Used primarily as a humectant in cosmetics and personal care products, helping to retain moisture in skin and hair formulations. Also serves as a solvent and stabilizer in pharmaceutical preparations due to its low toxicity and high solubility in water. Commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwashes as a viscosity modifier and sweetener carrier. In food industry, functions as a texturizer and moisture-preserving agent in baked goods and confectionery. Additionally, employed in the production of biodegradable polymers and as a cryoprotectant in biological sample preservation.