Pepper spray is one of the most popular self-defense products for women. It is a small canister of oleoresin capsicum (OC), a chemical derived from cayenne peppers that causes temporary blindness, coughing, and difficulty breathing when sprayed in an attacker’s face. This can give the victim time to escape or call for help.
Pepper spray is easy to carry and use, and it can be effective against most attackers. It is also relatively inexpensive, with most canisters costing between $10 and $20. Some models come with additional features, such as UV dye that can help identify attackers later.