Used in the production of surfactants for soaps, detergents, and cleaning agents due to its ability to reduce surface tension and enhance foaming. Commonly found in personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, and facial cleansers to improve viscosity and provide a creamy lather. Acts as an emulsifier in cosmetics, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients, and as a pH adjuster to achieve neutral or mildly basic conditions.

Employed in gas treatment processes to remove acidic gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas and refinery streams. Serves as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial water systems and metalworking fluids. Also used as an intermediate, solvent, or catalyst in the synthesis of other chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

However, careful use is required as DEA may form nitrosamines, potential carcinogens, if contaminated with nitrites under certain conditions, leading to regulatory controls in products with prolonged skin contact.