Sephadex is used to separate molecules by molecular weight. Sephadex is a faster alternative to dialysis (de-salting), requiring a low dilution factor (as little as 1.4:1), with high activity recoveries. Sephadex is also used for buffer exchange and the removal of small molecules during the preparation of large biomolecules, such as ampholytes, detergents, radioactive or fluorescent labels, and phenol (during DNA purification).
A special hydroxypropylated form of Sephadex resin, named Sephadex LH-20,  is used for the separation and purification of small organic molecules such as steroids, terpenoids, lipids. An example of use is the purification of cholesterol.