An aqueous dispersion of ethylene/sodium acrylate copolymer which is preserved with phenoxyethanol, allowing to have a globally compliant preservative package. This polymer is versatile in use and can be applied to many surfactant systems, at any point in the formulation process. The product appears clear or slightly hazy depending on the surfactant type and level of concentration required in each formulation. This versatility in appearance underlines the polymer’s ability to be versatile in use, without sacrificing performance properties.