A surface-active composition is described which comprises

(a) from 0.01 to 90% by weight of a mixture of a microbicidal active ingredient of

• (a₁) a diphenyl ether compound and
• (a₂) a phenol derivative,

(b) from 0 to 50% by weight of one or more hydrotropic agents,

(c) from 0 to 80% by weight of one or more synthetic detergents or of a soap or of combinations of the mentioned substances and/or of a salt of a saturated and/or unsaturated C₈-C₂₂ fatty acid,

(d) from 0 to 50% by weight of an alcohol,

(e) from 0 to 50% by weight of typical ingredients for cleaning and disinfectant compositions and optionally

(f) tap water or deionised water ad 100%.

The compositions are used for the antimicrobial treatment of human skin and hair, of hard surfaces and of textile fibre materials.