Used in the production of water-soluble polymers for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Its hydroxyl group allows for further chemical modification, making it ideal for creating hydrogels, drug delivery systems, and biocompatible coatings. Commonly employed in polymer networks that respond to environmental stimuli such as temperature or pH. Also utilized in cosmetics and personal care products as a stabilizing agent due to its low toxicity and good skin compatibility. Frequently copolymerized with other monomers to enhance solubility and mechanical properties of the resulting polymers.