the attacker may experience lingering discomfort for hours. During this time, the attacker can’t continue the assault, which gives you the upper hand.

Pepper spray is also practical because it’s small, portable, and easy to use. It comes in many sizes and designs, from pepper spray keychains to bigger ones. Most of them are designed to spray a stream or mist, which allows the user to aim and release it from a safe distance. This means that even if the attacker comes at you, you don’t need to get close to them to defend yourself.

Pepper spray is legally available in many places, though the regulations around its size and strength can vary by state or country. In general, pepper spray is a non-lethal way to protect yourself. Specifically, it doesn’t permanently harm the attacker and can be used when you can’t physically fight an attacker.

How Does It Feel to Be Sprayed With Pepper Spray?

Getting sprayed with pepper spray is intense and painful. You’ll also feel like your whole face is on fire. The effects hit quickly, and the discomfort can last up to an hour, depending on how much was sprayed and how sensitive the person is to its ingredients. The main active ingredient, capsaicin, causes a range of physical reactions when it comes into contact with the skin and mucous membranes.

It starts with the immediate, sharp sting to the eyes. The attackers’ vision blurs, their eyes involuntarily shut, and the pain can feel almost unbearable. It’s like someone poured hot sauce into their eyes. It burns, stings, and makes the eyes water uncontrollably. This intense irritation then spreads to the throat and lungs, making it hard to breathe, swallow, or talk. It can also feel like they’re choking on the air.

As the pepper spray continues to take effect, the burning sensation spreads to the skin, particularly around your face, neck, and upper chest. The attacker may also experience other symptoms that make the whole situation worse, like shortness of breath, coughing, or dizziness. The body then goes into panic mode, making it hard to stay calm or think clearly.

While the physical effects eventually wear off—usually within an hour—some symptoms can stay longer, especially if the person’s sensitive to capsaicin. It’s also important to note that the pain and discomfort won’t stop just because the person wants it to. Plus, washing with water might provide some relief, but it doesn’t do much to stop the burn.

Pepper spray works so effectively because it overwhelms the senses, leaving the person sprayed in disarray. It’s a strong reminder of why it’s considered one of the most effective non-lethal self-defense tools.

How Painful Is Pepper Spray? 

Pepper spray is painful. When it hits, it causes a sharp, intense burn that starts in the eyes and quickly spreads. Imagine rubbing hot sauce into your eyes—except it’s way worse. Your eyes water uncontrollably, and even though you want to rub them to make the pain stop, you can’t. The pain doesn’t just stay in your eyes, either. It spreads across your face and neck, and your skin feels like it’s on fire.

Breathing becomes tough, too. The spray irritates your throat and lungs, making you feel like you can’t take a full breath. It’s a bit like the feeling you get when you choke on something, except it lasts much longer. You might cough, wheeze, or even gasp for air, and it’s hard to think or focus on anything. It’s not just uncomfortable; it’s also overwhelming.

The burning and stinging can last depending on how much you get sprayed with and how sensitive you are. While it’s not typically life-threatening, the experience can leave you disoriented, weak, and exhausted for hours. It’s like having a bad sunburn but multiples by ten. Similarly, the pain in your eyes feels like getting a jalapeño pepper on your hands and then rubbing it on them. It can temporarily incapacitate a person, and that’s why pepper spray is the most popular self-defense tool. 

What Happens When You Get Pepper-Sprayed?

When you get hit with pepper spray, the pain is instant and intense. It's not just a quick sting—it’s more like someone splashed hot sauce right into your eyes. Find out what happens when some get pepper-sprayed below: 

Immediate Burning Sensation

As soon as the spray hits your face, especially your eyes, it feels like a sudden, intense burn. It’s not a gentle sting—it's more like someone splashed hot sauce directly into your eyes. That pain is sharp and overwhelming.

Eyes Water Like Crazy

Your eyes will immediately start tearing up uncontrollably, and you won’t be able to stop it. This is your body’s natural reaction to flush out the irritant, but it doesn’t work fast enough to stop the burning.

Blurry Vision

The pain in your eyes makes it hard to see clearly. It’s like being in a fog of discomfort, and your vision gets blurry because of the excessive tearing and irritation.

Difficulty Breathing

Pepper spray also affects your respiratory system. You might feel like you can’t catch your breath, and it’ll probably trigger coughing. It’s not uncommon to feel like there’s something stuck in your throat, making it hard to breathe deeply.

Skin Burning

It’s not just your eyes that hurt. OC, the active ingredient in pepper spray, irritates the skin. Your skin will start to burn, too, especially around the face, neck, and any exposed areas. It feels like your skin is on fire, and even though you want to touch it, the more you do, the worse it can get.

Disorientation and Panic

The pain and discomfort can make you feel disoriented. It’s hard to think straight, and the confusion can lead to panic. You might also feel weak or nauseous, making it even harder to recover.

How Does Pepper Spray Make You Feel?

Pepper spray makes you feel intense pain and confusion. The most immediate effect is a sharp pain in the eyes, causing them to close involuntarily. The irritation can feel like a “boiling” or “bubbling” sensation, and the swelling may lead to temporary blindness. The burning sensation quickly spreads to the skin, especially on the face and neck, creating a painful feeling like your skin is on fire. Additionally, the spray causes excessive tearing and a runny nose.

Breathing becomes difficult due to severe throat irritation, which may feel like a burning or tight sensation. Coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are common as the spray irritates the airways. You may also experience chest pain and a gasping sensation, making it hard to breathe properly. Swelling in the throat can also make speaking clearly nearly impossible.

The pain and discomfort can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting in extreme cases. The overall experience can trigger panic and confusion, making it harder to think or act clearly. If the spray remains in contact with the skin for too long, it can cause rashes, blisters, or burns.

What Does Breathing in Pepper Spray Feel Like?

Breathing in pepper spray is no joke. When you inhale it, you’ll feel a strong burning sensation in your nose and throat. It’s like having hot embers shoved up your nostrils, and it can make you cough, sneeze, and even gasp for air. Your airways can tighten up, making it harder to breathe, which can feel like a panic attack. In some cases, breathing in pepper spray can cause a wheezing sound as you try to catch your breath. 

Pepper spray might lead to serious problems like the throat closing up or the lungs tightening if the person is sensitive to its ingredients. In the worst cases, breathing difficulties can be severe enough to cause fainting, though this is rare. 

How Long Does Pepper Spray Last?

Pepper spray usually lasts between one to two years, but it depends on the brand and the storage conditions. Over time, the chemicals inside the spray can lose their potency. They won’t be as effective if you wait too long to use it. This means that if you’ve had a can sitting in your bag for years, it might not have the same kick as when it was new. 

Most cans will have an expiration date printed on them, so it's a good idea to check that. If your canister starts to look damaged or the spray nozzle gets clogged, it’s time to replace it. You should also store pepper spray in a cool, dry place to help maintain its shelf life. 

How Spicy Is Pepper Spray?

Pepper spray is incredibly spicy, way beyond anything you'd find in your kitchen. The heat comes from capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot. On the Scoville scale, which measures spiciness, a typical pepper spray can range from 500,000 to 2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU). 

To put that into perspective, a jalapeño pepper scores up to 8,000 SHU, while a Thai chili pepper can go up to 100,000 SHU. So, pepper spray is 250 times hotter than the spiciest jalapeño and five times hotter than the spiciest Thai chili pepper. 

How to Use Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is the most popular defense tool. However, you can accidentally hurt yourself if you don’t know how to use it. Knowing how to use pepper spray deters the attacker while protecting yourself. Here’s how to do it properly: 

1. Grab Your Spray

When you grab the canister, make sure you get a tight, firm grip with your dominant hand. This helps ensure that an attacker can’t wrestle it away from you if they try. A loose or unsteady grip can give them the chance to take control. So, hold the spray tightly, especially when you're under stress.

2. Aim at the Attacker

Next, target the attacker’s face. Focus on their eyes, nose, and mouth. These areas are sensitive, and hitting them there will cause intense irritation and temporary blindness. Aiming for the eyes causes immediate pain and disorientation. Meanwhile, aiming at the nose and mouth will make it harder for the attacker to breathe and add to their distress. 

Pepper spray works best when you use it from two to ten feet, so try to maintain some space between you and the threat. If the attacker is too close, it might be harder to hit your target. If they’re too far away, the spray might lose its effect.

3. Spray

Most pepper sprays have a safety tab or lever that prevents them from accidentally discharging. Flip off the safety mechanism on the pepper spray after locking in your aim.

Once the safety is off, press the button or trigger to release the spray. Most pepper sprays emit a powerful stream or fog, depending on the type. Spray for about five seconds or until you cover the attacker’s face. 

Don't just give one quick burst. Doing this might not be enough to stop the attacker. A steady stream directed at their eyes incapacitates them long enough for you to escape. Avoid spraying too much in one go as well. You might need to conserve the spray for later use if the attacker doesn't back off immediately.

4. Call the Authorities

Your next priority should be to get to safety. Find a well-lit, populated area where you can stay secure until help arrives. Once you’re safe, immediately call the police. Let them know that you’ve been attacked and that you used pepper spray in self-defense. It’s important to provide them with details about the situation and the attacker. 

Prepared Hero’s Pepper Sprays contain a UV dye that marks the attacker. This can help the police identify them later. It’s also invisible, which prevents the attacker from identifying and washing them off. 

Prepared Hero Pepper Spray: Quality You Can Trust

Not all pepper sprays are made equal. Want to see how Prepared Hero’s Pepper Spray completely outshines the regular stuff? Check out this table, and you might just rethink your current choice.

Check out Prepared Hero's Pepper Spray Max if you need a long-range pepper spray. It can work up to 20 feet. It also comes with a safety cover that prevents accidental discharge and easily moves out of the way, so you can use the spray extremely fast. It’s the perfect companion when you go out at night, walk alone, drive strangers, jog, or walk your dog. 

Conclusion

Pepper sprays seem like a simple tool, but they can save your life. Knowing how pepper spray feels like helps you understand how effective they are in real life. The pain and confusion it causes give you the upper hand during a dangerous encounter.

Unfortunately, not all pepper sprays are made equal. Having a high-quality companion makes a huge difference in an emergency. With features like better accuracy, longer range, and a more reliable shelf life, Prepared Hero’s Pepper Spray Keychain and Pepper Spray Max make sure you’re not left scrambling when it matters most. Don’t settle for less—make sure you have the best protection available. Stay prepared, hero!