of the tetraalkyl ethenylidenebisphosphonate and from about 0 01 to 98 preferably from about 60 to 90 of the previously described emollients this composition can further comprise from about 1 to 20 preferably from about 5 to 15 of a suitable thickening agent and optionally emulsifiers and water thickening agents previously described with respect to lotions are also suitable herein the compositions of this invention can also be formulated into a soap matrix intended for washing infected wounds or burns or for sterilization of the skin for purposes such as surgical procedures such compositions comprise a safe and effective amount of the tetraalkyl ethenylidenebisphosphonate ranging from 0 1 to 20 and from about 50 to 90 of an excipient such as those previously described optionally the soap contains a suitable emulsifier as previously described when an emulsifier is included it is in the composition at a level from about 3 to about 50 preferably from about 5 to about 20 the compositions of this invention can also be formulated as dentifrices such dentifrices especially toothpaste comprise a safe and effective amount of the tetraalkyl ethenylidenebisphosphonate ranging from about 0 1 to about 20 by weight of the composition toothpaste compositions conventionally contain abrasive materials sudsing agents binders humectants flavoring and sweetening agents suitable dentifrice compositions and the methods of their manufacture useful in the present invention are fully set forth in u s pat no 3 535 421 to briner et al issued oct 20 1970 which is incorporated by reference herein compositions of this invention also can be formulated in a shampoo form the.