Antiseptics based on bispyridinium alkanes are known. Bispyridinium alkanes are active ingredients, which are characterized by high efficacy coupled with low resorption on wounds. In addition, bispyridinium alkanes, such as, for example, octenidine, often have inadequate stability in the presence of non ionic surfactants, which demands the addition of antioxidants. However, antioxidants are undesi