Widely used in personal care formulations, this chemical acts as a multifunctional ingredient due to its excellent water solubility and skin compatibility. It is commonly employed in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions as a viscosity modifier and stabilizer, helping to maintain product consistency and performance. Its chelating properties make it effective in binding metal ions, which enhances the shelf life and efficacy of cosmetic products.

It is also utilized in industrial cleaners and detergents to improve solubility and reduce mineral buildup. In wastewater treatment, particularly in metal plating industries, it helps reduce heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and nickel in effluents.

Additionally, it serves as an adhesion promoter in paints and coatings, forming bonds with metal and polymer surfaces to increase film durability. In the textile industry, it improves fabric quality, enhancing softness and reducing shrinkage after washing.

Furthermore, it acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of specialty polymers and surfactants, where its four hydroxyl groups and nitrogen atoms enable further chemical modifications and chelation. Its low irritation potential and ability to enhance mildness, along with moisture retention, make it suitable for sensitive skin and hair formulations.