1. Skincare and Dermatology
Exfoliation: Gently removes dead skin cells to improve skin texture and tone.
Acne treatment: Its antibacterial properties help reduce acne-causing bacteria and unclog pores.
Hyperpigmentation: Used to treat dark spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Anti-aging: Stimulates collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sensitive skin-friendly: Less irritating compared to other AHAs due to its larger molecular size, making it ideal for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
2. Chemical Peels
Used in professional chemical peels (superficial to medium depth) to refresh the skin and treat acne, pigmentation, and aging signs.
3. Antibacterial Applications
Effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, making it useful in treating skin infections and as a preservative in some cosmetic formulations.
4. Pharmaceutical Use
Intermediate in the synthesis of certain antibiotics and other pharmaceutical compounds.