Sodium thioglycolate is widely used in the cosmetics industry, particularly in hair care products. It is a key ingredient in hair relaxers and permanent wave solutions, where it breaks the disulfide bonds in keratin, allowing the hair to be reshaped into a desired style. Once the hair is set, the bonds reform, locking the new shape in place.

In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a reducing agent in various formulations, helping to stabilize active ingredients and improve the efficacy of certain drugs. It is also used in dermatological treatments for its exfoliating properties, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells and promoting skin renewal.

Additionally, sodium thioglycolate is employed in the textile industry as a reducing agent in dyeing processes, ensuring even and vibrant color distribution on fabrics. Its ability to break down disulfide bonds also makes it useful in the leather industry for dehairing hides during the tanning process.

In laboratory settings, it is utilized as a reducing agent in biochemical research, particularly in protein studies, to maintain the stability of proteins and prevent oxidation. Its versatility across various industries highlights its importance as a multifunctional chemical compound.