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. Commonly employed in pharmaceuticals for pH adjustment (e.g., in Ringer's lactate solution) and as a chiral building block in drug synthesis. Serves as a biodegradable solvent and cleaning agent in industrial applications. Utilized in cosmetic formulations for skin exfoliation and moisturization due to its role in natural skin renewal processes. Also a key monomer in the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer used in bioplastics, packaging, and biomedical materials like sutures and implants.