Bear spray is made mainly from oleoresin of capsicum —a concentrated extract from hot peppers—mixed with a carrier liquid and a propellant that turns it into an aerosol spray.

What’s inside

  • Active ingredient: capsaicin and related capsaicinoids from chili peppers, usually limited to about 1–2% in bear spray formulations.
  • Carrier agent: a liquid that helps keep the pepper extract evenly mixed.
  • Propellant: often a compressed gas such as R134a that pushes the spray out of the canister.

How it works

When sprayed, the capsaicin irritates a bear’s eyes and respiratory system, causing intense discomfort and giving you time to get away.

Quick note

Bear spray is different from personal pepper spray for people, and it’s regulated as a wildlife deterrent with specific concentration and range requirements.