Disinfectant or Antiseptic? Correct Use and Differences

What are the Differences and Similarities between Disinfectants and Antiseptics? What are the Harm and Benefits?

Disinfectant and Antiseptic: Definition and Purposes

1. What is a Disinfectant?
• Definition: Disinfectants are chemical substances used to kill or reduce microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) on inanimate surfaces and objects.
• Objective: To provide surface cleaning and hygiene.
• Example Usage: Table, door handle, medical devices, floor cleaning.
2. What is an Antiseptic?
• Definition: Antiseptics are chemical substances designed for use on living tissue that prevent or destroy the growth of microorganisms.
• Purpose: To protect wounds, skin and mucous membranes from infection.
• Example Use: Skin disinfection, wound cleaning, hand antiseptics.

Disinfectants and antiseptics are products used for various purposes in almost every field. They are used to sterilize and clean and have been widely used for at least 150 years. But what most people don't realize is that they are not interchangeable and must be deployed under certain conditions.

So What Are Their Differences?

Both disinfectants and antiseptics fulfill the same purpose of killing bacteria on contact. The difference, however, is that disinfectants kill bacteria on non-living surfaces such as ceramics, wood, stone or metal, while antiseptics are designed for use on skin and wounds, i.e. living tissue.

Can they be used interchangeably?

Today, disinfectants and antiseptics are not interchangeable because they are made from different ingredients (some of which can be corrosive or irritating to the skin). For example, disinfectants often use bleach and other corrosive chemicals. Antiseptics, by contrast, use ingredients such as phenol and zinc.

Antiseptic and disinfecting products are everyday chemicals that should be used with care. But when used properly, they provide the best defense against infection and disease.

Even if both disinfectants and antiseptics are different products, they must pass certain tests and inspections within the scope of biocidal products.

Tips for Proper Use

1. When Using Disinfectant:
• Use only on surfaces, avoid skin contact.
• Follow the instructions on the product label and ensure adequate ventilation.
• Ideal for medical devices and surfaces with high microbial load.
2. When Using Antiseptic:
• Use safely on cuts, abrasions and other skin damage.
• Preferred for hand and skin disinfection before surgery.
• It can be applied directly to the skin, but eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Biocidal Product Analysis.

Contact us for more information.

You can follow us on LinkedIn for up-to-date news and posts about our services.

Follow our Instagram account to be informed about our latest blog posts.