Antimicrobial compositions are provided that include a hydroalcoholic solvent system comprising a lower C2-C5 alcohol and water; a cationic antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine gluconate; a hydrophobic polymer soluble in the lower alcohol; an emollient ester such as diesters of bibasic acids and triesters of citric acid; and an optional fatty component containing at least one free hydroxyl group, such as a C12-C21 fatty alcohol, a C12-C21 fatty ester, a C12-C21 fatty ether, a C12-C21 fatty amide, and combinations thereof. The compositions described herein display improved antimicrobial efficacy and improved cosmetic elegance.