Widely used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant to adjust pH and enhance flavor stability. It acts as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth, extending shelf life of products such as dairy, canned goods, and salad dressings.

In the pharmaceutical sector, it serves as an intermediate in drug synthesis and helps in formulation of topical treatments due to its mild acidic properties.

Commonly applied in cosmetic products for pH control and skin moisturization, contributing to exfoliation and improved skin texture.

Used in industrial cleaning agents for descaling and removing rust due to its ability to chelate metal ions. Plays a role in textile processing for dye fixation and as a mordant.

Also utilized in biodegradable polymer production, especially in the synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA), a renewable plastic used in packaging and biomedical materials.