The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition for use in the prevention of a surgical site or catheter site infection, wherein the antimicrobial composition is to be applied prior to surgery or catheterization； and wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises: a) a C 2 -C 5 lower alcohol present in an amount of at least 35 wt-%； b) a hydrophobic polymer soluble in the lower alcohol； c) a cationic antimicrobial agent； and d) an emollient ester selected from the group consisting of diesters of bibasic acids, triesters of citric acid, diesters of diols, triesters of triols, and combinations thereof； wherein the antimicrobial composition is free of surfactants with an HLB greater than 6； and wherein the antimicrobial composition is essentially free of hydrophilic polymers.
