The present invention is based on the surprising antiseptic nature of chlorhexidine when combined with essential oils. It has been found that chlorhexidine, combined with an essential oil, is surprisingly effective at penetrating the skin surface and providing an antiseptic effect within the skin. It has also been found that a combination of chlorhexidine and eucalyptus oil is surprisingly effective as an antimicrobial against Staphylococcus epidermidis.