Used primarily in hair dyes, it acts as a key ingredient for achieving long-lasting and vibrant color results. It penetrates the hair shaft and oxidizes to form the desired shade, making it a staple in permanent hair coloring products. Additionally, it is employed in certain industrial applications, such as in the production of polymers and as a component in photographic developers. Its ability to act as a reducing agent makes it useful in various chemical synthesis processes. However, its use requires careful handling due to potential skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.