Used primarily as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics and personal care products such as lotions, creams, and ointments. It helps stabilize emulsions and improve texture by increasing viscosity. Also serves as a surfactant and opacifier in shampoos and conditioners. In pharmaceuticals, it acts as a sustained-release matrix in tablets and as a component in topical drug delivery systems. Additionally, it is used in industrial applications as a lubricant additive and in the production of surfactants and detergents.