What is Pepper Spray? Your Most-Googled Pepper Spray Questions, Answered

What is Pepper Spray? Your Most-Googled Pepper Spray Questions, Answered

04 05 2024

Pepper spray is one of the most popular self-defense tools on the market. Whether you're considering carrying it for safety or simply curious about its effects, it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs, so we’ve answered the most common consumer questions about pepper spray on the internet. Let’s tackle your burning questions.


1. How long does pepper spray last?


SABRE pepper spray and pepper gel has a 4-year shelf life. After this, you should purchase a replacement. When sprayed, the effects of pepper spray can last from 30 minutes up to a few hours. The duration of the effects can vary depending on the strength of the spray and where it is sprayed.


SABRE Mighty Discreet Pepper Spray

SABRE Mighty Discreet Pepper Spray


2. What is pepper spray made of?


Pepper spray is made with oleoresin capsicum (OC), an oil resin derived from peppers. OC contains several different capsaicinoids, including major capsaicinoids(MC), the component that gives peppers their heat and pepper spray its sting.


SABRE pepper sprays and pepper gels contain 1.33% MC, guaranteed through SABRE in-house testing of every batch.Most major law enforcement agencies worldwide use this same formula.


Other ingredients include water and UV marking dye. The SABRE 3-in-1 Defense Formula also contains CS Tear Gas.


3. How does it feel to be pepper sprayed?


Pepper spray irritates the eyes, skin, and mucus membranes. The effects can vary depending on where it’s sprayed and the type of spray pattern, but can include involuntary eye closure, coughing, difficulty breathing, and a burning sensation.


SABRE Pepper Spray with Flip Top Safety and Key Ring

SABRE Pepper Spray with Fast Flip Top™ Safety and Key Ring


4. How to use pepper spray?


Grip. Spray. Get Away—this is how to use pepper spray. Grip the pepper spray canister in your dominant hand, placing your thumb on the actuator on top. This grip provides you with better aim and ease of use. Next, spray from ear to ear and across the eyes. Once you’ve hit the attacker, get away and escape to safety, and call for help. 


5. Does pepper spray expire?


All SABRE pepper spray and pepper gels expire after 4 years. While the pepper spray formula does not lose strength, all aerosol products eventually lose pressure over time, meaning the spray may no longer deploy when you press the actuator. You can find the expiration date on any SABRE pepper spray or pepper gel printed directly on the canister or a sticker adhered to the case.


SABRE Pepper Spray

SABRE Pepper Sprays


6. Does pepper spray work on bears?


Because bears are much stronger and larger than the average human, your keyring pepper spray will not stop a charging bear. Although pepper spray and bear spray contain the same ingredients, bear spray is almost 50 percent stronger than standard consumer pepper sprays to make it effective against an aggressive bear. Always carry bear spray if you’re headed into the great outdoors.


Frontiersman MAX spray is the first bear deterrent registered by the EPA for use on bears and mountain lions.


7. Where can I buy pepper spray?


Pepper spray is legal to sell, carry, and use for self-defense in all 50 states. Although some states have specific restrictions about selling pepper spray, SABRE pepper spray is available in-store and online at many mass-merchant retailers, sporting goods stores, hardware and home improvement stores,and other independent retailers. For more information about finding SABRE pepper spray and pepper gel near you, visit this page.


SABRE Jeweled Pepper Spray

SABRE Jeweled Pepper Spray


8. How old do you have to be to carry pepper spray?


In several states, pepper sprays and pepper gels can only be sold to or used by individuals 18 years old or older. Remember, these self-defense tools are meant for defensive purposes only.


9. Is pepper spray legal in New York?


Yes, pepper spray is legal in New York. While there are regulations for shipping pepper spray to New York, it is legal to carry and use it for self-defense. Find out where you can purchase SABRE pepper spray or pepper gel in New York here