A topical carrier consists of 99% by weight or more of phosphatidylcholine and volatile solvent selected from the group consisting of: ethanol and its combinations with C3-and/or C4-alcohol and/or volatile silicone oil. The carrier may additionally comprise up to 1% by weight of antioxidant, colorant, odorant, and/or preservative, and up to 2% by weight of denaturant. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical, cosmetic and disinfectant compositions consisting of the carrier and pharmaceutically active agent, cosmetically active agent and/or disinfectant agent.