#$%^&*AU2011200290B220130214.pdf#####C :NRPrbl DCC TXS 3409010_l DOC-13/0I/2011 ANTIMICROBIAL COMPOSITIONS Abstract 5 Antimicrobial compositions are provided that include a hydroalcoholic solvent system comprising a lower C2-C5 alcohol and water; a cationic antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine gluconate; a fatty component containing at least one free hydroxyl group, such as a C12 -C21 fatty alcohol, a C1 2-C2 1 fatty ester, a C12-C21 fatty ether, a C12-C21 fatty amide, and combinations thereof; and optionally an emollient ester such as diesters of 10 bibasic acids and triesters of citric acid. The compositions described herein display improved antimicrobial efficacy and improved cosmetic elegance.