An antiseptic composition comprising a multivalent cationic antiseptic present in an amount of 0.05 to 0.5 percent based upon the ready to use composition; an anionic compound which is water soluble in an amount of at least 0.1 grams in 100 grams water at 23 deg C., wherein the anionic compound is present at a concentration which would result in precipitation of the multivalent cationic antiseptic in the composition without a solubilizing surfactant present; wherein the composition, with the antiseptic, surfactant and anionic compound combined with each other, is free of precipitate.