Abstract: The invention relates to new use of hydroxystearic acid for inducing secretion of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) when applied on an external surface of the human body. It also relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising a combination of hydroxystearic acid and antimicrobial peptides or antimicrobial lipids or mixtures thereof. This has application in improving the immunity of skin, scalp and oral cavity against attack by microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a topical sanitising composition comprising: a) polyhydroxy compound selected from a saccharide, a polyol, or combinations thereof; b) antimicrobial lipid; and c) tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine (THPE), wherein the antimicrobial lipid and THPE are present in a weight ratio from 1:10,000 to 1:10. The invention further relates to a method of disinfecting a surface by applying the aforementioned topical composition onto said surface and to the use of the same composition for sanitising skin, hair or the oral cavity. The invention also relates to use of a polyhydroxy compound selected from a saccharide, a polyol or combinations thereof, as an antimicrobial activity promoter.