How badly would pure capsaicin burn the skin?

Answer 1

Not very, but it can be irritating. I grow habaneros and pick them wearing surgical gloves. This is mainly because I wear contact lenses and I don't want any chance of residue on my fingers when I take them out at the end of the day.

Capsaicin is just an enzyme. It doesn't reall "burn" anything which is why it makes for a safer anti-attacker spray than mace...it doesn't cause lasting damage.