Used primarily as an intermediate in the production of surfactants and detergents due to its ability to reduce surface tension effectively. It is also employed in the formulation of emulsifiers for industrial cleaning agents and in the synthesis of phenolic resins used in adhesives and coatings. Additionally, it finds use in some agricultural formulations as a wetting agent to improve the dispersion of pesticides and herbicides. Its derivatives are sometimes found in personal care products for their emulsifying properties, though this use is declining due to environmental and health concerns, including toxicity to aquatic life and potential endocrine disruption in wildlife, leading to regulatory restrictions in many countries.