Sodium polyacrylate is most commonly used in baby diapers due to its incredible absorbent capabilities. It can also be used in detergents since it can bind hard water elements making the detergent more efficient. It can serve as a thickening agent, usually used in food processing, cosmetics, paints, and inks. It can be used to clean up messes on the floor (blood, urine, etc.) and likewise, used in fuel tanks to absorb water or to serve as a reservoir for potted plants. It is also used to make fake snow (really slushy snow has more water whereas flaky snow has less, keeping more of the texture of the crystals) or for certain magic tricks.