Phenols -'Lysol' which is still used as a rough antisetic, is a mixture of cresols solubilized with soap or alkali. Its drawback is that it is toxic and also an irritant. Chlorinated cresols or xylenols (e.g. 'Dettol') are now commonly used. They are, however, less active against staphylococci and pseudomonads than the cationic antiseptics. Hexachlorophene is effective against the gram positive bacteria in the surface layers of the skin, and is used in surgical washing soaps and in antiperspirants.
