Antiseptic compositions, as well as methods of making and using, wherein the compositions include: an antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of iodine (I.sub.2), an iodophor, and a combination thereof, wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount sufficient to provide an available iodine concentration of at least about 0.25 wt-%; a hydroxycarboxylic acid buffer in an amount of at least about 5 wt-%; water; and an optionally substantive film-forming polymer.