An antimicrobial sanitizing composition in the form of a gel or cream containing an alcohol in an amount of at least 55% by weight. The sanitizer is capable of disinfecting a variety of surfaces, including the skin. In addition to alcohol, the sanitizer contains an anionic phospholipid in a controlled concentration as well as components conventionally found in skin creams and gels such as emulsifiers, emollients, moisturizers, rheology modifiers, and neutralizers.