Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is widely used as a surfactant in cleaning and personal care products. It is a key ingredient in shampoos, toothpastes, and body washes due to its ability to create foam and remove dirt and oil effectively. In laboratories, SDS is essential for protein denaturation in SDS-PAGE (polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis), a technique used to separate proteins based on their molecular weight. Additionally, it is utilized in industrial cleaning agents and detergents for its strong emulsifying and degreasing properties. Its versatility makes it a critical component in both scientific research and everyday consumer products.