Used in hair care products, especially permanent wave solutions and hair straighteners, due to its ability to break disulfide bonds in keratin. This allows reshaping of the hair structure. Also employed in the synthesis of thioglycolate media for anaerobic bacterial culture in laboratories. Acts as a precursor in the production of vinyl resins and as a stabilizer in PVC. Utilized in some skin depilatory creams for temporary removal of unwanted hair by weakening the protein structure of hair. Commonly found in metal cleaning and electroplating processes as a chelating agent. Additionally, used in wastewater treatment to bind heavy metals and as a precursor for corrosion inhibitors.