To be suitable as an active ingredient for disinfection, a substance must reduce the number of pathogens in a defined time period to such an extent that the remaining germs can no longer cause disease. The required treatment time is typically defined as the time required to inactivate 99,999% of the germs. If disinfectants are to be applied to the skin, they must be as body-tissue-compatible as possible. Surface disinfectants must not damage sensitive surfaces. Disinfectants must not cause serious side effects if they happen to enter the organism through open wounds or via absorption through the skin. Care of the skin using hand lotion is important in this context as, over time, the use of disinfectants dries out the skin, making it more sensitive and more susceptible to infection. Since the substances ultimately end up in the environment after use, environmental compatibility is also an important criterion.