Certain embodiments of the invention relate to antimicrobial emulsions for use as surface disinfectants, oral cleansers, wound dressings, agricultural and industrial sanitizers. The emulsions may include stable alcohol-free or reduced alcohol emulsions based on naturally derived plant phenolics. The emulsions may use edible surfactants at ultra-low concentrations, are non-irritating and possess rapid, high antimicrobial activity against a host of pathogenic microorganisms. Such properties permit the use of these emulsions in health care and in applications involving food preparation.
