An antimicrobial chemical used on the skin is usually called an antiseptic. Antiseptics often contain the same chemicals as disinfectants, but they are less concentrated and therefore safer to use on living tissues. Antiseptics may be used for; hand washing for example the chlorhexidine gluconate and providone iodine solutions are often used in hand scrubs and hand rubs in hospital settings. They may be used for pre-operative skin disinfection where antiseptics are applied to the operation site to reduce the resident skin flora.
