Used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations such as shampoos, lotions, and gels due to its excellent water solubility and film-forming properties. It is also employed in pharmaceuticals as a binder or disintegrant in tablets. Reacts with alcohols or amines to form esters or imides, enabling its use in creating modified release coatings for drug delivery. In industrial applications, it acts as a dispersant for pigments and dyes, improving uniformity and stability in aqueous systems. Its ability to form complexes with active ingredients makes it useful in controlled release technologies.