Pepper Spray 101 · New here? Start here.
Everything you need to know about pepper spray, in about five minutes.
What it is, how strong it should be, how to carry it and how to use it. Read the parts you need, or watch the video.
Prefer to watch? Pepper Spray 101 on our YouTube channel. More videos
The short version
Four things to know before anything else.
It’s made from peppers.
The active ingredient, OC, is an extract of hot peppers.
It buys you time.
Its job is to create distance so you can get away and get help.
It only helps if it’s on you.
Pick one you’ll carry every day, not one that sits in a drawer.
Know your local rules.
It’s legal in every state, but some limit size, age or where you buy.
What it is
A less-lethal spray that gives you a window to get away.
What’s in it
Pepper spray’s active ingredient is oleoresin capsicum (OC), an oil extracted from hot peppers. It’s mixed into a formula and sprayed from a small canister.
It doesn’t contain the tear gases CN or CS. Those are different chemicals.
What it does
- Makes the eyes close
- Causes an intense burning feeling on the face
- Causes coughing
- The effects are temporary
Your responsibility: pepper spray is for self-defense only. Use it to get away from a threat, then go somewhere safe and call 911.
Strength in 30 seconds
Three numbers. One matters most.
You’ll see these on every pepper spray label. Here’s what each one tells you, using POM’s formula as the example.
10%
OC · how much pepper extract
The share of the formula that’s pepper extract. On its own, it doesn’t tell you how hot that extract is.
2.12M
SHU · how hot the extract is
Scoville Heat Units rate the heat of the pepper extract before it’s mixed into the formula.
1.40%
MC · the heat in the can
Major capsaicinoids: the heat actually in the spray, measured by lab test. The number to compare.
The same formula is in every POM pepper spray, and every batch is HPLC lab tested.
Read the full sciencePick your POM
Choose by how you’ll carry it.
Same formula, same flip-top safety. The difference is size and where it lives on you.
Everyday carry
Clip, Key or Snap
½ oz. Clips to a pocket or bag (Clip), rides on your keys (Key) or snap-hooks to a ring or lanyard (Snap).
Up to 20 bursts · up to 12 ft
Running
Runner
0.75 oz in a stretch-fit glove that holds it in your palm on a run.
Up to 35 bursts · up to 15 sec
Belt & duty
MK-3
1.8 oz, with or without a belt clip. More range and more spray.
20+ bursts · up to 18 ft
Home
Home Defense
9.2 oz, kept in one known spot at home.
Not sure? Most people start with a ½ oz unit for everyday carry. Compare every POM
Carry it
The best pepper spray is the one you have on you.
Within reach in a second
A front pocket, your keys or a bag strap. Not the bottom of a bag.
Same spot every day
If it always lives in one place, your hand finds it without thinking.
Check the date
Look for the expiration date on your unit and replace it before then.
Use it
Flip. Aim. Press. Then get away.
01
Flip
Flip the top open with your thumb. It’s closed the rest of the time, so it won’t go off in your bag.
02
Aim
Point it at the attacker’s face.
03
Press
Press down firmly and spray in short bursts.
04
Get away
Move to safety right away and call 911.
Practice before you need it.
An inert unit sprays water with the same flip-top action, so you can practice flipping, aiming and pressing for real.
Laws & travel
Legal in all 50 states. The details vary.
Laws by state
Size limits, age rules and where you can buy, for every state and D.C.
Find your state →
Flying
Never in your carry-on. Our ½ oz units contain no CS or CN and meet the FAA’s conditions for checked bags.
Flying with pepper spray →
Where we ship
Some states and territories restrict shipping pepper spray. See where we can and can’t send it.
Shipping restrictions →
Quick answers
Common questions
Is pepper spray legal where I live?
Yes. Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states and D.C. Some states limit the size or strength, set an age minimum or restrict who can sell it. Check your state on our laws by state page.
What's the difference between OC, SHU and MC?
OC is how much pepper extract is in the formula. SHU is how hot that extract is. MC is the heat actually in the spray, measured by lab test, which makes it the best number to compare. Read the full science.
Which POM should I get first?
Pick the one that fits how you'll carry it. For everyday carry, the ½ oz Clip, Key or Snap. For running, the Runner. For a belt, the MK-3. For home, Home Defense. Every POM pepper spray uses the same formula.
Can I bring pepper spray on a plane?
Never in your carry-on. POM's ½ oz units contain no CS or CN and meet the FAA's conditions for self-defense spray in checked bags. Check your airline and destination too.
How can I practice without spraying the real thing?
Use an inert unit. It sprays water with the same flip-top action, so you can practice flipping, aiming and pressing.
More questions? See all FAQs or contact us.
Keep learning
Go deeper on the parts that matter to you.
Find the POM you’ll actually carry.
Same formula in every unit. Pick the size and carry style that fits your day.