What is the primary purpose of antiseptic agents?

The primary purpose of antiseptic agents is to impede the growth of microorganisms on living tissue. Antiseptics are designed for use on the skin and other tissues to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. They work by destroying or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which is crucial in medical practices, such as preparing the skin before surgery or cleaning wounds to prevent infections.

Using antiseptics on living tissues is different from disinfectants, which are geared toward cleaning non-living surfaces. Additionally, while methods exist for stimulating tissue growth or preserving food products, they do not fall within the main function of antiseptic agents, which focus explicitly on inhibiting microbial growth on tissues.