Used in the fragrance industry for its fatty, waxy, and slightly floral odor, heptadecanal is valued in perfumery to add depth and naturalness to floral and citrus scents. It helps in enhancing the freshness of soaps, detergents, and cosmetic products by contributing a clean, aldehyde-like character. It is also employed in flavor compositions to impart citrus and fruity nuances in trace amounts, particularly in orange and lemon flavor systems. Due to its volatility and odor strength, it is typically used in low concentrations to avoid overpowering the formulation.