What is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)?

• A. A mixture of the oil and resin within garden variety peppers.
• B. A synthetic irritant used in law enforcement.
• C. A water-based gel used for crowd control.
• D. An essential oil extracted from citrus fruits.

Answer: (A)

Oleoresin Capsicum is the natural pepper extract that combines the oil portion with the resin from Capsicum peppers. This plant-derived compound is used in pepper sprays as an irritant, and it is not synthetic, not water-based, and not an essential oil from citrus fruits. The active capsaicinoids in OC irritate eyes, skin, and mucous membranes by activating pain receptors (TRPV1), causing a burning sensation, tearing, coughing, and temporary incapacitation. That’s why the description of OC as a mixture of oil and resin from garden-variety peppers best matches what OC is.