What is a characteristic of an antiseptic?

An antiseptic is defined by its ability to prevent infection, particularly by inhibiting the growth and development of microorganisms on living tissues. This characteristic makes antiseptics essential in various applications, especially in medical and personal care settings where skin integrity is crucial. Antiseptics are formulated to be safe for use on the skin and can be applied to wounds and other areas where infection risk is a concern.

The other choices, while relevant in different contexts, do not accurately describe the primary characteristic of an antiseptic. For instance, cleaning surfaces is more aligned with disinfectants, which are specifically meant for non-living surfaces. The statement about being only for hard surfaces is not applicable to antiseptics, given their use on different types of tissues. Furthermore, antiseptics are designed to be safe for use on human skin, often avoiding harmful chemicals to prevent adverse effects when applied.