Used in the production of hair care products, particularly in formulations for permanent hair waving and straightening treatments. Acts as a reducing agent to break and reform disulfide bonds in keratin, allowing for reshaping of hair structure. Also employed in the synthesis of specialty chemicals and polymers, where it serves as a cross-linking agent or intermediate. In the pharmaceutical industry, it finds application in the development of drug delivery systems and as a building block for certain active pharmaceutical ingredients. Additionally, utilized in research settings for studying protein structure and function due to its ability to modify disulfide bonds.