An antiseptic agent is used to:

An antiseptic agent is specifically designed to reduce the growth of microorganisms on living tissues, such as skin and mucous membranes. This fundamental function is crucial in medical settings where preventing infection is key while still allowing the tissue to remain viable.

The other options involve different processes. For instance, eliminating all organisms on surfaces refers to disinfectants, which are used on non-living surfaces and objects rather than living tissues. Sterilization, associated with surgical instruments, aims to eliminate all forms of microbial life, which is beyond the scope of what antiseptics do. Similarly, while an antiseptic may kill some bacteria, it does not ensure the complete eradication of all bacteria present, which is more aligned with sterilization processes. Thus, the properties and intended use of antiseptics focus on the reduction of microorganisms while preserving the integrity of living tissue.