OC, Mace, and CS Gas: What's Actually in Your Pepper Spray?

The terms "pepper spray," "Mace," and "tear gas" are often used interchangeably — but they're actually very different formulas with different active ingredients, different effects, and different levels of stopping power. If you carry one of these tools for self-defense, it's worth knowing exactly what you've got.

OC Spray (Oleoresin Capsicum) — The Most Effective

What it is: OC spray is derived from hot peppers — specifically the capsaicin and related compounds found in chili peppers. It's a natural inflammatory agent.

How it works: When OC contacts the eyes, it causes immediate, involuntary closing of the eyelids, intense burning, temporary blindness, and inflammation of the mucous membranes, making breathing difficult. Effects begin in under a second and last 20–45 minutes.

Why it's preferred: OC spray works on everyone — including people under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which is a significant advantage over CS gas. It's the active ingredient in the vast majority of civilian and law enforcement pepper sprays today.

Effectiveness rating: ★★★★★

CN Gas (Mace Classic) — Largely Outdated

What it is: "Mace" was originally a brand name for a CN gas (chloroacetophenone) spray — a tear gas compound first developed for military use.

How it works: CN causes tearing and irritation, but its effects are slower to onset than OC and it's significantly less effective on people who are enraged, intoxicated, or have a high pain tolerance.

Modern note: The Mace brand has largely transitioned to OC and combination formulas. Classic CN-only Mace is rarely sold today. When you see "Mace®" in our store, it refers to the brand's modern OC-based products — not the old CN formula.

Effectiveness rating: ★★★

CS Gas — Tear Gas (Crowd Control, Not Personal Defense)

What it is: CS gas (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) is what most people picture when they think of "tear gas" — it's the compound used in riot control grenades and military applications.

How it works: CS causes intense tearing, burning of the skin, and respiratory irritation. However, like CN, it's less effective on highly agitated individuals and has a slower onset.

Why it's not in most civilian sprays: CS is primarily a crowd-dispersal agent and has been largely replaced by OC in personal defense applications.

Effectiveness rating: ★★★

Triple Action Formula — The Best of Multiple Worlds

Some sprays — like our Mace® Triple Action Sprays — combine OC, CN, and UV dye in a single canister. The UV dye helps law enforcement identify an attacker after the fact, while the OC/CN combination maximizes the irritant effect.

The Real Metric: Major Capsaicinoids (MC)

When evaluating any OC-based spray, ignore the total OC percentage on the label. What matters is the Major Capsaicinoids (MC) concentration — this is the true measure of heat and stopping power. Look for sprays with 0.67%–1.4% MC for maximum effectiveness.

What's in GuardUp's Sprays?

Every pepper spray we carry uses a verified OC formula with clearly stated MC concentrations. We don't carry outdated or ineffective formulas. Browse our full pepper spray collection and check the specs on any product.