This disclosed technology relates to a polymer additive for use in a composition and/or process for personal care, home care, Industrial and Institutional (I&I) care and health care applications. The examples provide a multifunctional polymer additive made up of units derived from a unique mixture of monomers that can function as a rheology modifier, a fixative, a detergent builder, and an emulsifier. The polymer also has good high tem-perature stability and effectiveness over a wide pH range."