MACE Self-Defense Products
About MACE
MACE was invented in the 1960s by physicist Alan Lee Litman in Pittsburgh when his wife, a high school biology teacher, was threatened on the street and needed a self-defense tool.
The first "Chemical Mace" was commercially introduced in 1965 and debuted at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Miami Beach.
Originally intended as a defensive weapon for women, MACE quickly gained adoption by law enforcement as a more humane alternative to nightsticks and firearms during the civil rights era.
The brand became so popular that "mace" became a generic term for pepper spray, regardless of manufacturer, fundamentally creating the defensive chemical spray concept.
Today, Mace Security International continues manufacturing in Cleveland, Ohio, providing responsibly produced and precisely engineered personal defense products with over 55 years of proven reliability.
Popular MACE Features
Pepper Gel Technology
- Introduced in 2004, pepper gel resists wind blowback and provides safer indoor use compared to traditional spray formulations.
Triple Action Formula
- Combines CN tear gas, OC pepper, and UV detection dye for maximum effectiveness and suspect identification hours later.
Flip-Top Safety Caps
- Multiple safety features including flip-top caps and twist locks prevent accidental discharge while ensuring quick access when needed.
Finger-Grip Dispensers
- Ergonomic finger-grip design provides comfortable and secure handling during high-stress situations.
Glow-in-the-Dark Activation
- Glow-in-the-dark firing buttons make products easy to locate and use in low-light conditions.
Maximum Strength Formulas
- 10% OC formulas deliver maximum strength allowed by law with effective range up to 12-18 feet and 20-45 minutes of incapacitation.
Best-Selling MACE Products
Triple Action Police Model
- Maximum strength 3-in-1 formula used by law enforcement with flip-top safety cap and finger-grip dispenser.
Magnum Pepper Gel Series
- Magnum 3 and Magnum 4 models feature wind-resistant gel formula perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
Personal Model Pepper Spray
- Compact design with finger-grip dispenser and built-in keychain attachment for everyday carry convenience.
Sport Model Pepper Spray
- Features adjustable hand strap and compact design ideal for joggers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pocket Model Triple Action
- Ultra-compact 3-in-1 formula with belt clip and keychain options for discreet everyday carry.
Pepper Guns
- Projectile-based pepper spray systems with refillable cartridges for extended range and multiple shots.
Animal Defense Sprays
- Specialized muzzle sprays designed for protection against aggressive dogs and wildlife encounters.
Popular Uses for MACE
Personal Self-Defense
- MACE provides reliable protection for civilians against human attackers with simple "flip, point, spray" operation requiring no special training.
Law Enforcement Applications
- Police officers and security personnel rely on MACE for crowd control, suspect apprehension, and riot management as a non-lethal alternative.
Women's Safety
- Originally designed for women's protection, MACE remains the top choice for personal safety during late-night commutes and urban environments.
Outdoor Safety
- Hikers, campers, joggers, and dog walkers use MACE for protection against aggressive animals and wildlife encounters.
Campus and Professional Security
- College students, real estate agents, delivery drivers, and service workers rely on MACE for portable, legal protection during work hours.
MACE FAQs
QUESTION: How long does MACE pepper spray last and when should I replace it?
ANSWER: MACE pepper sprays have a shelf life of up to 4 years when properly stored, and you should check the printed expiration date and replace accordingly.
QUESTION: What is the effective range of MACE pepper spray products?
ANSWER: MACE pepper sprays have an effective range of 6-18 feet depending on the model, with most personal models reaching 10-12 feet.
QUESTION: Is MACE pepper spray legal to carry and use for self-defense?
ANSWER: MACE is legal in most jurisdictions for civilian self-defense, but you should check local and state laws regarding possession and use restrictions.
QUESTION: What is the difference between MACE pepper spray and pepper gel?
ANSWER: MACE pepper gel resists wind blowback and is safer for indoor use, while traditional spray covers a wider area but can be affected by wind conditions.
QUESTION: How effective is MACE and how long do the effects last?
ANSWER: MACE causes 20-45 minutes of temporary incapacitation including intense burning, tearing, and difficulty breathing, providing time to escape danger.
QUESTION: Can I take MACE pepper spray on an airplane or ship it by air?
ANSWER: MACE cannot be carried on aircraft or shipped via air transportation due to TSA regulations and must be shipped ground only.
QUESTION: What should I do if I accidentally get exposed to MACE spray?
ANSWER: If accidentally exposed to MACE, immediately rinse the affected area with cold water and baby shampoo, avoiding hot water which intensifies the effects.
QUESTION: Do I need special training to use MACE pepper spray effectively?
ANSWER: While no formal training is required, MACE recommends practicing with the spray pattern in a safe outdoor area to familiarize yourself with operation.
QUESTION: What is MACE Triple Action formula and why is it effective?
ANSWER: MACE Triple Action combines CN tear gas, OC pepper, and UV detection dye for maximum stopping power and suspect identification assistance.
QUESTION: How can I verify that my MACE product is authentic?
ANSWER: Authentic MACE products feature the official Mace Brand Authentic Product Seal guarantee and should be purchased from authorized dealers.

