Abstract: A composition having broad spectrum antimicrobial activity and being freeze and heat stable is comprised of a clear solution containing up to approximately 90% by weight of a eutectic mixture of three or more lower alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid such as isopropyl p-hydroxybenzoate, isobutyl p-hydroxybenzoate and n-butyl p-hydroxybenzoate in a ratio between approximately 1:1:1 to 4:2:2, respectively, approximately 10% to 90% by weight of a "Glydant" solution (composed of 55% 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and 45% water) and at least approximately 0.5% by weight based on the weight of the eutectic mixture and the "Glydant" solution of an anionic surfactant. The latter, for example, may be dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfate or the ammonium or sodium salt of sulfated nonylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol.

Abstract: A heat and freeze-thaw stable, oil-in-water emulsion is comprised of from approximately 10% to 60% by weight of a eutectic oil containing a mixture of three or more lower alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, from approximately 1.5% to 5.0% by weight of an emulsifying agent which may be gelatin, casein, collagen, glyceryl oleate, the ammonium or sodium salt of sulfated nonylphenoxypoly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol or mixtures thereof, from approximately 3% to 10% by weight of sorbitol and the balance water. The method of preparing such emulsions is also disclosed.