Redispersible polymer powder compositions which include a polyglycol in admixture with a redispersible polymer powder (RDP), which powder includes a codried mixture of a carboxylated, water insoluble film-forming styrene butadiene polymer and a colloidal stabilizer, results in cement compositions having unexpectedly superior overall bonding strength and adhesion after water immersion. Use of the polyglycol provides good workability or ease of troweling during application. In addition, the RDP composition, which includes the RDP and the polyglycol, provides the cement-based composition with excellent abrasion resistance, surface appearance, and color. Also, the RDP composition provides for at least a 30% reduction, for example a 50% or more reduction in the amount of retarder or retardant employed in the dry mix formulation for cement compositions, such as self leveling flooring compounds or compositions, and cement-based tile adhesives.