As a commercial chemical, because it can be used in the illicit production of phenylacetone (used in the manufacture of substituted amphetamines), it is subject to controls in countries including the United States and China.

In addition the molecule is naturally produced by the metapleural gland of most ant species and used as an antimicrobial.

Phenylacetic acid is used in some perfumes, as it possesses a honey-like odor even in low concentrations.

[8] Phenylacetic acid is used in the preparation of and derived from several pharmaceutical drugs, including camylofin, bendazol, triafungin, phenacemide, lorcainide, phenindione, phenelzine and cyclopentolate.

[citation needed] In the crime drama Breaking Bad, phenylacetic acid is featured twice as a precursor to methamphetamine, first in the episode titled "A No-Rough-Stuff-Type Deal", then in "Salud".