Antiseptics are antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue such as skin to reduce the possibility of infection. They cannot be indigested.

Bithional has antiseptic properties and so it is added to soaps to reduce the bad odour produced by bacterial decomposition of organic matter on the skin that is to keep us fresh.

Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents that are applied to the surface of non-living objects to destroy microorganisms that are living on the objects. Also, dilute solutions of some disinfectants can be used as antiseptic.