Used primarily as a thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming agent in a variety of industries. In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a binder and controlled-release polymer in tablets and is commonly found in eye drops due to its lubricating and viscosity-enhancing properties. In cosmetics and personal care products, it improves texture and moisture retention in lotions, creams, and shampoos. It is also employed in water-based paints and coatings to regulate rheology and prevent pigment settling. Its water solubility and compatibility with other ingredients make it valuable in adhesives, construction materials like cement and plaster, where it enhances workability and water retention. Additionally, it finds use in printing inks and textile printing pastes for consistent viscosity and improved print quality.