An antimicrobial skin treatment composition comprises 0.001-5% w/w of a biguanide compound and/or 0.001-5% w/w of a quaternary ammonium compound. The composition may be a skin rub, in which case it may additionally comprise at least one alcohol, at least one lipogel and at least one oil. Alternatively the composition may be a skin wash, in which case it may additionally comprise at least one detergent agent and at least one amphoteric surfactant.