Used as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetics and personal care products to stabilize formulations and improve texture. Commonly found in creams, lotions, and shampoos for its ability to blend oil and water components. Also serves as a humectant, helping retain moisture in skin and hair products.

In industrial applications, it functions as a defoaming agent and lubricant in metalworking fluids, and is used in foam production, such as polyurethane foams, to control bubble size and enhance foam structure stability.

Its low toxicity and good solubility make it suitable for pharmaceuticals as a carrier in drug delivery systems, aiding in the penetration of active ingredients through the skin.

Widely used in household cleaners for its grease-cutting and wetting properties. In agriculture, it acts as a dispersant in pesticides to improve adhesion to plant leaves and enhance efficacy.