An antiseptic is a chemical agent that destroys or inhibits microorganisms on living tissue such as oral cavities, skin, and open wound. A few antiseptics are capable of destroying microorganisms and are termed as bactericidal (hydrogen peroxide, mercurochrome). Only a few of these are capable of preventing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and are termed as bacteriostatic (alcohol, phenol). Primary application areas of antibiotics include hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and households. Examples of antiseptic liquid include alcohol, phenol, quaternary ammonium compound, brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, iodine solution, polyhexanide, and sodium bicarbonate. Hand sanitizers are liquid antiseptics widely used to keep hands clean and avoid illnesses such as flu. Using hand sanitizers before eating and before working on a patient or an open wound can significantly reduce the chances of contamination for the patient. First aid antiseptics help relieve pain and prevent infection in cases of minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Common active ingredients in antiseptic products are benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, lidocaine hydrochloride, benzocaine, and ethyl alcohol.