In this study the authors compared different forms of a new antiseptic (Acisept), based on natural substances, with a number of well-established skin disinfectants routinely used in their hospital. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. The excellent in vitro results were not quite matched by those in vivo. On the other hand, no statistically significant difference was observed between the in vivo results of Acisept and those of the reference products. Acisept appears to be, in every one of its commercial forms, an efficient skin disinfectant comparable to those currently used in the authors' hospital. A lack of remanence was found in both Acisept and the reference products.