Which term describes an agent that destroys disease-causing microorganisms on skin or mucosa?

The term that describes an agent that destroys disease-causing microorganisms on skin or mucosa is "antiseptic." Antiseptics are specifically formulated to be safe for application on living tissues, such as the skin, and are used to reduce the risk of infection during procedures like tattooing or skin treatments. Their primary function is to inhibit the growth of pathogens or eliminate them altogether in order to protect the health of the skin and underlying tissues.

In contrast, disinfectants are designed for use on inanimate objects and can be too harsh for application on living tissues. Sanitizers aim to reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level but may not eliminate all pathogens entirely, and cleansers primarily refer to products that are used to remove dirt and impurities, rather than specifically targeting disease-causing microorganisms.