Antimicrobial compositions which can be used wherever disinfecting compositions are needed, such as in a hospital, healthcare industry, workplace, recreational facility, home or similar environment. The antimicrobial compositions are particularly useful as a topical application for a substrate, such as skin and can be used as a hand sanitizer or pre-surgical scrub. The compositions comprise a synergistic combination of a simple aliphatic alcohol and an activity enhancing substance, wherein the composition provides, heretofore unexpected, persistent activity against a broad range of microorganisms, including gram-negative organisms, while moisturizing the skin.