Methods of treating a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection or a Staphylococcus pseudintermedius infection in subject in need thereof are provided, the methods comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a topical gel composition comprising vitamin E d-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS); and at least one lipophile. Compositions, methods of manufacture, and methods of use in inhibiting microbial growth are also provided.