Abstract: An aqueous composition to neutralize the irritating effect of capsaicin on the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, comprised of an neutralizing amount of a C.sub.x H.sub.2y O.sub.y carbohydrate, where x and y are numbers and may be the same or different, a mild, nonirritating detergent to solubilize the capsaicin, an effective of amount of a pH adjustor to keep the pH in the range of from about 6.5 to 8, and the balance water.