Sodium dodecanoate, commonly known as sodium laurate, is widely used in the production of soaps and detergents. It acts as a surfactant, helping to reduce surface tension and allowing water to mix with oil and grease, making it effective for cleaning purposes. In personal care products, it is a key ingredient in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers due to its ability to create a rich lather and remove dirt and oils from the skin and hair. It is also used in industrial settings as an emulsifying agent in the manufacture of lubricants and metalworking fluids. Additionally, sodium dodecanoate finds application in the food industry as an additive, where it serves as a stabilizer or thickening agent in certain products. Its antimicrobial properties make it useful in some pharmaceutical formulations as well.