Used in the food industry as an acidulant and preservative, enhancing flavor and extending shelf life in products like baked goods, beverages, and dairy items. Commonly employed in the pharmaceutical sector for pH adjustment and as an excipient in drug formulations. Serves as a building block in the production of biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), used in eco-friendly packaging and biomedical materials. Applied in the cosmetics industry to adjust acidity and improve skin hydration due to its mild exfoliating properties. Also utilized in leather tanning and textile processing to control pH and improve dye uptake.