A liquid concentrate which includes:a) from 20 to 70% by weight of 3-phenylpropan-1-ol,b) from 10 to 50% by weight of 1,2-octanediol,c) from 15 to 60% by weight of 1,3-propanediol, andd) where necessary up to 2000 ppm of one or more antioxidants; and a composition for topical application, including such liquid concentrate.