Used as a surfactant and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and hand washes. It helps remove oil and dirt by reducing surface tension, allowing for better foaming and cleansing. It is mild to the skin when used at appropriate concentrations, making it suitable for children's products or those with sensitive skin. Also used in pharmaceutical formulations to aid in the dispersion of ingredients and improve the solubility of water-insoluble substances. Found in industrial cleaning formulations due to its ability to stabilize mixtures and enhance wetting properties. Suitable for use in hard water because of its good solubility and stability under varying pH conditions.