Widely used in the food industry as an acidulant and preservative, enhancing flavor and extending shelf life of products such as baked goods, beverages, and dairy items. It plays a key role in controlling pH and inhibiting microbial growth, making it valuable in meat and vegetable preservation. In the pharmaceutical sector, it is utilized in formulations requiring a mild acid, including vaginal suppositories and skin treatments, due to its biocompatibility and gentle exfoliating properties. Commonly found in cosmetic products for pH adjustment and as a moisturizing agent, it supports skin hydration and renewal. Also employed in industrial applications such as leather tanning, textile dyeing, and as a building block for biodegradable polymers like polylactic acid (PLA) used in bioplastics and packaging materials.