Its main use is as a plasticizer in production of plastics, namely cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, ethyl cellulose, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and many synthetic rubbers (especially nitrile rubber and neoprene) and other plastics.

[2] It is also used as a lubricant in shaving lotions, and a flavoring additive in non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, ices, candy, and baked goods.

It provides excellent compatibility[citation needed] with a range of plastic materials, superior properties at low temperatures, and good oil resistivity.

Its other names include Morflex, Kodaflex, polycizer, Proviplast 1944 and PX 404.

Dibutyl sebacate is also used as a desensitizer in Otto fuel II, a torpedo monopropellant.