Abstract: The compositions and methods described herein are topically applied to the skin with negligible or no skin irritation and can direct or prevent transport through the skin. The compositions contain neat ionic liquids, optionally in combination with a drug to be delivered. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions increase transdermal transport of the drug to be delivered. In some embodiments, the compositions disrupt bacterial biofilms. This is particularly beneficial in the treatment of antibiotic resistant skin infections. In other embodiments, the compositions direct delivery within the skin. In still other embodiments, the compositions prevent transfer of substances through the stratum corneum. The disclosed compositions and methods can be tuned and modified such that they can be used to treat or prevent a variety of different diseases and disorders.