Pepper spray is a generic term for all self-defense sprays that contain oleoresin capsicum, a carrier and a propellant. Oleoresin Capsicum is the active ingredient in pepper spray, harvested or derived from cayenne peppers or chile others. Its effects are physically painful and disabling non-irritating, making it ideal for self-defense sprays that are intended for use on assailants who are immune to pain (psychotics, those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or just “tough guys “).
Tear gas, on the other hand, is commonly one of two chemical compounds: CS (orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile) or NC (choroacetophenone). These compounds, when sprayed on an attacker’s face, work to irritate eyes, skin and respiratory system. Work on the principle of pain, and therefore are not effective against those who are insensitive to pain.
Mace is a brand that is used to provide only tear gas. Now, Mace offers several different types of self-defense spray, including:
Mace Triple Action is the pepper spray, tear gas and UV dye. The pepper spray the attacker physically disabled, forcing the eyes shut and clenching his bronchial tubes, making it impossible for him to see and very difficult for him to breathe. Tear gas irritates the bronchial tubes, which makes you cough. UV Dye marks the assailant with a purple mess, making it easily identifiable.
Pepper Mace uses a solution of oleoresin capsicum 10 percent and UV dye. OC The solution is particularly strong, not a kick in as quickly as a smaller concentration 1.5 percent, but the effects are longer, sometimes up to 45 minutes.
Pepper foam is the same as pepper Mace, but the sprays as a foam instead of liquid.
So as you can see, it is a matter of pepper spray mace against because Mace is just a brand name. The question is really one of tear gas pepper spray. The winner? Pepper spray, hands down.