Abstract: A nonionic surfactant for emulsion polymerization is provided, and includes products from the addition of 3 to 20 mols of ethylene and/or propylene oxide onto 1 mol of one or more diterpene alcohols selected from the group consisting of abietyl alcohol, dihydroabietyl alcohol, tetrahydroabietyl alcohol and dehydroabietyl alcohol, wherein the surfactant is included as an emulsifier in a polymer emulsion. A method for stabilizing an emulsion polymer or polymer dispersion is also provided, including the steps of adding an emulsifier, to an emulsion polylmer or polymer dispersion comprising monomers, in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 10% by weight, based on the total quantity of monomers present, the emulsifier including products from the addition of 3 to 20 mols of ethylene and/or propylene oxide onto 1 mol of one or more diterpene alcohols selected from the group consisting of abietyl alcohol, dihydroabietyl alcohol, tetrahydroabietyl alcohol and dehydroabietyl alcohol.