North Dakota Cosmetology Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Disinfectants are chemical products specifically formulated to kill a wide range of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, on surfaces. They play a critical role in maintaining a hygienic environment, particularly in settings such as salons and spas, where the risk of infection can be higher due to close contact and shared tools. Disinfectants are typically used on non-living surfaces and are effective at reducing the presence of pathogens to safe levels, according to health regulations.

In contrast, antiseptics are designed for use on living tissues to inhibit the growth of pathogens, while sanitizers reduce the number of bacteria to a safe level but do not necessarily eliminate all microbes like disinfectants do. Insecticides target insects specifically and do not serve any purpose in microbial control on surfaces. Each of these products serves distinct functionalities and is thus used in different contexts within health and hygiene practices.