An antimicrobial composition comprising an alcohol in an amount from about 60 to about 95 weight percent of the total composition, a preservative, a cationic cellulose polymer thickening agent, a moisturizer and/or, a cationic emulsifier, and water in an amount from about 6 to about 30 weight percent. The skin disinfecting formulation will not irritate, dry or crack the skin and will provide antimicrobial effectiveness to the skin.