Octenidine dihydrochloride is a cationic surfactant, with antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Octenidine approved as a medicinal substance in several European countries and used for skin antisepsis in combination with aliphatic alcohols, e.g. propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol, or with detergents such as antiseptic soap. Octenidine is also used for antisepsis on wounds and mucosa either as a single substance, as an approved combination of Octenidine and phenoxyethanol. Octenidine is virtually not absorbed via the skin or mucous membranes. Because Octenidine is only approved and used topically and is virtually not absorbed, no systemic effects are to be expected. Therefore, no further pharmacokinetic studies or studies on behalf of metabolism have been conducted. Octenidine is easy and safe to handle, chemically stable, not inflammable, without resistance development and low toxicity to man and the environment alike. Its popularity among therapists and wound care specialists is based on good clinical results, easy and pain-free application and local tolerance. Beside readily available combinations with phenoxyethanol, mouth rinses, and vaginal applications, semi-fluid preparations and dressings are described.