What is the term for sanitizer used on the skin?

The term "antiseptic" refers specifically to a substance applied to the skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. Antiseptics are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms on living tissues, such as skin. This makes them particularly important in the context of personal grooming and nail care, where maintaining skin health and preventing infections is crucial.

Other options, while related to cleanliness and sanitation, do not apply to skin antiseptics in the same way. A disinfectant, for instance, is typically used on non-living surfaces to kill bacteria and viruses but is not safe for application on skin. A cleanser generally refers to products aimed at removing dirt or impurities but does not necessarily have the antimicrobial properties that categorize a substance as an antiseptic. Meanwhile, a germicide is a broader term that encompasses any agent that kills germs but is not exclusively applied to skin and can include substances used for disinfection of surfaces.

Thus, antiseptics are uniquely formulated for safe use on the skin, emphasizing their importance in personal care settings like manicures.