This chemical is primarily used as a surfactant and emulsifying agent in various industrial and consumer products. It is commonly found in cleaning agents, detergents, and personal care items like shampoos and body washes, where it helps to stabilize mixtures of oil and water. In the textile industry, it is utilized to improve the wetting and dispersing properties of dyes and finishes. Additionally, it plays a role in agricultural formulations, aiding in the even distribution of pesticides and herbicides on crops. Its ability to reduce surface tension makes it valuable in enhancing the performance of coatings and paints.