This invention relates to an antimicrobial composition, especially one which provides synergistic anti-dandruff or anti-acne efficacy. This is achieved through a judicious combination of select essential oil actives chosen from thymol, or terpineol and certain antimicrobial lipids selected from sapienic acid, palmitoleic acid, sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, phytosphingosine, and 6-hydroxysphingosine. These compositions can be delivered through very many different types of personal care products e.g. shampoo, conditioner； face wash or hand wash product； or a leave on cream/lotion.
