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Contract Cosmetic Formulation Jobs in California

Caliscc

New Product Development Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... cosmetic skin and hair care projects from concept ideation through formulation approval and technology transfer to contract manufacturers. This role combines strategic product development with ...

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE * Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home care or beauty industry, preferably within a contract ...

SV Labs Corporation

Formulation Chemist

Watsonville, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... Cosmetic Science, or a related field. WORK EXPERIENCE * Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on formulation experience in the personal care, home care or beauty industry, preferably within a contract ...

Kelly Services

Cosmetic Chemist

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Chemist 1 Kelly ® Science & Clinical is seeking an R&D Chemist for a Contract-to-hire opportunity ... Maintain proper documentation in lab notebooks, including formulation data, procedures ...

Actalent

Senior Formulator

Castaic, CA

$40 - $62/hr

This individual will lead formulation activities from concept through launch, including benchtop ... cosmetics, or related industries Experience developing products from concept through ...

Murad

Global Head of R&D

El Segundo, CA · On-site

Product Development & Formulation * Oversee development of cosmetic, OTC drug, and nutraceutical ... Maintain strong working relationships with contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, and ...

Murad

Global Head of R&D

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

Product Development & Formulation * Oversee development of cosmetic, OTC drug, and nutraceutical ... Maintain strong working relationships with contract manufacturers, testing laboratories, and ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc.

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

Manage relationships with external formulation partners, contract manufacturers, testing ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

Manage relationships with external formulation partners, contract manufacturers, testing ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific ...

ZO Skin Health, Inc.

Lab Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

Manage relationships with external formulation partners, contract manufacturers, testing ... Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or related scientific ...

e.l.f. Beauty

R&D Chemist, rhode

Los Angeles, CA

$105K - $140K/yr

Cosmetics since 2004 and driven our portfolio expansion. Today, our multi-brand portfolio includes ... Independently work on formulation projects based on product briefs provided by Product Development ...

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All JobsContract Cosmetic Formulation JobsContract Cosmetic Formulation Jobs in California

Contract Cosmetic Formulation information

What is contract cosmetic formulation?

Contract cosmetic formulation services involve hiring specialized professionals or companies to develop and create custom cosmetic products for your brand. These services include formulation development, testing, and sometimes manufacturing, allowing brands to bring new products to market without needing in-house formulation expertise. Contract formulators work with clients to ensure products meet regulatory standards, desired performance, and branding goals. This approach helps companies save time and resources while accessing expert knowledge in cosmetic science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract cosmetic formulation specialist?

To thrive as a Contract Cosmetic Formulation Specialist, you need a solid background in chemistry or cosmetic science, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with product development. Familiarity with formulation software, regulatory compliance tools, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and ensuring innovative, safe products. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing successful formulations that meet both client expectations and industry standards.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in contract cosmetic formulation, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in contract cosmetic formulation often face challenges such as meeting tight client deadlines, ensuring compliance with ever-changing regulatory standards, and accommodating a wide range of client needs from small startups to established brands. Successfully addressing these challenges requires strong project management skills, up-to-date knowledge of global cosmetic regulations, and effective communication with both clients and internal teams. Building flexibility into workflow processes and maintaining a robust network of raw material suppliers also help ensure timely and compliant product development.

What is the difference between Contract Cosmetic Formulation vs Contract Cosmetic Chemist?

AspectContract Cosmetic FormulationContract Cosmetic Chemist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemistry or cosmetic scienceSame as formulation role, often with additional certifications in cosmetic chemistry
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with brands and manufacturers, often in labs or officesWorks in labs, developing and testing cosmetic products
Industry UsageUsed by companies outsourcing product developmentEmployed by contract labs or as independent consultants

Contract Cosmetic Formulation involves creating and developing cosmetic product formulas, often working with brands or manufacturers. Contract Cosmetic Chemists focus on the scientific testing, stability, and safety of these formulations. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, formulation roles emphasize product development, whereas chemists focus on testing and analysis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Formulation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cosmetic Formulation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Cosmetic Formulation jobs in California?

For Contract Cosmetic Formulation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Cosmetic Formulation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Cosmetic Formulation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Cosmetic Formulation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Cosmetic Formulation job openings:

Contract Cosmetic Formulation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Cosmetic Formulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Manager, Product Development, Color Production

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

Jobtailor
See more jobs at Jobtailorexternal

$90 - $140/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Review production batches and commercial bulk against approved standards to assess shade accuracy, texture, appearance, odor, and overall product quality.
  • Partner closely with Product Development teams to support shade development, shade matching, and color standard management across multiple product categories.
  • Evaluate manufacturing submissions and provide timely approvals, feedback, and corrective actions to contract manufacturers.
  • Support day-to-day production oversight, including batch reviews, reorder approvals, and expedited manufacturing decisions.
  • Travel onsite to manufacturing facilities as needed to review production batches, support line trials, troubleshoot issues, and ensure alignment to approved standards.
  • Collaborate with Quality, Operations, Regulatory, and external manufacturing partners to investigate and resolve color, aesthetic, and production-related issues.
  • Establish, maintain, and periodically refresh approved production standards and retains to ensure consistency throughout a product's lifecycle.
  • Maintain organized archives of standards, retains, production references, and batch history documentation.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives related to color consistency, manufacturing robustness, and batch approval processes.
  • Provide technical expertise on color cosmetic formulation, pigment behavior, shade development, and manufacturing variability.
  • Balance multiple project reviews, production timelines, and manufacturing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Product Development, QA or related field preferred.
  • 5-7+ years of experience in Color Cosmetics Product Development / QA, Color Formulation, Shading, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, or Manufacturing Support.
  • Strong understanding of color cosmetic formulation, pigment technology, shade matching, and production processes.
  • Familiarity with cosmetic commercialization, scale-up, and production troubleshooting.
  • Demonstrated experience reviewing pilot, line trial, bulk, and production batches.
  • Exceptional visual color assessment skills and ability to identify subtle shade, texture, and aesthetic variations.
  • Knowledge of cosmetic quality systems, manufacturing controls, and batch approval procedures.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally to manufacturing partners as required.
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