Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose is used similarly to other cellulose ethers, mainly as a dispersant, suspension agent, thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, and adhesive in various fields. It is superior to other cellulose ethers in terms of solubility, dispersibility, transparency, and enzyme resistance.

In the food and pharmaceutical industry, it is used as an additive due to its adhesive, film-forming, thickening and dispersing properties in liquids, as well as its ability to prevent oil penetration and retain moisture. Therefore, it is used as an adhesive, thickener, dispersant, reliever, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It has no toxicity, no nutritional value, and no metabolic changes.

In addition, HPMC has applications in synthetic resin polymerization reactions, petrochemicals, ceramics, papermaking, leather, cosmetics, coatings, building materials, and photosensitive printing plates.