Used as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products, helping to mix oil and water-based ingredients. Commonly found in creams, lotions, and shampoos for its moisturizing and smoothing properties. Also serves as a humectant, retaining moisture to improve product texture and skin feel. In industrial applications, it functions as a defoaming agent and lubricant in metalworking fluids. Its low toxicity and good solubility make it suitable for pharmaceutical formulations as a binder or stabilizer.