Abstract: A water resistant, non-gummy hygroscopic, flexible and pliable thin film of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate homopolymer deposited on an epidermal surface, a stable emulsion from which the film can be made and a special process for the manufacture of the stable emulsion, utilizing an ammonium salt of a long chain fatty acid as an emulsifying agent therein. The topical application of stable emulsions utilizing an ammonium salt of a long chain fatty acid as an emulsifying agent therein, from which a water resistant, non-gummy, hygoscopic, flexible and pliable thin film of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate homopolymer is deposited on an epidermal surface. Special solvent combinations and emulsification techniques are described.