The compositions of this invention are microemulsions having a. a surfactant consisting essentially of a mixture of one or more alkoxylated amines or alkoxylated quaternary ammonium salts and one or more preferably branched carboxylic acids or salts thereof, b. a solvent or oil that is liquid at 25.degree. C. and is insoluble in water, and c. water, wherein an optically clear isotropic microemulsion is formed.