Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is primarily used as a coagulant and flocculant in water and wastewater treatment to remove impurities, turbidity, and contaminants by promoting the aggregation of particles for easier filtration and sedimentation.

It serves as an active ingredient in antiperspirants, where it temporarily blocks sweat glands by forming a gel-like plug on the skin, reducing sweat flow and inhibiting bacterial growth that causes odor.

In cosmetics, it is employed in small amounts for its astringent properties, which help tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of pores.

Additionally, it finds applications in the paper and textile industries as a mordant or fixing agent to improve dye adhesion and product quality. Its hydrated form provides better solubility for aqueous applications compared to the anhydrous version.