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The widespread introduction of antiseptic surgical methods followed the publishing of the paper Antiseptic Principle of the Practice of Surgery in 1867 by Joseph Lister, inspired by the findings of Louis Pasteur. Some of this work was preceded slightly by that of Dr. George H Tichenor and Ignaz Semmelweis.

Some common antiseptics are:

• Alcohol: Used to disinfect the skin before injections are given.
• Quaternary Ammonium Compound s (such as Benzalkonium Chloride): Used as a pre-operative skin disinfectant. Antiseptic towels are often impregnated with this chemical.
• Boric acid: Uses in suppositories to treat yeast infections of the vagina, in eyewashes, and as an antiviral to shorten the duration of cold sore attacks. Put into creams for burns.
• Chlorhexidine GluconateChlorhexidine Gluconate is an antiseptic mouthwash designed to kill plaque and other oral bacteria. In some countries it is available by prescription only. It is sometimes marketed under the brand names Peridex Periochip Periogard Oral Rinse or in the UK: Used as a skin disinfectant and to treat inflammation of the gums ( gingivitisGingivitis is the inflammation of the gums ( gingiva) around the teeth due to improper cleaning of teeth. The condition is almost always reversible. Brushing teeth with toothpaste and flossing with dental floss are the best ways to prevent gingivitis.)
• Hydrogen peroxideProperties General Name Hydrogen peroxide Chemical formula H O Appearance Colourless liquid Physical Formula weight 34. 0 amu Melting point 272. 4 °C) Boiling point 423 K (150 °C) Density 1. 4 ×103 kg/ m3 Solubility miscible Thermochemistry ΔH0 -136: Used as a 6% (20Vols) solution to clean and deodorise wounds and ulcerAn ulcer latin: ulcus is an open sore of the skin or mucous membrane, often caused by an initial abrasion and generally maintained by infection. What are ulcers Ulcers are non healing wounds that develop on the skin, mucous membranes or eye. Although theys.
• IodineIodine (from the Gr. Iodes meaning "violet"), is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol I and atomic number 53. This is an insoluble element that is required as a trace element for living organisms. Chemically, iodine is the least re: Usually used in an alcohol solution to disinfect minor wounds and as a pre- and post-operative disinfectant.
• MercurochromeA topical antiseptic that supposedly works better than any other antiseptic, but was banned by the FDA in the US in the 1990's. dibromohydroxymercurifluorescein C20H8Br2HgNa2O6 http://www. mercurochrome.: Reportedly works better than any other antiseptic. Banned in USA by the FDA, ostensibly due mercury poisoning scare.
• PhenolPhenol or carbolic acid is a white crystalline solid, with a chemical formula of , a melting point of 43°C, and a boiling point of 182°C at the pressure of 1 atmosphere (or 101080 Pa). It is not a real alcohol, because the hydroxyl group is fixed on a uns compounds: Used as a "scrub" for pre-operative hand cleansing. Used in the form of a powder as an antiseptic baby powder, where it is dusted onto the belly button as it heals. Also used in mouthwashAntiseptic mouth rinse, often called mouthwash is an oral hygiene product that claims to kill the germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. It is used by people interested in oral health and in not offending others with bad breath. It often comes and throat lozenges, where it has a painkilling effect as well as an antiseptic one.
• Sodium chloride: Used as a general cleanser. Also used as an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Ultraviolet light: Used for sterilization of laboratories, hospitals, and washrooms, as well as to sanitize drinking water.