A fluorochemical additive is the reaction product under polymerization conditions of monomers that include: (a) an aromatic polycarboxylic acid as an anhydride, ester, or ester chloride; (b) at least one fluorinated reactant; and (c) at least one aliphatic amine, mercaptan, or alcohol. Optionally, a crosslinking agent can be used. The components of the additive all can be viewed as contributing to the performance of the disclosed additive. The fluorine-containing component is generally insoluble in molten polymers and will tend to migrate to the cooled surface thereof where the fluorinated moieties provide repellency characteristics when used in adequate quantities, generally at least about 30 wt % depending on the fluorinated reactant used to make the additive. The aromatic component appears to facilitate solubility and speed up the orientation process of the additive within the molten polymer. The aliphatic component to the reaction mixture appears to assist in anchoring the reaction product additive in the bulk polymer structure. Together, the components form a fluorinated reaction product additive that can be added to a molten polymer for integration into the resulting product to impart improved resistance to oil, water, and alcohol.