An antimicrobial composition containing: a component (A) that is at least one selected from the group consisting of 1,2-alkanediols having an alkyl group having 6 to 8 carbons and monoalkyl glyceryl ethers having an alkyl group having 6 to 8 carbons; and a component (B) that is at least one selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol and a cosmetic containing the antimicrobial composition.