A peroxycarboxylic acid represented by the general formula (I): (wherein R1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C10 alkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C10 aryl group, L represents a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C12 divalent linking group, or R1 and L may combine to form a ring) and a composition comprising said peroxycarboxylic acid are provided. Said peroxycarboxylic acid can sterilize a medical apparatus such as endoscope in a short period of time and has no unpleasant smell.