Used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in pharmaceuticals, particularly in liquid formulations and tablets, where it helps control viscosity and provides sustained release of active ingredients. Commonly found in eye drops as a lubricant due to its water-retaining properties and biocompatibility. Serves as a binder in oral solid dosage forms, including capsules and suppositories, and functions as a film-forming agent in tablet coatings. It also aids in the dispersion of active ingredients in suspensions.

In cosmetics and personal care products, it acts as a rheology modifier, improving texture and stability of creams, gels, and lotions.

In the food industry, it is used as a thickener and stabilizer to enhance texture in products such as sauces and gluten-free formulations.

Additionally, utilized in industrial applications such as water-based paints and adhesives for modifying flow and preventing settling, as well as in 3D printing materials and thin film production due to its ability to form flexible and transparent films.