Abstract: Various embodiments provide an antimicrobial composition comprising: a safe and effective amount of benzoic acid analog or analogs; a safe and effective amount of a buffer system of weak organic acids buffer with the negative log of the acid dissociation constant, pKa, between about 3.2 and 4.9; and a dermatologically acceptable carrier for the benzoic acid analogs and weak organic acid buffers, wherein the antimicrobial composition has a pH from about 3.2 to 4.9. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial composition comprises a safe and effective amount of an antimicrobial metal ion salt, a preferred salt being copper gluconate, at a level and pH that does not precipitate with the weak acid buffers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions which provide enhanced immediate as well as residual anti-viral and antibacterial efficacy. The antimicrobial compositions of the present invention provide previously unseen residual effectiveness against Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, and viruses, fungi, and improved immediate germ reduction upon use. These compositions comprise: a) a safe and effective amount of a benzoic acid analog; b) a safe and effective amount of a metal salt; and c) a dermatologically acceptable carrier for the acid and salt wherein said composition has a pH of from about 1 to about 7. The invention further relates to methods of use for the present compositions as well as antimicrobial products which incorporate the compositions.