What is the primary purpose of antiseptics?

The primary purpose of antiseptics is to retard the growth of bacteria. Antiseptics are chemical agents applied to living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction. These substances do not necessarily kill all bacteria outright; instead, they inhibit or slow down bacterial growth and activity.

By doing so, antiseptics play a crucial role in preventing infections during medical procedures or on minor wounds while allowing the body's natural healing processes to occur. Their effectiveness can depend on various factors, including concentration, contact time, and the type of microorganisms present.

In contrast to the option of eliminating all bacteria, which is not achievable with antiseptics due to their specific functions and the presence of resilient bacterial spores, the other choices do not accurately capture the primary role of antiseptics either. They are not designed to promote bacterial growth nor are they equivalent to sterilization agents, which are intended to eliminate all microorganisms in an environment.