Pepper Spray Formulations: Heat, Strength and the Law

The Truth about Pepper Spray

Because human pepper sprays are not government regulated*, manufacturers can make unchecked, exaggerated claims implying their sprays are more effective than they are..

If you're looking for industrial-grade, high-performance pepper spray, the heat levels reported can be confusing. The key item in SABRE pepper spray ingredients is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC), and it's vital that the potency is accurately tested. The truth is that SABRE is the only pepper spray manufacturer that controls and guarantees formula strength! Our exclusive HPLC, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Guarantee means our pepper sprays never fail due to inconsistent heat levels. No other brand can make the same claim.

Stay informed: *The only pepper sprays that are government regulated (by the EPA and Health Canada) are animal pepper sprays. Dog sprays range from 0.25% to 1.0% major capsaicinoids and bear sprays range from 1.0% to 2.0% major capsaicinoids.

The Truth About OC Percentage and SHU

OC Percentage: Some pepper sprays promote a high oleoresin capsicum (OC) percentage in their formula, which some may believe indicates a more effective spray. But this number only measures the amount of pepper within the spray, not the heat strength or effectiveness.

Scoville Heat Units (SHU):Others promote the SHU of the raw pepper, not of the pepper spray formulation. The SHU of the raw peppers is highly diluted when included in the pepper spray formula, and therefore not an accurate indicator of strength.

The True Measure of Heat In Pepper Spray

Major capsaicinoids are the true heat measure and can only be guaranteed through High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing. SABRE is the only brand that consistently tests heat in its pepper spray formula and is the only brand to guarantee maximum strength formula in every canister.

Learn how SABRE tests pepper spray to guarantee heat levels.