Pepper spray is a generic term for all self-defense sprays that oleoresin capsicum, a carrier and a propellant gas. Oleoresin Capsicum is the active ingredient in pepper spray, harvested or derived from cayenne peppers or other peppers. Its effects are physically incapacitating rather than painfully irritating; This makes it ideal for self-defense sprays for use on assailants who are immune to pain (psychotics, which determines under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or just “tough guys” are).

Tear gas, on the other side is a chemical commonly of two compounds: CS (orthochlorobenzalmalononitrile) or CN (choroacetophenone). These compounds, when in the face of an attacker’s work exudes irritating to eyes, skin and respiratory system. They operate on the principle of pain, and so are not effective against those who are insensitive to pain.

Mace is a brand that offer only used tear gas. Mace now offers several types of self-defense spray, including:

Mace Triple Action is pepper spray, tear gas and ultra-violet dye. The pepper spray out of action to force the attacker physically closed by eyes and tightening his bronchial tubes, making it impossible for him to see and breathe very difficult for him. The tear gas irritates the bronchial tubes, making him cough. The UV Dye marks the attacker with a purple mess, making him easily recognizable.

Pepper Mace uses a 10-percent oleoresin capsicum solution and UV dye. The OC solution is a particularly strong and it does not kick in as soon as a lower concentration like 1-5 percent, but the effects are longer, sometimes up to 45 minutes.

Pepper foam is the same as pepper Mace, but it sprays as a foam rather than a liquid.

So, as you can, it is not a question of Mace vs. pepper spray, since Mace is simply a brand. The question is really one against tear gas pepper spray. The winner? Pepper spray, hands down.