It is widely used in biochemical research cell lysis protein extraction detergents and laboratory formulations as a solubilizing and emulsifying agent.

Its purpose is to reduce surface tension solubilize membrane proteins and lipids and facilitate the mixing of aqueous and hydrophobic substances.

t-Octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol is a nonionic surfactant consisting of an octylphenol hydrophobic group and a polyethoxyethanol hydrophilic chain.