Sodium dodecyl sulfate is widely used as a surfactant in cleaning and hygiene products, such as shampoos, toothpastes, and laundry detergents, due to its ability to reduce surface tension and remove dirt and oil. In biochemistry, it is a key component in SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), a technique used to separate proteins based on their molecular weight. It denatures proteins by breaking non-covalent bonds, allowing for accurate analysis. Additionally, it is employed in industrial applications like emulsifying agents in polymerization processes and as a dispersing agent in paints and coatings. Its foaming properties also make it useful in fire extinguishers and foaming agents for firefighting.