The invention discloses compositions and formulations for the treatment of clean or infected wounds, some of the inventive formulations can be used to reduce or eliminate microbial contamination from surfaces such as skin, and inanimate objects such as countertops, cooking utensils, medical devices, cookware, food, grooming aids and agricultural biocides, and the like. Some of these compositions and formulations are well suited for use in wound dressings. Some of the formulation can kill and/or inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses. The formulations comprise a compound such as an osmoticum in high enough concentration to create an osmotic gradient and at least one compound that acts to comprise the integrity of a microorganism's membrane or cell wall. These formulations may optimally include at least one agent that thickens the formulations. In some aspects the formulation is in the form of an emulsion.
