What is an antiseptic primarily used for in a salon setting?

An antiseptic is primarily used for reducing bacteria on the skin, which makes option C the correct answer. In a salon setting, when performing services such as manicures or pedicures, it's vital to ensure that the client's skin is clean and free of harmful microorganisms that could lead to infections. Antiseptics are formulated to be safe for use on the skin, helping to minimize the risk of infection by reducing the bacterial load before any procedures are performed.

While killing viral pathogens is an important aspect of infection control, it is typically the role of disinfectants in more extensive cleaning practices rather than antiseptics aimed at skin application. Disinfecting surfaces plays a critical role in maintaining a hygienic salon environment, ensuring tools and workspaces are sanitized; however, this is more associated with cleaning practices rather than the specific application of antiseptics on skin. Cleaning tools involves high-level disinfection or sterilization procedures but is separate from what antiseptics are designed to do, which is focused on skin preparation. Thus, reducing bacteria on the skin is the primary purpose of antiseptics in a salon context.