Malic Acid - 2-Hydroxybutanedioic acid

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Malic acid is commonly found in cosmetics and skincare products due to its ability to help skin cells shed more rapidly. This makes it a key ingredient in anti-aging, skin brightening, and acne treatment products. 

Textile Industry: Malic acid is used in the textile industry for dyeing and printing processes. It's used as a chelating agent, which helps in improving the overall quality of the final product.

Cleaning Industry: Malic acid is used in some cleaning products due to its ability to break down rust and limescale.

Electronics Industry: It can be used in metal surface treatments, which are often required in electronics manufacturing.

Agriculture: In the agricultural sector, malic acid is used in some fertilizers.

Construction Industry: Malic acid can be used in the production of cement and concrete. It can act as a retarder in concrete, slowing down the chemical reaction that makes concrete set. This can be useful when the concrete needs to be transported before being poured and set.

Water Treatment: Malic acid can be used as a chelating agent in water treatment processes, binding with metals and minerals in the water to allow them to be removed more easily.

Paper Industry: Malic acid is used in the paper industry during the sizing process, where it helps in the bonding of the paper pulp, and it also enhances the paper's water resistance.

Leather Tanning: In the leather industry, malic acid can be used in the tanning process to ensure the leather is soft and pliable.

Chemical Industry: Malic acid can serve as a starting material in the synthesis of other chemicals. Its derivatives are used in the production of polymers, resins, and plastics.

Energy: Malic acid has been explored as a component in developing new types of environmentally friendly batteries, specifically sodium-ion batteries, due to its high solubility and non-toxic nature.