Systems and methods for enhanced moisture vapor barrier performance for concrete-containing materials and surfaces are disclosed. Treatment modalities that include addition of the disclosed materials, compositions and systems to pre- and post-construction concrete-containing materials and surfaces are provided. Moisture vapor barrier properties are effected over an extended period of time as compared to control systems. The disclosed compositions and systems also yield reductions in the rate and/or impact of corrosion are achieved for concrete-containing structures and surfaces and, despite the water soluble properties of the compositions and systems, the treatments are effective in delivering an advantageous level of liquid moisture resistance to the treated concrete-containing structure and/or surface. The composition is synthesized from a feedstock that includes C.sub.9 to C.sub.16 branched hydrocarbons of varying structures.