Antimicrobial compositions are provided that include a hydroalcoholic solvent system comprising a lower C-C alcohol and water； a cationic antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine gluconate； a hydrophobic polymer soluble in the lower alcohol； an emollient ester such as diesters of bibasic acids and triesters of citric acid； and an optional fatty component containing at least one free hydroxyl group, such as a C-C fatty alcohol, a C-C fatty ester, a C-C fatty ether, a C-C fatty amide, and combinations thereof. The compositions described herein display improved antimicrobial efficacy and improved cosmetic elegance.
