Used primarily as a surfactant and emollient in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It helps stabilize emulsions by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases, making it valuable in creams and lotions. Its long hydrocarbon chains provide moisturizing properties, improving skin feel and reducing dryness. Also functions as a conditioning agent in hair care products, enhancing softness and manageability. Due to its chemical stability and low reactivity, it is suitable for use in pharmaceutical ointments where inertness and compatibility with active ingredients are important.