Abstract: A water-based, quick-drying, gel-type disinfectant composition comprising one of more anti-microbicidal ingredients, 0-30% of an alcohol, a thickening agent, an emulsifier, and water. The composition is especially relevant for use as a hand or skin disinfectant to be used in the food industry or in hospitals. The thickening agent is a crucial part of the composition and is typically selected from acrylic acid copolymers, methacrylic acid copolymers, sodium carboxycellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, and hydroxypropylcellulose. A typical composition comprises 0.05-5.0% of a fatty alcohol-polyglycol ether as an emulsifier, 0.5-5.0% of glycerin, 0.01-2.0% of one of more additives including 0.05-1.0% of a basic compound, and substantially the balance of water.