
Our gold standard for study? Lee Kum Kee’s version (if you’re just too lazy to read on, you can buy a jar here). A close study of various ingredients—some more chemical than others—brought me back to a core list of ingredients…
Oleoresin capsicum is a concentrated extract that combines the resin and essential oils of capsicum peppers. This potent substance is known for its intense heat and is commonly used in both culinary and industrial applications. In the food industry, oleoresin capsicum is used as a flavoring agent in sauces, seasonings, and spicy snacks, providing a consistent and controlled heat level. Industrially, it is a key ingredient in self-defense pepper sprays due to its ability to cause temporary blindness and severe irritation when sprayed, providing an effective means of protection.