1,3-Butanediol is widely used as a solvent, humectant, and intermediate in chemical synthesis. In cosmetics and personal care products, it functions as a moisturizing agent that helps retain water and improve texture. It also finds application in the food industry as a flavoring agent and additive, while in pharmaceuticals and industrial chemistry it serves as a building block for producing polymers, resins, and other compounds. Its versatility stems from its dual hydroxyl groups, which make it reactive and suitable for multiple formulations across industries.