Must have low-enough toxicity, used directly on skin or wounds Exert rapid and sustained lethal action against microorganisms (narrow or broad spectrum) Must have low surface tension so that it will spread on the wound Should retain activity in the presence of body fluids Non irritating to tissues, non allergenic Lack systemic activity when applied to skin or mucous membrane (bacitracin, polymyxin, silver sulfadiazine, neomycin) Not interfere with healing